Sr. Fire Inspector

City of Glendale•Glendale, AZ

About The Position

Enforces fire codes; performs fire inspections; investigates and determines the origin and cause of fires; conducts plan reviews for code compliance; and issues permits. This class is distinguished from the Fire Inspector class by the ability to perform the full range of technical inspection and/or fire investigation duties with only occasional instruction and assistance. Some positions may lead Fire Inspectors. The role conducts fire investigations, inspections, plan reviews, and related code-enforcement work; prepares reports and documentation; advises stakeholders on fire and life safety requirements; and provides customer service in a regulatory capacity. The position may also support public education, training, code development, and interagency coordination. This is a safety-sensitive position requiring pre-employment drug and alcohol testing and a post-offer physical assessment. Employees may be subject to further drug and alcohol testing during employment under the City of Glendale Substance Abuse policy. The role may be subject to call-back, stand-by duty, and evening, weekend, and rotating shifts.

Requirements

Associate degree in Fire Science, Fire Technology, or a related field, and two years of experience in fire prevention/fire investigations or the fire science field, including experience leading others or project teams; equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience are qualifying.
One year of relevant experience may be substituted for each year of required education.
Knowledge of fire-prevention and fire-inspection principles and methods.
Knowledge of fire codes, building codes, related codes, and their interpretation and intent.
Knowledge of laws and legal procedures pertaining to arson investigations.
Knowledge of investigative techniques and principles for determining fire causes and origins.
Knowledge of fire detection and extinguishing systems.
Knowledge of hazardous materials, including proper storage, use, application, and response to fire.
Knowledge of fire chemistry, fire behavior, and fire-ground operations.
Knowledge of the elements and requirements of a legal report.
Knowledge of fire-protection engineering relating to hydraulics and fire-detection systems.
Knowledge of field inspection methods and techniques and hydraulics as applied to sprinkler systems and fire prevention.
Knowledge of the functions and operations of the State Registrar of Contractors and the State Board of Technical Registration.
Ability to operate a computer, photography and video equipment, hand tools, hazardous-materials testing equipment, and computer systems.
Ability to analyze, interpret, and explain technical fire and building codes, ordinances, plans, and specifications as they apply to specific situations.
Ability to prepare fire-investigation evidence and documentation for legal proceedings.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to analyze computerized data and operate computerized data-entry and retrieval systems.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff and the public.
Ability to operate City vehicles.
Obtain International Code Council Certification (Fire Inspector II level) within one year of start date.
Obtain IAAI-Fire Investigation Technician or Certified Fire Investigator certification within one year of start date.
Possess a valid Arizona driver's license.
Successfully undergo required pre-employment drug and alcohol testing; a post-offer physical assessment is also required.
Meet physical and work-environment demands, including walking on weakened surfaces, climbing ladders and scaffolding, crawling, lifting and moving objects up to 50 pounds, and potential exposure to collapse hazards, falling equipment, hazardous materials, hot environments, and difficult or potentially abusive people.

Nice To Haves

International Code Council Certification—Fire Plans Examiner (preferred).

Responsibilities

Lead assigned Fire Inspectors, including training and scheduling.
Investigate fires to determine origin and cause; collect, preserve, and analyze evidence; photograph and sketch scenes; prepare detailed reports; testify in court; interview witnesses; and develop leads.
Inspect industrial, commercial, and residential properties, new and existing construction, and special events for compliance with fire safety codes; resolve life-safety issues and maintain documentation.
Test alarms, sprinklers, and other fire protection systems and equipment for proper installation, operation, and code compliance, including confirming water flows on automatic extinguishing systems.
Research hazardous and non-hazardous materials, including applicable fire and health limits and proper storage, use, and dispensing, and resolve related problems.
Prepare inspection, plan-review, and legal reports and enter information into computerized databases.
Assist in developing and interpreting fire codes and respond to code questions from City staff and the public.
Investigate complaints involving fire safety issues or hazardous conditions.
Serve as a liaison between the Police Department and County Attorney's office for case filing and preparation.
Provide quality customer service while performing regulatory duties.
Review and interpret construction documents and reports for commercial, industrial, and residential projects to ensure compliance with fire codes, ordinances, standards, and amendments.
Advise architects, engineers, contractors, the public, and staff on code changes, interpretations, and new methods and materials; negotiate solutions to code-conformance problems and fire and life-safety issues.
Perform engineering calculations to analyze fire protection systems for hydraulic and electrical system compliance with adopted standards.
Identify inadequacies in construction plans, reports, and calculations and require corrections.
Prepare and deliver fire-safety presentations and assist with public presentations and activities.
Conduct training sessions as needed.
Participate as a committee member in professional organizations and attend meetings concerning code issues, plan review, fire and building safety, construction, and fire investigation.
Operate City vehicles.
Perform other related duties as assigned.