Fire Inspector

Township of Upper St Clair•Upper St. Clair, PA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs responsible administrative and technical work related to the inspection and enforcement of the Township Fire Prevention and Alarm Systems Ordinance. The Fire Inspector conducts inspections, investigates complaints, ensures code compliance, and supports fire prevention initiatives throughout the Township. The Fire Inspector will respond to fire and emergency call as assigned, performing firefighting, rescue, or support functions consistent with training and departmental needs. The position works under the general supervision of the Director of Community Development and the Fire Chief and coordinates closely with the Assistant Township Manager. The work requires initiative, independent judgment, and professional discretion and is periodically reviewed upon completion. Work is performed during regularly scheduled hours and may involve additional hours as needed, including incident response. The position is exempt under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act.

Requirements

Considerable knowledge of modern fire prevention principles, practices, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
Considerable knowledge of applicable fire, building, electrical, and mechanical codes.
Considerable knowledge of fire inspection methods and compliance enforcement techniques.
Considerable knowledge of building design, construction practices, and fire protection systems.
Knowledge of the installation and operation of sprinkler systems and other fire suppression equipment.
Ability to interpret and enforce the Township Fire Prevention and Alarm Systems Ordinance.
Ability to read and understand construction plans and blueprints.
Ability to analyze inspection findings and prepare clear, accurate, and comprehensive reports.
Ability to plan, organize, and complete multiple assignments efficiently and independently.
Ability to maintain organized records and files.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with Township staff, elected officials, other agencies, business owners, and the general public.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality where required.
Ability to operate standard office equipment and inspection-related tools.
Must be able to work on-site during scheduled hours, as this role requires in-person collaboration and access to office resources and department equipment.
A combination of education and experience will be considered.
Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in Engineering, Construction Technology, Fire Science, Fire Protection Technology, or a closely related field and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in fire protection engineering, fire inspection, or insurance fire protection engineering.
An associates degree in Engineering, Construction Technology, Fire Science, Fire Protection Technology, or a closely related field and six -ten (6-10) years of experience in fire protection engineering, fire inspection, or insurance fire protection engineering.
Must possess a valid and current Pennsylvania State Driver’s License.
Fire Inspector I/II
Pennsylvania state Firefighter I
NIMS ICS – 100 and 700 (required), 200 and 800 (strongly preferred)

Responsibilities

Conduct inspections of commercial, institutional, industrial, and multi-family buildings to ensure compliance with Township Fire Prevention and Alarm Codes.
Issue fire prevention and alarm system permits in accordance with Township Code Chapters 37 and 61.
Identify Fire Prevention and Alarm Code violations, issue notices of violation, citations, and certificates of occupancy as appropriate.
Work with property owners, managers, and contractors to resolve compliance issues within the scope of authority.
Collect and document fees related to fire prevention permits, alarm system permits, and false alarms.
Maintain accurate records of alarm systems, inspections, permits, violations, and enforcement actions.
Review development plans and building plans to evaluate fire protection features, emergency access, and hydrant placement.
Evaluate the need for and location of public fire hydrants for proposed developments and assess adequacy of existing hydrant locations Township-wide.
Prepare inspection reports, correspondence, activity summaries, and maintain inspection databases. (combined duplicated reporting items)
Provide staff assistance to the Director of Planning and Community Development, Board of Commissioners, and Building and Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board.
Prepare materials for hearings and provide testimony related to fire code enforcement when necessary.
Perform related duties as assigned by the Director of Planning and Community Development.
Coordinate oversight of the fire alarm systems connected to the police dispatch alarm panel and maintain related records.
Respond to fire alarms, emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, and other calls for service as a qualified member of the Volunteer Fire Department; perform firefighting, rescue, apparatus operation, and incident command support.
Participate in fire department training, drills, and equipment maintenance.
Assist with annual fire prevention reporting.
Assist Volunteer Fire Department with fire prevention education and outreach to the public, businesses, and community organizations.
Maintain professional knowledge through training programs, continuing education, and participation in professional organizations related to fire prevention and inspection.
Perform related duties as assigned by the Fire Chief.