Fire Inspector/Investigator I

City of Chula Vista•Chula Vista, CA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is the entry-level class in the Fire Inspector/Investigator series. The Fire Inspector/Investigator I class is distinguished from the level II by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the level II. Incumbent works under immediate supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to general supervision as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are learned. The role performs a variety of routine fire safety inspections of commercial and residential buildings and facilities and sites of public assembly for compliance with state and local codes and ordinances pertaining to fire prevention. It also involves weed abatement and hazard reduction inspections and fire prevention educational programs.

Requirements

Completion of the twelfth grade.
One year of experience in a variety of fire prevention work.
Possession of a valid California driver's license.
P.C. 832 Powers of Arrest.
California State Fire Marshal's courses: Fire Inspector 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D, or Fire Prevention 1A, 1B and 1C, and International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector I certification within one year of appointment.
Knowledge of fire prevention methods and techniques.
Knowledge of building materials and construction and fire alarm and suppression systems.
Knowledge of pertinent rules, laws, and policies related to area of assignment.
Knowledge of safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work.
Knowledge of computer equipment related to assignment.
Knowledge of English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Ability to learn, interpret, explain and enforce appropriate fire and city codes and ordinances.
Ability to learn practices, procedures and methods used in fire prevention.
Ability to learn the principles and techniques of building inspection.
Ability to learn and perform fire and safety clearance inspections for new business licenses.
Ability to gain voluntary compliance with code requirements.
Ability to perform work in accordance with safety regulations, guidelines, and practices.
Ability to drive City vehicles observing legal and defensive driving practices.
Ability to use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Ability to prepare written correspondence, reports and keep work related records using a computer.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to work overtime and off-hours shifts as needed.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Ability to work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
Must be found free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.
Final candidate(s) will be required to complete a thorough background investigation (including a polygraph) and Live Scan through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Successful candidate(s) for Fire Inspector/Investigator I/II are subject to a post-offer, pre-employment psychological and medical evaluation.

Nice To Haves

Successful completion of college level courses in Fire Prevention, Fire Science, Fire Protection, Engineering, Plan Checking, Building Construction is desirable.

Responsibilities

Perform fire safety inspections of schools, care facilities, hospitals, churches, large day care providers and industrial and commercial buildings.
Inspect, post and issue weed abatement notices.
Re-inspect to determine compliance has been achieved on all violations.
Perform fire and safety clearance inspections for new business licenses.
Assist Fire Marshal by conducting fire investigations to determine origin and cause, write fire investigation reports, and may testify in court.
Participate in on-call fire investigation coverage rotation.
Participate in disaster preparedness programs.
Research and review fire legislation, codes and ordinances.
Conduct fire prevention educational programs.
Conduct inspections to ensure proper storage, handling and use of common hazardous materials.
Assist in responding and investigating citizen complaints of reported fire and/or safety hazards.
Work with other agencies and City departments as needed.
Respond to emergency situations in off-hours as required.
Observe safe work methods and use safety equipment.
Operate City vehicles skillfully and safely.
Maintain records pertaining to inspections and actions taken using a computer.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
Perform other related duties as assigned.