Senior Fire and Life Safety Inspector

City of Delray Beach•Fl 33444, FL

12d•Onsite

About The Position

This position performs technical and clerical tasks in fire inspection, prevention, and public education, including responsibility for field enforcement of City Code of Ordinances and the Florida Fire Prevention Code. The employee works in accordance with directives received from the Fire Chief or designee, however, is expected to exercise considerable independence and initiative. The role involves supervising, scheduling, and reviewing the work of Fire Inspectors, providing mentorship, training, and technical guidance. It also includes performing field inspections of new/existing buildings during construction, conducting plan reviews, and recommending corrective actions. Complex and high-profile inspections, such as post-fire structural evaluations, special event assessments, and hazardous occupancies, are also part of the duties. The position ensures timely and accurate reporting, recordkeeping, and case management, and enforces fire prevention codes and ordinances. It also involves evaluating proposed fire protection elements, preparing reports, and representing the Fire Marshal's Office in various meetings and forums. Fostering positive employee relations and morale is also a responsibility.

Requirements

An Associate's Degree in a related field.
Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in fire inspection, plan review, or code enforcement, including two (2) years in a supervisory or lead role.
Training in fire inspections, plan review and code enforcement, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Florida State Fire Safety Inspector I Certification.
Current CPR certification.
ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800
Valid and current Florida Class E Driver's License.
Working knowledge of Florida Fire Prevention Code, Local, and City ordinances.
Ability to read plans (commercial and multi-family residential).
Skill in technical writing.
Knowledge of computer operations.
Ability to supervise the work of subordinate inspectors.
Work involves considerable public contact and requires the ability to deal with public relations issues in a professional, tactful and courteous manner.
Working knowledge of firefighting principles and practices and fire prevention inspection techniques.
Working knowledge of building materials, construction practices and mechanical systems related to fire prevention, fire suppression and the safeguarding of lives and property from fire.
Ability to work effectively with others.
Ability to communicate effectively orally, non-verbally, and in writing.
Ability to manage and prioritize routine, specialized and complex assignments and problems utilizing knowledge acquired through prior education, training, and experience.
Ability to adapt to an evolving and continually improving environment.
Demonstrated ability to utilize personal computer and office software such as MS Word, MS Excel and electronic mail.
Ability to respond to supervision, guidance and direction of superiors in a positive, receptive manner and in accordance with stated policies.
Be appropriately groomed and attired so as to present a professional image in accordance with the organization's mission, goals, and policies.
Report for work promptly and properly prepared at the time and place required by the assignment or orders.
Notify the appropriate supervisor of intended absences in accordance with stated rules.
Conform with standards and rules regarding use of accrued time.
Demonstrate a polite, helpful and courteous manner when engaged in any activity with the public.
Operate and care for equipment to manufacturer's specifications and/or within the specified parameters.
Demonstrate an understanding, consideration, and respect of cultural, religious, and gender differences when interacting with the public and colleagues.

Nice To Haves

Florida State Firefighter Minimum Standards (F.S.S. 633) preferred.
Fire Safety Inspector II and Fire Investigator certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

Supervises, schedules, and reviews the work of Fire Inspectors; provides mentorship, training, and technical guidance.
Performs field inspections of new/existing buildings during the construction process; compares actual work to planned work to ensure compliance with approved construction plans.
Conducts plan reviews, reviews inspection findings, and recommends corrective actions.
Conducts complex and high-profile inspections including post-fire structural evaluations, special event assessments, and hazardous occupancies.
Leads or delegates notification procedures to the Building Department for structures identified as eminent danger in accordance with established SOGs.
Ensures timely and accurate reporting, recordkeeping, and case management in compliance with departmental standards.
Conducts building plan review, demolition inspections, code infraction warnings and citations.
Enforces fire prevention codes and ordinances firmly, tactfully and impartially.
Evaluates proposed fire protection elements of a building and assures that they are in accordance with applicable codes.
Prepares reports and correspondence; reviews and approves fire and life safety violation notices.
Evaluate alternate suppression systems such as CO2 systems, dry systems and water-based fire suppression systems.
Participates in pre-construction meetings and coordinates with engineers, architects, and contractors regarding fire safety compliance.
Ensures continuous compliance with updates to the Florida Fire Prevention Code and applicable NFPA standards.
Provide technical information to the general public for questions relating to building code requirements.
Represents the Fire Marshal's Office in interdepartmental meetings, legal proceedings, and public forums.
Fosters positive employee relations and employee morale on a City-wide basis.