FIRE PROTECTION SPECIALIST - 43001629

State of Florida • Jacksonville, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Fire Protection Specialist works in the State Fire Marshal Division’s Fire Prevention Bureau in Jacksonville, Florida, serving Duval County and an assigned multi-county area. The position plans, coordinates, and administers statutory inspection activities; inspects state-owned buildings and facilities and state-leased spaces; reviews construction documents; and enforces fire prevention laws under the jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshal. The role also conducts technical inspections of fire protection and suppression systems, investigates suspected violations involving regulated fire protection and explosives activities, prepares reports, preserves evidence, and may testify as an expert witness in legal and administrative proceedings.

The specialist responds to inquiries and inspection requests, maintains records, researches developments in the fire protection industry, helps develop and deliver training, and participates in disaster response operations as assigned. The position requires a security background check, including fingerprinting. It is a Career Service position filled at an annual salary of $54,589.30.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Fire Safety Inspector Certification in accordance with Florida Statutes, Chapter 633.
• Valid driver's license.
• One year of experience in fire code enforcement or building code enforcement.
• Experience conducting building construction inspections relating to fire code enforcement.
• One year of experience working with computers using a Windows operating system.
• Familiarity with Florida Statutes Chapter 633 and Florida Administrative Code Chapter 69A governing fire prevention requirements and manufacturers, dealers, and users of explosives.
• Knowledge of effective verbal and written communication principles and techniques.
• Ability to read and understand construction documents, including plans and specifications.
• Ability to understand and interpret laws, uniform codes, and standards.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and elevated locations.
• Ability to work for long periods under varying weather and temperature conditions and perform moderate exertion.
• Ability to use problem-solving techniques, work as part of a team, and work independently with limited supervision.
• Must undergo a security background check, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience conducting or preparing public outreach programs relating to fire safety.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, coordinate, and administer statutory inspection activities in an assigned multi-county area.
• Conduct fire safety inspections of components of state-owned buildings and facilities and enforce applicable fire prevention laws.
• Conduct comprehensive technical inspections of fire protection and suppression systems.
• Inspect and approve new construction and renovations before occupancy in state-owned buildings and facilities, and conduct pre-occupancy and renovation inspections in state-leased buildings and spaces.
• Review construction documents for compliance with fire and life safety standards.
• Inspect fire protection contractors, fire equipment dealers, explosives-related entities, construction mining, and other regulated entities in coordination with the Regional Supervisor and Regulatory Licensing Section.
• Investigate violations involving fire extinguishers, pre-engineered systems, fire protection systems, explosives, construction materials mining, and individuals who are required to be licensed but are not.
• Issue notices to comply with applicable laws, codes, standards, and rules, and ensure corrective action is taken by licensed individuals.
• Collect and preserve evidence, file documents for legal proceedings, qualify and testify as an expert witness, and prepare comprehensive written investigation reports.
• Respond to general correspondence, telephone inquiries, and requests for inspections according to Bureau policy.
• Maintain prescribed records and other materials related to the position’s duties, and complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Investigate the causes and circumstances of fires to assess code and standard adequacy and the effects of compliance or non-compliance on fire and smoke propagation and resulting injuries or fatalities.
• Maintain liaison with personnel involved in fire protection activities and research current industry publications and developments.
• Assist in developing and implementing training programs for regional personnel and local and state agencies.
• Participate in disaster response operations as assigned and perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Health insurance, with over 90% employer-paid.
• $25,000 life insurance policy, fully employer-paid.
• Dental, vision, and supplemental insurance.
• State of Florida retirement package.
• Vacation and sick leave.
• Nine paid holidays per year.
• One personal holiday each year.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Tuition waiver for public college courses.
• Training opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness, if eligible.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED