Life Safety Inspector Trainee

Seminole County/Board of County Commissioners•Sanford, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision, this trainee-level position is designed to prepare employees for certification and independent service as a Fire/Life Safety Inspector within the Fire Prevention Division. Employees in this classification participate in a structured training and development program consisting of classroom instruction, field training, supervised inspections, plan review exposure, and code enforcement education. The Recruit Fire Inspector performs inspection, fire prevention, and public education activities under the direct supervision of certified Fire Inspectors, Preceptors, and supervisory personnel. Employees are responsible for successfully completing all phases of the Seminole County Fire Department Non-Certified Recruit Fire Inspector Training Program, obtaining State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I certification, and demonstrating competency in inspection, code application, and fire prevention functions. Successful completion of the training program, State certification requirements, task book requirements, and departmental approval shall result in eligibility for reclassification to the position of Life Safety Inspector I.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent.
Ability to successfully complete the Seminole County Fire Department Non-Certified Recruit Fire Inspector Training Program.
Ability to obtain State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I certification within the timeframe established by department policy.
Ability to obtain and maintain CPR certification.
Ability to meet all physical and working condition requirements established for the Life Safety Inspector classification.
Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license
Must successfully complete all phases of the Recruit Fire Inspector Training Program.
Must complete all required State Fire Inspector coursework, including: Fire Prevention Practices Building Construction Private Fire Protection Systems I Construction Documents and Plans Review Codes and Standards
Must pass the State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I Certification Examination.
Must complete all assigned task book requirements and receive approval from the assigned Preceptor, Assistant Fire Marshal, and Fire Marshal prior to independent duty status.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, businesses, and the public.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Knowledge of personal computers, office software, and electronic records management systems.
Ability to learn and apply fire prevention principles, inspection techniques, building construction concepts, fire protection systems, and life safety codes.
Must possess strong customer service skills and professional demeanor.
All employees must attend Seminole County required training, including department-specific training, as required.

Responsibilities

Participates in all phases of the Seminole County Fire Inspector Training Program, including orientation, classroom instruction, field training, precepting, and competency evaluations.
Attends and successfully completes all required State of Florida Fire Inspector certification courses and departmental training programs.
Observes and assists certified Fire Inspectors in conducting inspections of commercial, multi-family residential, industrial, educational, healthcare, assembly, and other occupancies to identify fire and life safety hazards.
Assists with inspection documentation, report preparation, permit processing, records management, and code compliance tracking.
Learns and applies provisions of the Florida Fire Prevention Code, Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Code, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, County ordinances, and departmental policies.
Participates in field inspections, plan reviews, fire protection system evaluations, and occupancy classifications under direct supervision.
Assists in investigating complaints related to fire and life safety concerns and participates in follow-up inspections to verify corrective actions.
Participates in fire prevention and public education activities, including community outreach events, fire extinguisher training, evacuation planning, and Fire Prevention Month programs.
Completes assigned task book requirements and demonstrates competency in required inspection categories, fire protection systems, and special operations activities.
Maintains accurate records of training activities, inspections, coursework completion, and performance evaluations.
Observes and participates in emergency incident response, fire scene operations, damage assessment activities, and post-incident reviews as assigned.
Responds to fire and emergency medical calls as required.
Attends continuing education programs in firefighting, fire prevention, life safety, and first aid.
May be required to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, or be placed on-call as operational needs dictate.
Performs other duties as assigned.
In the event of an emergency, all employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties.
Participates in damage assessment activities and Emergency Operations Center support functions when required.