Fire Inspector-Investigator I/II

Purpose

Under direct supervision of the Fire Marshal, the Assistant Fire Marshal, and/or the Deputy Fire Marshal, this position will be required to perform fire and life safety inspections, assist with fire origin and cause investigations and assist with public relations duties as assigned.

About the Role

Fire Inspector/Investigator I

This is the entry-level class in the Fire Inspector/Investigator series. Incumbents in this class typically have little or no directly related experience and work under immediate supervision while learning fire inspection, code enforcement, and basic fire investigation practices. Duties are performed in a training capacity and are limited in scope and complexity. This class is distinguished from the II level by the performance of less than the full range of assigned duties. Incumbents progress to general supervision as knowledge, skills, and proficiency in assigned responsibilities increase.

Fire Inspector/Investigator II

This is the journey-level class within the series. Incumbents are expected to perform the full range of fire inspection, code enforcement, and fire investigation duties with only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unique situations arise. Work is performed under general supervision. Responsibilities include conducting complex inspections, independently interpreting and applying fire codes and regulations, and assisting in fire origin and cause investigations, including those of a more technical or sensitive nature. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are typically filled by advancement from the I level upon demonstration of the required competencies, certifications, and experience.

NOTE:

Positions may be filled at either the I or II level. Advancement from Fire Inspector/Investigator I to II is based on demonstration of proficiency in assigned duties, attainment of required certifications (including Fire Inspector I and Fire Investigator 1A), quality of performance, and the needs of the District.

1. Inspects residential, commercial and industrial units to determine and enforce compliance with safety laws and ordinances
2. Assists with the investigation causes of fires, including fires of undetermined or suspected incendiary origin
3. Inspects areas or places where there are large public gatherings or high values
4. Investigates complaints and answers questions regarding hazards and violations of fire prevention regulations
5. Observes fire drills in schools, hospitals and convalescent homes and provides feedback
6. Maintains records and prepares reports
7. Makes presentations to civic organizations and school groups regarding fire prevention and safety
8. Maintains complete and accurate record files of fire safety codes, regulations, ordinances, inspections made, and violations and penalties

1. Examines building plans, construction sites, and fire protection systems to verify compliance with fire and life safety standards
2. Assists with training programs related to fire prevention and safety

1. Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Fire codes, building codes, and inspection techniques

• The principles of fire prevention and the related principles of fire investigation and the State and City laws concerning these activities
• Building construction, including fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems, wet and dry standpipe systems and related systems
• Local, state, and federal laws, codes, and ordinances involving environmental protection
• Computerized systems for maintaining data and preparing reports and correspondence

Ability to:

• Speak effectively before large groups of people
• Communicate requirements, policies, and decisions to the public and co-workers in an effective manner
• Follow and provide written and oral directions
• Prepare written reports
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Deal tactfully and courteously with government officials, co-workers, contractors, architects and the general public
• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals
• Effectively handle multiple priorities, organize workload, and meet strict deadlines
• Read and interpret blueprints or construction drawings
• Perform heavy and hazardous physical labor, and wear protective clothing and breathing apparatus as required to perform inspections and investigations
• Bend, stoop, reach, carry, crawl, climb, and lift as necessary to perform assigned duties
• Hear and detect alarms, communicate effectively in noisy environments, and hear faint sounds during investigations

Experience and Training

Any combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Fire Inspector/Investigator I

Experience:No experienced required. Some experience in fire safety, building inspections, fire prevention, or inspection work involving fire prevention regulations is preferred. Experience conducting fire investigations and construction trades experience (e.g., fire sprinkler fitter/designer, fire alarm installer/designer) are highly desirable.

Training: High school diploma or equivalent. College-level coursework in fire science, fire prevention, or a related field (minimum 9 units) is preferred, associate’s degree is highly preferred. Completion of the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) First Responder Inspector (formerly Fire Inspector I) series including the task book or equivalent is highly desirable and required prior to completion of probation. Completion of OSFM Plans Examiner 1A, 1B, and 1C classes or equivalent courses is preferred. Must complete OSFM Fire Investigator 1A–1C or equivalent within three (3) years of hire.

Fire Inspector/Investigator II

Experience:Three (3) years of increasingly responsible fire inspection or investigation experience equivalent to Fire Inspector I, including technical code inspections, code enforcement, fire protection system reviews, or fire investigation work. Experience conducting fire investigations and construction trades experience (e.g., fire sprinkler or alarm systems) is highly desirable.

Training: High school diploma or equivalent. College-level coursework in fire science, fire prevention, or a related field (minimum 9 units) is preferred, associate’s degree is highly preferred. Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) First Responder Inspector (formerly Fire Inspector I) certification or equivalent is required. Completion of OSFM Fire Investigator 1A–1C classes or equivalent within two (2) years of hire or promotion. Completion of OSFM Plan Examiner 1A, 1B, and 1C classes within two (2) years of hire or promotion. Completion of OSFM Fire Inspector (formerly Fire Inspector 2) series or equivalent is highly desirable.

Special Requirements & Working Conditions

Licenses and Certificates:

• Possession of a valid California driver's license, and a satisfactory driving record.

Physical: Mobility, frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. lifting frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds; constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth perception skills required; frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching; frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise-producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles, work in a variety of conditions, and be able to perform duties while wearing a respirator.

Emotional/Psychological Skills: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; frequently works independently.

Environment: Some duties require travel between sites and frequent exposure to extreme noise from sirens and emergency equipment. Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions, and in the field may be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confined workspace, chemicals, smoke residue, chemicals, hazardous materials, skin irritants, fumes, solvents, and air contaminants, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. On-call availability to respond to fire investigations, emergency incidents, or other events may be required.