JOB
Under general direction of the Fire Marshal performs responsible, technical, and specialized work in the field of fire and life safety inspection, fire investigation, code enforcement, and advanced plan checks. Reviews, and researches codes; issues permits for the control of hazardous materials, hazardous processes and public assembly, checks building plans for compliance with fire and life safety standards, performs a variety of duties related to conducting fire safety education programs; participates in firefighting, emergency medical services, rescue, and hazardous materials; provides responsible technical support to the Fire Marshal.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and may not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.
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Inspects industrial plants, certain commercial establishments and places of public assembly, determines compliance with applicable code and ordinances, writes reports, generates necessary correspondence to obtain code compliance, and issues appropriate permits.
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Checks plans for new building construction and confers with other concerned City departments to determine compliance with fire and life safety requirements and makes necessary contacts with developers, property owners, architects, engineers, and contractors; follows through with related field inspections and tests.
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Investigates complaints received by the department and determines whether a fire hazard exists, and issues notices to abate and follows through with the City Attorney's office when necessary to secure abatement.
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Plans and conducts educational programs on fire safety, water safety, injury prevention, CPR and first aid; speaks before school groups and other organizations on public safety, fire prevention and other public safety subjects.
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Advises and assists in the formation of evacuation and emergency action plans for large public and private buildings; prepares and maintains records and reports related to all activities.
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Participates in Fire Department training programs relating to particular areas of expertise; participation may be advisory to the training division or may involve organizing lesson plans and providing instruction under direction of the training officer; participates in firefighting training evaluations to maintain skills and proficiency in suppression.
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Responds to emergency calls to assist in departmental operations in areas of particular expertise, e.g., unauthorized discharges chemical spills, system malfunction, investigation regarding origin, cause and responsibility of fire hazardous conditions.
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May issue citations to gain compliance.
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Conducts investigations related to apprehending and prosecution of suspected arsonists, and evaluates fire scenes to determine origins and cause of fires, fix responsibility and performance of building construction and protection systems.
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May be requested to perform complex field inspections for conflict resolution in the areas of architectural, construction, hazardous materials, alarm systems, and sprinkler systems as it relates to new or existing buildings.
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May be requested to climb ladders, scaffolding, trenches, or crawl in areas of confined spaces, while in the performance of fire investigation duties or field inspections.
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May be placed in hazardous environments (smoke, heat, and toxic levels) while performing fire investigation duties.
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May be called upon to use heavy and or specialized equipment to dismantle, or collect evidence for prosecuting the crime of arson.
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May be required to work evenings and weekends.
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Performs related duties as required or assigned.
Knowledge of:
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Methods and techniques of fire department administration.
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Fire hazards and prevention requirements, inspection procedures, firefighting methods and techniques, and equipment used in modern firefighting.
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Hazardous materials storage, use, handling and plan review.
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The principles and practices of fire cause and fire origin investigations.
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Arson investigations, investigative case preparation and court testimony.
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Pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations including health and safety codes, uniform building codes and uniform fire codes.
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Methods and techniques of public education pertinent to fire prevention and safety.
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Local geography, including the location of water mains, hydrants, major fire hazards of the City and City streets.
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Principles and techniques of research and analysis.
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Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
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Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
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Methods and techniques of public relations.
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Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to:
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Assist in planning, organizing, coordinating and directing the City's Public Safety Fire Prevention Program.
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Use appropriate safety tools, equipment and apparatus for fire investigations.
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Perform inspections and detect violations of applicable codes and regulations.
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As needed, conduct preliminary thorough and detailed fact-finding inspections and investigations into fire incidents including evidence gathering and preservation.
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Read and interpret codes, regulations, technical reports and building plans.
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Prepare clear, concise records and reports.
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Learn the geographic layout of the City and the surrounding areas and the location of various fire suppression utilities.
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Prepare and present professional fire safety presentations to civic organizations.
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Work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies.
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Effectively represent the Fire Prevention Program to outside individuals and agencies to accomplish the goals and objectives of the unit.
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Respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, press, or other agencies on sensitive issues in area of responsibility.
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Act quickly and calmly in emergencies.
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Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
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Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
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Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City of Alpharetta and employee and is subject to modifications as the needs and requirements of the position change.
The City of Alpharetta is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including identity or expression), marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or any other protected classification as defined by applicable law (except as limited by Employee Manual & Benefits Handbook or bona fide occupational qualifications).
In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the City of Alpharetta is committed to providing a safe, quality-oriented and productive work environment consistent with the standards of the community in which it serves. Alcohol and drug abuse poses a threat to the health and safety of City’s employees and to the security of the City’s equipment and facilities. For these reasons, the City is committed to the elimination of drug and alcohol use and abuse in the workplace.
Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects qualified individuals with disabilities from employment discrimination. Under the ADA, a person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. The physical demands described within the job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with the ADA, the City of Alpharetta will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
