The purpose of this classification is to perform technical and administrative work functions associated with fire cause and origin determination, fire prevention, public education, building inspections, code enforcement, and protection of life and property.
Schedules and conducts annual fire safety inspections of commercial and public buildings for compliance with Life Safety Codes and other applicable fire codes and ordinances; inspects both interiors and exteriors of buildings; documents code violations; informs building owners/occupants of code violations and assists in determining corrective measures for compliance; writes fire code violation tickets; conducts follow-up inspections.
Investigates and evaluates fires and fire scenes to determine the point of origin and causes of fires and explosions for which there is suspicion of criminal actions or from which an injury or death occurred; interviews witnesses and interrogates suspects; reviews photographs of fire scenes and gathers evidence to be analyzed.
Maintains records and files concerning investigations; prepares reports and analyses to assist the department in developing plans and programs to minimize fire related problems.
Prepares cases and testifies in court against persons who allegedly commit state and/or local fire/arson related criminal activities.
Investigates false alarms, bomb scares, and bomb threats.
Reviews plans and drawings for new buildings, renovations, and subdivision plans to determine compliance with Life Safety Codes; inspects fire extinguishment, protection and detection systems; provides technical assistance as needed; scrutinizes building permits; attends construction conferences.
Observes places of assembly to determine overcrowded conditions; takes appropriate action to rectify situations.
Inspects flammable liquid tank installation/removal, use and storage of explosives and/or hazardous chemicals, and other activities potentially dangerous to the community under proper restrictions and guidelines.
Establishes and maintains positive public relations; attends community meetings, school career day programs and other public relations and education events; works with educators regarding fire and safety programs and during Fire Prevention Week.
Promotes, teaches, and demonstrates fire extinguishment, safety, prevention, and investigation for schools, colleges, day care centers, business and civic organizations; conducts fire drills and fire safety evacuations.
Answers the telephone; provides information, advice and guidance; takes and relays messages and/or direct calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary; responds to questions, complaints, and requests for information from tenants, landlords, architects, engineers, construction personnel, building inspectors, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, and others.
Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable codes, laws, and regulations; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends meetings, seminars, workshops, and training sessions as appropriate.
Composes, prepares, reviews, and/or processes a variety of forms, logs, requests, records, reports, correspondence, and various other documents associated with daily responsibilities of this position; prepares and maintains administrative records and files.
Cooperates with federal, state, and local law enforcement/investigating agencies and their officers or representatives when activities are related to investigations within city jurisdiction.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
Maintains city vehicle; requests service and/or repairs as needed; performs minor maintenance such as cleaning, checking fluids levels and adding fuel.
Substitutes for co-workers in temporary absence of same; may function as supervisor in absence of division head.
Performs other related duties as required.
High school diploma or GED required; Associate's degree in building, architecture, or other construction-related field preferred; additionally, three (3) years previous experience and/or training; may be required to have certification under the State of Georgia G.F.S.T.C. or P.O.S.T. regulations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.
Data Utilization: Requires the ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established criteria. Includes exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.
Human Interaction: Requires the ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in a supervisory capacity.
Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, advisory and/or design data and information.
Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions; may include ability to compute discount, interest, and ratios; may include ability to calculate surface areas, volumes, weights, and measures.
Functional Reasoning: Requires ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.
Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.
ADA COMPLIANCE
Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds).
Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, electric currents, traffic hazards, toxic agents, chemicals, or explosives.
The City of Albany, Georgia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Albany, Georgia will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
