Fire Inspector

Fire Inspector

The County of Volusia is seeking a Fire Inspector for the Fire Rescue Division. This position will be located in DeLand, Florida, and will be responsible for technical work, which includes plans review, inspection of structures (new and existing) for compliance with County building and fire prevention codes and regulations; investigation of all fires for cause and origin; and performance of fire prevention / public education activities.

Illustrative Duties

Inspects new and alterations / renovations of existing building construction, and current occupancies as required, fire alarm systems, underground fire main piping, sprinkler systems and standpipes, and verifies that water supplies meet code compliance.

Ensures fire safety equipment is installed and maintained properly and that firefighting, fire protection, and all other life safety requirements are fulfilled in accordance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code, Florida Administrative Codes, County Ordinance, and all other adopted Standards.

Applies technical knowledge in reviewing and approving construction plans, fire protection systems and building designs to ensure compliance with applicable fire protection systems, codes, and regulations.

Documents violations and orders corrections in writing.

Regularly keeps Fire Marshal informed on the status of inspections, permits and / or violations to include any concerns or issues.

Approves and issues permits in compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and laws.

Interacts with other federal, state and local fire and law enforcement agencies.

Attends and provides technical information and testimony as needed at Appeals Board, Code Enforcement Board and other hearings.

Enforces all state fire safety statutes and all fire safety provisions of the Florida Administrative Code and any and all other state rules in accordance with Florida State Statute 633 and Volusia County Administrative Code.

Issues notice of violations to building / occupancy owners, management, occupants, or representatives directing them to comply.

Utilizes computer software to prepare and update various reports including inspection, Code Enforcement, Appeals Board and fire reports.

Participates in promoting fire prevention and safety education throughout the County.

Educates citizens, building owners and contractors about fire safety, codes, ordinances, and standards, including the reasons for complying.

Attends continuing education programs, reads current technical literature, and keeps up-to-date with departmental procedures, codes, ordinances, and standards.

Interprets codes, ordinances, and standards. Requests formal interpretation from agencies and subject matter experts such as the National Fire Protection Agency, the State Fire Marshal, and the County Attorney.

Acts as liaison to the Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations for fire investigative purposes and to the Fire Marshal or his designee for fire code compliance during normal work schedule and / or after-hour calls.

Investigates complaints of fire safety hazards which are documented and promptly orders corrections when not in compliance.

Investigates all fires as required for cause and origin and provides expert testimony, written, and verbal, of all related evidence of an investigation for presentation in a court of law.

Responds to fire scenes and / or emergency incidents as a fire inspector and liaison when required; conducts scene investigations, directing suppression personnel to assist with investigation in Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) environments.

Performs other duties and responsibilities related to fire inspection, fire watch standby and emergency scene activities as assigned.

Works closely with other departments and divisions within Volusia County government to foster successful fire prevention and risk reduction practices.

Provides written documentation of all duties performed and maintains an up-to-date filing system.

Communicates effectively both in written and verbal formats and presents safety practices and concepts to the general public of varying ages.

May be assigned to other county locations based upon operational needs.

Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.

Responds to emergency situations.

Must adhere to Federal, State, County and Local ordinances.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED and two (2) years of experience in firefighting and / or fire safety inspection.

CERTIFICATIONS : Must possess, maintain and attach :

• Must possess a current certificate of compliance as a firefighter issued by the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal of the Department of Insurance and Treasurer as per Rule Chapter 4A-037.
• Must possess and maintain certification as a Fire Safety Inspector issued by the State of Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training, Division of the State Fire Marshal.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license.

NOTE : It is this organization's policy that individuals hired into special risk positions may not use any form of tobacco at any time, whether on or off duty, as a condition of employment. Candidates must be nicotine / cotinine-free by the time of pre-employment physical / drug exam, including nicotine-containing products used in tobacco replacement therapies.

Employees assigned to this position are subject to random alcohol, drug and tobacco screening. NOTE : This position is mission essential and must be available for on call duty during emergency situations / activations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

ADA REQUIREMENTS : Physical Demands : Heavy to very heavy work. Visual acuity (color, depth perception, peripheral vision) necessary to operate motorized vehicles, hear, talk, smell; lift, carry, pull, push, and / or drag a minimum of 165 pounds; stand, climb, crouch, balance, handle, finger dexterity, walk, crawl, kneel, reach.

Environmental Demands : Both inside and outside work. Potentially hazardous work conditions. Ability to tolerate heat, inclement weather (rain, cold, humidity), water, odors, dust, poor ventilation, fumes, toxic fumes.

Mental Demands : Ability to read and comprehend professional, technical, and scientific journals, manuals and procedures; safety instructions; maps, mechanical drawings and blueprints; memos, letters, policies, and reports. Ability to perform shop math and general mathematical functions. Ability to write business letters, speeches, summaries, and reports. Ability to speak clearly and concisely relaying information, data, and details to layman; conversant in theory and practices of discipline; public / extemporaneous speaking.

Volusia County is a drug free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.