Fire Inspector

City of Elgin•Elgin, IL

About The Position

The City of Elgin Fire Department is seeking an experienced Fire Code Inspector to work as a member of its Fire Prevention Bureau. The inspector operates under the direction of the Fire Code Official and Fire Chief and conducts thorough, professional inspections of buildings, structures, facilities, sites, and fire suppression systems within the Elgin Fire Department’s jurisdiction. The role requires thorough knowledge of fire and life safety codes and standards adopted by the City of Elgin, along with the ability to coordinate with internal departments and outside agencies on building, fire, and life safety code compliance matters. The inspector identifies violations, deficiencies, and discrepancies in design, installation, or existing conditions; creates written records of inspection findings; and documents actions required to achieve compliance. The position also involves enforcing code requirements, including pursuing citations and court action when necessary. Work may take place at night, on weekends, and on holidays with advance notice, and in both indoor and outdoor conditions. Physical activities may include climbing multiple flights of stairs and ladders, navigating unstable surfaces and different occupancies, and bending.

Requirements

Possess a driver’s license valid in the State of Illinois.
Meet and maintain all departmental and state training and certification requirements for the position.
Possess Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal Inspector 1 certification, ICC Inspector 1 certification, or NFPA Inspector 1 certification.
Have knowledge of City of Elgin fire and building codes and other ordinances, standards, and regulations relating to fire safety, life safety, and building construction.
Understand and interpret local, state, and national statutes, standards, and regulations related to fire, life safety, and building code inspections; City of Elgin permit and plan review requirements; occupancy classifications; fire hazards in various occupancies; and occupant load factors.
Have basic report-writing skills, including English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
Recognize and identify fire hazards and life safety violations; interpret and apply codes, standards, and legal requirements related to fire inspections.
Communicate professionally and effectively in writing and verbally, and cooperate and coordinate with internal departments and outside agencies.
Complete and maintain education and training requirements established by the Assistant Fire Code Official, Fire Chief, City of Elgin, or other local, state, or federal mandates.
Calculate figures and amounts and apply basic algebra and geometry concepts.
Solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-based instructions.
Identify and solve problems; manage situations involving irate or emotionally distraught people; and make decisions under emergency or confrontational stress.
Create written records of observations and actions taken and use a computer to enter and retrieve information.
Know general office record-keeping and filing methods.
Work at night, on weekends, and on holidays with advance notice.
Work in indoor and outdoor environmental conditions and climb multiple flights of stairs, ladders, and unstable surfaces; bend and traverse various types of occupancies.
Learn and apply new skills and knowledge as information and technology change.

Nice To Haves

Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal Certified Basic and Advanced Fire Prevention Officer qualifications.
Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal Fire Inspector certification.
ICC Inspector 2 certification or NFPA Inspector 2 certification.
Bilingual ability.

Responsibilities

Inspect and evaluate buildings and facilities for fire code and life safety code concerns and violations.
Evaluate fire protection systems and equipment intended to protect life and property.
Evaluate building egress elements and verify that means of egress meet applicable code and standard requirements.
Inspect structures for compliance concerning the storage, handling, and use of hazardous materials, as well as processes or operations involving hazardous materials.
Verify compliance with construction documents and confirm that life safety systems and building service equipment are installed, inspected, and tested in accordance with code requirements and related engineering documentation.
Conduct and document water flow testing for fire hydrants in the City of Elgin.
Identify fire code violations, deficiencies, and discrepancies in design, installation, or existing conditions; document findings and actions needed to gain compliance.
Pursue legal action regarding non-compliant buildings, facilities, and structures, including issuing citations and initiating and pursuing court action.
Coordinate with internal departments and outside agencies on building, fire, and life safety code compliance matters.
Train other fire personnel in the inspection process.
Use electronic platforms for plan reviews, inspections, record keeping, report writing, training, email, and other business solutions.
Safely drive assigned City vehicles to areas of assignment.
Perform related tasks as assigned.