Fire Inspector II

Fairfax County•Fairfax (Ej28), VA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The primary function of this position is to enforce the fire prevention code through inspections of new and existing buildings and regulated properties. Duties include: Inspecting job sites and buildings for compliance with all applicable codes and standards pertaining to the installation, testing, and inspection of fire protection equipment and systems. Witnessing required contractor conducted performance tests. Inspecting new and existing structures and permitted worksites to ensure compliance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (VSFPC), the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC), and associated Fairfax County amendments. Investigating and troubleshooting problems related to building fire protection equipment and systems. Investigating complaints against builders or property owners, for validity, and recommending corrective action when necessary. Receiving and responding to inquiries from citizens, contractors, owners, and developers regarding fire protection equipment, installation status, permitting requirements, codes, and standards. Entering all inspection results into a portable computer terminal or maintaining complete records of inspections and test results. Identifying regulation sections being violated, issuing written code violation notices, and taking necessary action to ensure violations are corrected. Reading and interpreting approved building plans and specifications. Reviewing requests for inspections and coordinating with other county agencies and departments. Interpreting applicable codes and standards. Attending meetings, conferences, and training. Preparing reports and composing correspondence. Responding to on-call duties outside of normal business hours. Note: If applicants do not meet the Fire Inspector II certification requirements, vacancies may be underfilled at the level of Fire Inspector I (Pay Grade S17) for up to one year pending requirement completion. See the Underfill requirements listed in the Employment Standards below. Illustrative Duties (The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description). Inspects job sites and buildings for compliance with all applicable codes and standards pertaining to the installation, testing, and inspection of fire protection equipment and systems; Witnesses required performance tests conducted by the installing contractor; Inspects buildings, structures, and other permitted work to ensure compliance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (VSFPC), Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC), and associated Fairfax County amendments; Investigates and troubleshoots problems related to fire protection equipment and systems as they occur in buildings; Inspects new construction to ensure construction is in compliance with the VSFPC, VUSBC, and other applicable codes and ensures construction is completed in accordance with approved plans; Investigates complaints against builders or property owners, evaluates their validity, and recommends corrective action when necessary; Receives and responds to inquiries from citizens, contractors, owners, and developers regarding fire protection equipment and system requirements, installation status, permitting requirements, code, standards, or fire inspections, etc.; Enters results of each inspection into a portable computer terminal or maintains complete records of inspections and test results of performance testing of fire protection equipment and systems; Identifies the sections of the regulations being violated, when an investigation or inspection uncovers code violations or work that is not approved, and issues written code violation notices to developer, owner(s), or appropriate persons and takes necessary action to ensure violations are corrected with concurrence of the supervisor; Reads and interprets approved building plans and specifications; Reviews requests for inspections and coordinates inspections with other county agencies (i.e., DPWES, LDS, other sections of the Fire and Rescue Department, Department of Zoning, or Health Department); Interprets applicable codes and model standards; Attends meetings, conferences, and training; Prepares reports and composes correspondence; Responds to on-call duties outside of normal business hours and is subject working emergency overtime.

Requirements

High school graduation or a GED, issued by a state department of education.
One year of commensurate experience as a Fire Inspector I.
Three years of work experience or knowledge in one of the following areas: fire protection, firefighting, or the electrical, building, plumbing, and mechanical trades.
Possession of a valid motor vehicle driver's license.
Certification in Civilian Entry from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs or successful completion of Firefighter I and II.
Certification in Hazardous Materials Awareness from FEMA IS-5.A - An Introduction to Hazardous Materials.
Certification as a Fire Inspector I/II (NFPA 1031) from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs.
Certification from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Building Code Academy (CORE Module).
Ability to lift to 30 lbs.
Ability to speak articulately in person and on the telephone.
Ability to work long periods at a desk.
Ability to fully participate, as required, as a civilian member of an emergency organization.
Ability to climb stairs, climb a ladder, walk for long distances, drive, bend over, stoop.
Ability to perform all duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
Bilingual in English and another language is encouraged.

Nice To Haves

Certification from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Course "Fire Protection Systems Inspection" must be obtained within 18 months of appointment.

Responsibilities

Enforce the fire prevention code through inspections of new and existing buildings and regulated properties.
Inspect job sites and buildings for compliance with all applicable codes and standards pertaining to the installation, testing, and inspection of fire protection equipment and systems.
Witness required contractor-conducted performance tests.
Inspect new and existing structures and permitted worksites to ensure compliance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (VSFPC), the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC), and associated Fairfax County amendments.
Investigate and troubleshoot problems related to building fire protection equipment and systems.
Investigate complaints against builders or property owners, for validity, and recommend corrective action when necessary.
Receive and respond to inquiries from citizens, contractors, owners, and developers regarding fire protection equipment, installation status, permitting requirements, codes, and standards.
Enter all inspection results into a portable computer terminal or maintain complete records of inspections and test results.
Identify regulation sections being violated, issue written code violation notices, and take necessary action to ensure violations are corrected.
Read and interpret approved building plans and specifications.
Review requests for inspections and coordinate with other county agencies and departments.
Interpret applicable codes and standards.
Attend meetings, conferences, and training.
Prepare reports and compose correspondence.
Respond to on-call duties outside of normal business hours.
Respond to emergency overtime.