Fire Prevention Inspector

City of Richmond•Richmond, VA

About The Position

The City of Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services is seeking a Fire Prevention Inspector to ensure compliance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code. The selected candidate will receive training and must be flexible in learning work-related processes. The anticipated hiring range is $60,306–$72,442. The inspector conducts fire safety inspections and investigations, reviews building plans and evacuation procedures, enforces applicable fire codes, and educates the public and fire personnel. The role also involves preparing detailed reports, coordinating with fire department leadership and outside agencies, operating a department vehicle, and collecting and transferring permit and inspection fees.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Three years of safety, prevention, and/or inspection experience.
Fire Inspector I certification (NFPA 1031) must be obtained within 180 days of hire.
Fire and Safety Education certification (NFPA 1035) must be obtained within 9 months of hire.
A valid Virginia driver's license upon hire, or a valid Virginia driver's license within 30 days of hire for out-of-state candidates required to transfer their license to Virginia; the license must not have restrictions or revocations that prohibit operating a department vehicle.
Knowledge of some combination of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, Virginia Uniform Statewide Fire Prevention Code, City of Richmond fire prevention and safety codes, fire prevention systems, building evacuation principles, hazardous-material characteristics, and fire behavior and acceptance testing of fire prevention systems.
Skills in some combination of conducting fire drills, fire prevention inspections, presenting, operating a motor vehicle, maintaining records, and reviewing building plans.
Ability to train others, conduct research, work with different groups of people, learn new codes and fire prevention policies, and communicate with the public regarding citations and code violations.
An equivalent combination of training and experience, as approved by the department, may be used to meet the minimum qualifications.

Nice To Haves

Experience with fire prevention.

Responsibilities

Perform occupancy and use inspections.
Inspect fire prevention systems and evacuation plans.
Issue notices of code violations and citations.
Investigate complaints by visiting field sites.
Enforce the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, NFPA 101 Life Safety Standards, and City of Richmond Fire Department requirements through clear, tactful written and oral communication.
Develop and present fire safety and prevention programs to educate the public.
Assist in developing evacuation plans and conduct fire drills.
Review and propose changes to safety standards and codes.
Serve as a liaison between firefighters and company officers.
Review building plans for code compliance.
Write detailed reports of inspections and observed fire code violations.
Maintain good working relationships with coworkers and respond promptly to inquiries from the public and outside agencies.
Plan, schedule, and conduct inspections of institutional, industrial, and educational facility occupancies.
Attend fire prevention and safety seminars and meetings, and stay current on codes and ordinances.
Train firefighters and company officers using acquired knowledge.
Meet with the Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Marshal for direction on ongoing inspections.
Recommend actions to bring properties into compliance.
Operate a motor vehicle as assigned.
Charge and collect permit and inspection fees and timely transfer the fees for deposit in a City of Richmond account.