Fire Department Fire Inspector - Plans Examiner

City of Prescott • Prescott, AZ

2d • $31 - $38 • Onsite

About The Position

The Fire Inspector/Plans Examiner performs inspections of construction projects, special events, and existing buildings; reviews plans; and conducts fire and explosion investigations as needed. The position supports fire-code enforcement, issues permits and notices, delivers public fire-safety presentations, and provides customer service throughout the permitting and code-enforcement process. Work takes place both in an office setting and in the field. During assigned on-call rotations, the employee must be available to respond 24 hours per day, including weekends and holidays.

The role conducts technical inspections and plan examinations for commercial and residential construction, public facilities, fire-protection systems, and industrial processes. It coordinates plan review with City departments and communicates technical requirements to developers, planners, architects, engineers, contractors, and the public. The position also records inspection findings, manages permitting and inspection data, investigates complaints and incidents, prepares cases, and may testify in court. Emergency response duties and use of appropriate inspection equipment, personal protective equipment, and a self-contained breathing apparatus are included.

The regular position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and six years of journey-level experience in one or more construction trades, including some experience with building safety and fire protection, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training. Required credentials include a valid Arizona driver's license and ICC Fire Inspector I certification. ICC Fire Plans Examiner and Arson I and II certifications must be obtained within 24 months of hire if not already held. The preferred IAAI Fire Investigation Technician designation and/or IAAI Certified Fire Investigator credential is also to be obtained within 24 months of hire. A trainee pathway is available with a high school diploma or equivalent, two years of journey-level construction-trade experience including some building-safety fire-protection experience (or equivalent preparation), and ICC Fire Inspector I certification within six months of hire.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• For the regular position: six years of journey-level work experience in one or more construction trades, including some experience in building safety and fire protection, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the necessary knowledge and abilities.
• For the trainee pathway: two years of journey-level work experience in one or more construction trades, including some experience in building safety and fire protection, or equivalent education, experience, and training.
• Valid Arizona driver's license, to be possessed and maintained.
• ICC Fire Inspector I certification; trainee hires must obtain it within six months of hire.
• ICC Fire Plans Examiner certification, or obtain it within 24 months of hire.
• Arson I and II certifications, or obtain them within 24 months of hire.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and City laws, regulations, policies, codes, and ordinances relating to building codes and enforcement.
• Knowledge of risk reduction, inspection, investigation, life-safety standards and codes, fire-prevention programs, fire-investigation practices, construction methods and materials, occupational safety and health regulations, and skilled building trades.
• Ability to safely inspect and enforce building-code regulations and tactfully communicate technical expertise about non-compliance.
• Ability to read and follow blueprints, as-built drawings, and engineering drawings.
• Verbal and written communication skills for communicating with individuals and groups.
• Ability to use established Department software, produce reports, process inspection and plan-review elements of Community Development applications, and apply customer-service and public-relations techniques when conducting inspections and responding to inquiries and complaints.
• Ability to perform required duties safely, operate required equipment and a City vehicle as needed, and communicate clearly in person and by telephone.
• Must complete post-offer, pre-employment drug screening, motor vehicle records check, and criminal background screening.

Nice To Haves

• International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) designation and/or IAAI Certified Fire Investigator (CFI); the posting states these are preferred and are to be obtained within 24 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Conduct technical inspections and plan examinations for commercial and residential construction projects to verify compliance with adopted fire codes, wildland-urban interface codes, and national standards.
• Complete plan reviews and inspections, providing accurate technical comments on diverse and complex structures, public facilities, fire-protection systems, and industrial processes.
• Issue applicable fire-code permits and conduct on-site inspections at construction projects, special events, existing buildings, and other sites.
• Issue order notices accurately and in accordance with adopted codes, ordinances, and City policies.
• Perform field inspections of fire- and life-safety systems across occupancies for compliance with the International Fire Code, local amendments, and adopted NFPA standards.
• Use appropriate tools, equipment, apparatus, PPE, and SCBA for inspections and fire or explosion investigations.
• Record and log inspections, including compliance and non-compliance findings; maintain inspection recordings, documents, correspondence, records, and files.
• Ensure licenses and permits are issued for projects reviewed and inspected; review, issue, inspect, and sign permits such as burn, tent, and special event permits.
• Coordinate with City departments to review plans for compliance with building, fire, zoning, and other adopted codes, and track plans through review and approval stages.
• Serve and post notices at sites in violation of building or City codes.
• Use Department software permitting, inspection, and plan-review modules to retrieve, input, and manage data.
• Attend pre-action conferences and special event meetings.
• Compile resolutions and ordinances concerning fees, code adoptions, and valuations.
• Investigate complaints, explosions, hazardous-material incidents, and fires to determine origin and cause; prepare cases and testify in court as needed.
• Respond to emergency incidents and remain available for 24-hour response during assigned on-call rotations, including weekends and holidays.
• Represent the City and Fire Department in meetings and public presentations; create and present fire- and life-safety messages to civic groups, school-aged children, and adults.
• Create related training materials and educational programs as requested.
• Provide customer service in person, by email, and by telephone regarding permitting, inspections, and plan review.
• Assist other departments as requested and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Mental-health and wellness services, including an Employee Assistance Program, a Calm subscription, and health coaching.
• Paid time off up to 25 days in the first year of employment.
• 10 paid holidays and one floating holiday per year.
• Free employee-only medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and life insurance coverage.
• Pension and long-term disability through the Arizona State Retirement System.
• Supplemental benefits, including deferred compensation plans and additional life insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED