FIRE PROTECTION SPECIALIST - 43000413

State of Florida•PLANTATION, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves planning, organizing, coordinating, and administering all activities related to statutory inspection activities in a multi-county area, as assigned by the Regional Supervisor. The role performs fire safety inspections of all components of state-owned buildings and facilities, and enforces all laws under the jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshal relating to the prevention of fires and other conditions liable to cause injury or property damage. The specialist will conduct comprehensive technical inspections of fire protection and suppression systems, and inspect and approve new construction and renovations prior to occupancy in state-owned buildings and facilities, as well as conducting pre-occupancy and renovation inspections in state-leased buildings and spaces. The position requires providing written reports as mandated by Florida Statutes and in accordance with Department, Division, and Bureau policies, and reviewing construction documents to ensure compliance with fire and life safety standards. The role also involves coordinating with the Regional Supervisor and the Regulatory Licensing Section to conduct inspections of fire protection contractors, fire equipment dealers, manufacturers, distributors, dealers, users and blasters of explosives, construction mining, and other regulated entities. This includes investigations of violations of statutes, codes and rules regulating fire protection systems and explosives, and alleged violations by unlicensed individuals. When violations are identified, the specialist will issue notices to comply and, when legal action is necessary, collect and preserve evidence and file necessary documents. The position requires qualifying and testifying as an expert witness for the state in litigation and administrative hearings, and preparing comprehensive written reports. Additionally, the role involves responding to general correspondence, telephone inquiries, and inspection requests, maintaining prescribed records, and completing duties in a timely manner. The specialist will also conduct investigations into the cause and circumstances of fires to determine the adequacy of codes and standards and their effect on fire propagation and injuries/fatalities. Maintaining liaison with key personnel in fire protection activities, studying publications for the latest developments, and assisting in the development and implementation of training programs are also key responsibilities. Participation in Disaster Response Operations and other related duties as required are expected.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
Fire Safety Inspector Certification in accordance with F.S. 633.
One (1) year experience in fire code enforcement or building code enforcement.
Experience conducting building construction inspections relating to fire code enforcement.
One (1) year of experience working with computers with a Windows operating system.
Must be familiar with Florida Statutes 633 and Florida Administrative Code 69A governing fire prevention requirements, manufacturers, dealers and users of explosives.
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of effective verbal and written communication.
Ability to read and understand construction documents to include plans and specifications.
Ability to understand and interpret laws and uniform codes and standards.
Ability to work in confined spaces and in elevated locations.
Ability to work long periods of time under varying weather and temperature conditions and moderate to strong exertion.
Ability to use problem-solving techniques.
Ability to function as a part of a team.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
Ability to safely operate motor vehicle.
This position requires a security background check, including fingerprint as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting or preparing public outreach programs relating to fire safety.
Ability to utilize lap-top (notebook) type computer in the completion of required duties and assignments.
Knowledge of the procedures for the collection and preservation of evidence.
Ability to develop and deliver classes and training programs to large groups of people.
Ability to utilize equipment for the detection of explosive and radioactive materials.
Knowledge of and compliance with 633.052(1) (2), and 633.081 (2), Florida Statutes.
Knowledge of automatic fire suppression systems.
Knowledge of electronic fire warning equipment installation, testing and maintenance.
Skilled in the use of instruments and device utilized to measure water flow and pressure.
Ability to understand and interpret laws and uniform codes and standards relating to fire safety.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, coordinate, and administer all activities related to statutory inspection activities in a multi-county area.
Perform fire safety inspections of all components of state-owned buildings and facilities.
Enforce all laws under the jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshal relating to the prevention of fires and other conditions liable to cause injury or property damage.
Conduct comprehensive technical inspections of fire protection and suppression systems.
Inspect and approve new construction and renovations prior to occupancy in state-owned buildings and facilities, as well as conducting pre-occupancy and renovation inspections in state-leased buildings and spaces.
Provide written reports as mandated by Florida Statutes, and in accordance with Department, Division, and Bureau policies.
Review construction documents to ensure compliance with fire and life safety standards.
Conduct inspections of fire protection contractors and fire equipment dealers; manufacturers, distributors, dealers, users and blasters of explosives; construction mining; and other regulated entities.
Conduct investigations of violations of statutes, codes and rules regulating the installation, repair, servicing and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers, pre-engineered systems, and fire protection systems.
Conduct investigations into violations of statutes regulating the manufacture, distribution and use of explosives by manufacturers, distributors, dealers, users and blasters of explosives, and construction materials mining.
Conduct investigations of alleged violations by individuals who, though required to be, are not licensed.
Issue notices to comply with laws, codes, standards and rules to ensure corrective action is taken by licensed individuals.
Collect and preserve evidence and file necessary documents to present through administrative hearings or judicial courts for appropriate adjudication when legal action is necessary.
Qualify and testify as an expert witness for the state in criminal and civil litigation, and administrative hearings.
Prepare comprehensive written reports on all investigations.
Respond to general correspondence, telephone inquiries, and requests to inspect according to Bureau policy.
Maintain prescribed records and other materials pertinent to the discharge of duties.
Completes duties and assignments in a timely manner, according to Bureau policy and/or instructions from higher authority.
Conduct investigations into the cause and circumstances of fires, for the purpose of determining adequacy of codes and standards, and the effect compliance of non-compliance had on the propagation of fire and smoke, and/or the disposition of injuries or fatalities which may have resulted there from.
Maintain liaison with key personnel who are involved with fire protection activities.
Study and research publications to ascertain the latest concerns, techniques and developments in the fire protection industry.
Assist in development and implementation of training programs for regional personnel and local and state agencies.
Participate in Disaster Response Operations duties as assigned.
Perform other related duties as required by higher authority.