Fire Prevention Officer I & II

Alachua County•Gainesville, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is responsible technical work reviewing plans and inspecting structures for adherence to County fire codes. An employee in this classification is responsible for reviewing construction plans for compliance to fire codes; inspecting buildings and premises for fire hazards and conducting fire prevention programs. Work is performed under the direction of a higher-level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained. This position reports directly to the Division Chief/Fire Marshal. This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work. Exudes a positive customer service focus. Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with core values including: integrity, honesty, respect, diversity, innovation, accountability and communication.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or equivalent.
A Valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment.
If, in the past 24-month period, the applicants Motor Vehicle Record has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and /or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position.
Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen, physical examination and successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.
Upon submission of application, proof of the following must be provided: Firesafety Inspector I by the State of Florida (Levels 1, 2, and 3) and Firesafety Inspector II by the State of Florida (Level 3).
Level 1 Required Certifications: Firesafety Inspector I
Level 2 Required Certifications: Firesafety Inspector I
Three years of fire suppression/prevention, fire inspection, fire codes enforcement, or building plans review for fire codes compliance experience; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience.
Upon submission of application, proof of the following must be provided: Firesafety Inspector I by the State of Florida (Levels 1, 2, and 3), Firesafety Inspector II by the State of Florida (Level 3), and Firefighter II by the State of Florida (Levels 1, 2, and 3).
Candidates must successfully pass the Firefighter Physical Abilities Test (FPAT) before being scheduled for an interview.
After hire, employees are required to complete the FPAT annually, consistent with the standards and procedures outlined in Lexipol Procedure 602.3.
Level 1 Required Certifications: Firesafety Inspector I Firefighter II
Level 2 Required Certifications: Firesafety Inspector I Firefighter II
Six years of fire suppression/prevention, fire inspection, fire codes enforcement, or building plans review for fire codes compliance experience; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience.
Thorough knowledge of standard building and fire safety codes.
Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of firefighting and fire prevention.
Knowledge of County geography; knowledge of potential fire hazards in the County.
Knowledge of building, electrical and fire safety codes and ordinances.
Knowledge of building materials and methods.
Knowledge of recent fire prevention developments and practices.
Skill in the operation of the following equipment: personal computer, to include associated software, calculator, fax machine, copying machine, and telephone.
Ability to prepare and submit narrative and statistical reports.
Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.
Ability to read, review and understand complicated building plans and blueprints.
Ability to apply codes and ordinances to plans.
Ability to impartially and consistently enforce fire regulations and safety codes.
Ability to plan and present speeches and demonstrations on fire prevention.
Ability to keep records and prepare reports.
Ability to become certified as a Fire Inspector under State requirements.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, County employees, citizens, outside agencies, contractors, developers, architects, engineers, owners, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Preference given for Firesafety Inspector II
Preference given for any of the following: Fire Code Administrator, NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist.
Preference given for Firesafety Inspector II
Preference given for any of the following: Fire Officer I, Fire Officer II, Fire Code Administrator, NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist, completion of a two-year college level program in Fire Sciences or related field.

Responsibilities

Performs fire inspections to ensure compliance with National Standards, Florida Laws, and County Ordinances.
Performs research and conducts surveys for various reports.
Assists with public education efforts; answers complaints and assists the general public.
Maintains open communication with superiors, School Board, and the general public for dissemination of information and the enforcement of all local, State, and National fire codes and regulations.
Maintains records on buildings reflecting dates of inspections, fire extinguishing systems, hazardous or combustible materials contained within and emergency data on owners and occupants.
Responds to complaints of fire hazards; attempts to resolve by corresponding and meeting with the affected parties.
Drives a County and/or personal vehicle to perform duties as required.
Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.
Assists the Fire Marshal in the review of new construction and remodeling plans; submits written recommendations for compliance.
Assists with inspections of new construction to ensure compliance with fire codes and that recommended changes have been made.
Approves permits issued in compliance with fire prevention codes.
Conducts fire prevention programs for schools and civic organizations, and makes presentations to schools, civic organizations, and other public arenas.
Assists the Fire Marshal in providing responses to requests and questions from citizens.
Conducts building plans review, examination, and approval for life safety, building codes, fire codes and Uniform Fire Codes of the State Fire Marshal.
Reviews site development plans for access, water utilities and firefighting capability.
Reviews current trends and developments in the field of construction.
Examines building proposals of all types to determine compliance with code requirements and related regulations.
Records and documents all plans reviews.
Inspects all phases of building construction, repairs, additions, and alterations during progress and after completion for conformity with building codes and fire codes, approved plans and specifications.
On-site inspections require checking zoning setbacks, compliance with land development codes and all phases of construction during progress from beginning to completion.
Explains, interprets, provides guidance, and confers with planners, developers, contractors, building/facility managers, architects, engineers, and related professional organizations, as necessary, to promote an understanding of local and state life safety and fire codes.
Coordinates activities with the Fire Marshal (Division Chief, Fire Prevention), building inspectors, planners, engineers, and other agency staff.
Conducts inspections of places of public assembly such as: auditoriums, theaters, halls, businesses, industrial, temporary structures or tents, and institutional occupancies, for existing or potential fire and life safety hazards and compliance with municipal fire prevention regulations.
Conducts inspections of fire protection systems and devices in buildings and structures within the county such as: fire sprinklers, heat and smoke detectors and other private fire protection devices.
Investigates and reports on complaints received from any concerned person, group or agency on matters concerning hazardous conditions or practices.
Resolves these complex and sensitive service issues either personally, electronically, by telephone, or in writing.
Maintains records and documents of customer service issues and resolutions.
Performs research on codes and ordinances as assigned to evaluate and recommend improvements to codes and ordinances.
Research problems and complaints regarding commercial and residential buildings, building construction and code compliance.
Responds to complex and sensitive building issues.