Fire Inspector

State of Montana•Miles City, MT

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Fire Prevention and Investigation Section provides statewide fire prevention and investigation services to nearly 400 fire agencies, 56 county sheriff's departments, more than 60 city police departments, and numerous other state and federal agencies. The section assists with adoption of fire safety regulations, inspection of public buildings, establishment and promotion of fire prevention programs, approval of local inspection programs, and the investigation of fires to determine origin and cause. The section also manages and maintains the records of all fires that occur within the state; provides training to local public safety agencies; and assists in homeland security training and planning. The Deputy State Fire Marshal supports the overall section goals and objectives by performing professional investigative and inspection duties in order to enforce laws, codes, rules, and regulations enacted by the State of Montana in relation to fire safety. The position reports directly to the State Fire Marshal and serves as a spokesperson for the section when communicating through prepared letters, telephone, and personal discussions with the general public; building industry; law enforcement; fire service agencies; and local, state, and federal government officials.

Requirements

Qualified by experience, training, and professional competence in matters of fire service and safety, as required by 2-15-2005, MCA, and ARM 23-12-405.
Degree in fire-protection engineering or related field from a recognized institution of higher education and two years’ experience in fire protection OR ICC Fire Inspector I or Fire Inspector II certified.
Knowledge of relevant Montana Code Annotated.
Knowledge of National Fire Protection Association Fire Codes.
Knowledge of fire behavior in structures, automobiles, and wild lands.
Knowledge of firefighting techniques.
Knowledge of behavior of electricity, LPG gas, and natural gas as it relates to fire.
Knowledge of specialized investigative devices and equipment related to fire investigation.
Knowledge of interview and investigative methods and techniques used in fire investigation.
Knowledge of criminal investigation procedures.
Knowledge of procedures used for collection and preservation of evidence.
Knowledge of legal proceedings relating to arson prosecution.
Knowledge of standards pertaining to fire/life safety inspections.
Knowledge of Building Codes.
Knowledge of building construction processes and practices.
Knowledge of installation and operation of fire alarm systems.
Knowledge of installation and operation of smoke detection systems.
Knowledge of installation and operation of automatic extinguishing systems.
Knowledge of blueprint interpretation.
Must pass a Criminal History Fingerprint Check.
Must pass an Intensive Background Check.
Must pass a Driving History check.

Responsibilities

Performing professional investigative and inspection duties to enforce fire safety laws, codes, rules, and regulations.
Serving as a spokesperson for the section in communications with the public, building industry, law enforcement, fire service agencies, and government officials.
Assisting with the adoption of fire safety regulations.
Inspecting public buildings.
Establishing and promoting fire prevention programs.
Approving local inspection programs.
Investigating fires to determine origin and cause.
Managing and maintaining records of all fires within the state.
Providing training to local public safety agencies.
Assisting in homeland security training and planning.