Fire Inspector Technician

DeKalb County•Decatur, GA

17d

About The Position

The Fire Inspector Technician assists Firefighter Inspectors in enforcing the fire prevention and life safety codes of the State of Georgia and DeKalb County by conducting routine building inspections throughout the County. The role inspects buildings and building systems, supports final inspections and permit plan reviews, investigates complaints, carries out code enforcement, and monitors public assemblies and events for fire safety. The technician maintains related documentation and may issue code compliance notices, warnings, citations, and correction notices, testify in court as needed, and conduct follow-up inspections. The position also involves attending meetings and training, keeping current with codes and procedures, and assisting with public education duties as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, supplemented by vocational or technical training in fire science, building trades, or a related field.
Two years of experience in fire inspections, plan review, or code enforcement, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Valid Georgia driver’s license or equivalent license from the state of residence, which must be maintained.
Fire Inspector I and Life Safety Code certifications, which must be maintained.
May be required to obtain and maintain additional certifications as deemed necessary.

Responsibilities

Conduct field inspections to assess compliance with County-adopted codes and ordinances, including building, Life Safety, and National Fire Codes, and maintain related documentation.
Inspect buildings and systems, including alarms, detection and suppression systems, electrical framing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, gas and fuel systems, water availability, and ADA compliance.
Assist Firefighter Inspectors with final inspections of commercial and industrial buildings, multifamily housing, residential plats, churches, and public assembly spaces.
Investigate complaints involving unsafe construction, conditions, or occupancy; identify violations; determine compliance; and initiate actions to correct violations.
Discuss violations with property owners, business owners, and other individuals; prepare and issue compliance notices, warnings, court citations, and correction notices; testify in court as needed; and conduct follow-up site inspections.
Review building and site plans submitted for permits for compliance with applicable Life Safety codes and County ordinances.
Review permit submissions for mechanical systems, fire alarms, fire suppression systems, Fire Life Safety systems, and gas or fuel installations.
Receive applications and coordinate plan reviews for small additions, minor alterations, and repairs to existing structures.
Monitor public assemblies and events for fire safety, identify compliance concerns such as overcrowding, lighting, and behavior patterns, and discuss violations and concerns with organizers and sponsors.
Attend meetings, training sessions, and seminars; read professional literature; maintain professional affiliations; stay current with policies, procedures, codes, and criminal case law; and assist with public education as needed.