The Fire Plans Examiner/Inspector position performs highly skilled technical and administrative work performing plan reviews for technical compliance with fire protection requirements as well as assisting with and/or conducting inspections to verify construction and installation meets the requirements of the approved plans.
This position conducts plan reviews relating to fire alarm, fire sprinkler, commercial hood, and other fire protection systems; it conducts plan reviews for PDP and ODP submittals as well as technical research and assistance relating to applicable codes and standards; it conducts research into the fire code as well as related codes and standards, providing decisions regarding code requirements and making recommendations to the Fire Marshal concerning code questions and industry best practices. This position will also be required to conduct fire inspections of buildings and facilities throughout the City of Westminster; perform fire protection system testing; and follow-up with businesses, citizens and employees regarding technical requirements of the fire code.
This position reports to the Fire Marshal and carries out their work under the direction of the Fire Marshal. This is a safety sensitive position. This is a commissioned Fire Lieutenant – Plans Examiner/Inspector position.
The full salary range for this position is stated above. The starting range of pay is dependent on qualifications and experience of each individual candidate. The City of Westminster has a Multilingual Stipend Program to encourage, and reward benefited employees who are conversationally fluent in languages other than English. Benefited employees have the opportunity to test their language proficiency skills and qualify for a bi-weekly stipend that will vary based on the employee’s level of proficiency and usage.
The City's work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees who, along with our City Council and City Manager, are strong supporters of our mission: The City of Westminster provides high-quality core services and fosters resilience in order to promote a safe and thriving community. Westminster is a city of beautiful, safe, well-maintained neighborhoods and destinations with a vibrant, diverse economy, rich and resilient environment and a strong sense of community belonging. Our core values are embodied in our SPIRIT (Service – People – Integrity – Respect – Innovation – Teamwork).
This position promotes the mission and values of the City of Westminster by supporting the goals of the Fire Department, which is responsible for providing timely emergency response to fire and emergency medical calls; ensuring the safety of personnel, citizens, and visitors to the community; and educating residents and business owners on fire safety, emergency medical prevention and emergency preparedness.
Every employee is accountable to:
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Demonstrate a high level of customer service; encourage others to focus on the customer; foster an environment where customer service is a priority
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Communicate with customers to ensure that, where possible, they are satisfied and that their needs are being addressed; solicit and evaluate customer feedback
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Act as an ambassador by understanding and fostering the organization's mission and vision
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Exhibit pride in self, the department, the city and the community; conduct self in a professional manner
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Demonstrate integrity and build trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, loyalty and ethical behavior
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Address difficult or contentious issues in a constructive manner
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Support/promote change; demonstrate flexibility and take calculated risks when appropriate
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Participate in personal growth opportunities and attend trainings designed to enhance capacity to bring new skills and ideas to the job and the organization
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Work to continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service or product being delivered
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Demonstrate support for team efforts by accepting new roles and responsibilities, and helping others achieve objectives
Value diversity; demonstrate an awareness of differences; demonstrate sensitivity and adapt behaviors and communication to accommodate these differences
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GENERAL COMPETENCIES
Citywide - Every employee in this position is accountable to:-
Establish effective interpersonal relationships through honest, open communication and follow-through on commitments
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Recognize personal strengths and weaknesses and target areas for personal self-development
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Demonstrate initiative in performing job tasks
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Exhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions
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Achieve goals, handle assigned workload and new assignments effectively; demonstrate an ability to work independently
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Communicate effectively with individuals and groups using clear and concise verbal and written communications
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Demonstrate accountability for work and take ownership in job performance
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Demonstrate concern for the accuracy and quality of work; take steps to correct mistakes and improve the overall product
Job Specific – Every employee in this position must be able to:-
Demonstrate the ability to:
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Complete plan reviews within benchmarked time frames and with a high degree of accuracy in applying applicable codes and standards
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Coordinate and communicate fire department policies in new development and plan review projects with building, planning and public works and utilities
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Coordinate new development and construction plan review processes on behalf of the fire department, and coordinate with the fire department staff on impacts
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Provide technical support to fire department staff for inspections and other issues
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Provide employee training including curriculum development, classroom training, and field training
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Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
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Interact and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of people
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Demonstrate proficiency utilizing software and computer equipment relevant to the position
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Read and understand technical written materials such as building and fire codes
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Communicate with others under stressful conditions and remain calm and calm others in emotionally charged situations
Education, Experience, Skills, Formal Training, Licenses and Certifications
Required:
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High School Diploma or GED
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ICC Fire Inspector I or equivalent Fire Inspector Certificationwith ability to obtain Fire Inspector II or equivalent within 12 months
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ICC Plans Examiner or State of Colorado Fire Plans Examiner III; or Fire Protection Engineer certification; or equivalency in any of these areas
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Proficiency utilizing software and computer equipment relevant to the position
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Valid driver’s license and safe driving record throughout employment
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ICS 100, 200, 700, 800 or ability to obtain within 12 months
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Fire Investigation experience with certification(s) in related field
Preferred:
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Bachelor’s Degree or higher with an emphasis in fire science, fire protection engineering, fire safety, fire administration or similarly related field
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NICET Level I certification in fire sprinkler systems
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Haz-Mat operations level or equivalent
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Colorado State firefighter certification at any level or equivalent
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Minimum five (5) years of firefighting experience, with two (2) years of experience working in a fire prevention bureau of a fire department
Physical Requirements
This position is physical in nature, requires a high level of fitness and involves:
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Constant standing and walking on uneven terrain in various conditions to perform inspections; constant squatting, bending and kneeling to perform inspections at various sites
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Frequently sitting to write reports and drive to and from inspection sites; frequent twisting to inspect site structure, wiring, and systems
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Occasional crawling to inspect multi-level structures; occasional climbing and balancing on ladders, stairs, framing and step ladders at unprotected heights to look for structural hazards; occasionally reaching overhead and below shoulder to manipulate tools and equipment
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Frequent light grasp, hand manipulation and handling needed to use equipment; occasional firm grasp is needed to manipulate tools
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Frequent stepping up/down to get in and out of vehicles, trenches and foundations; frequent actuate mechanism needed to safely operate vehicles
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Frequent use of far acuity to detect hazards; constant use of near acuity to write reports and perform office tasks
Occasional lifting and carrying of up to 30 pounds 100 feet to move ladders from vehicle to inspection site; occasional pushing/pulling of up to 20 pounds to open garage doors and overhead doors
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WORKING CONDITIONS
This position involves significant administrative office work. During inspections, this position will physically spend time in the out-of-doors environment, operate vehicles in all weather conditions and be subject to mentally and physically stressful environments. This position is occasionally exposed to situations of extreme heat or cold, wet/humid conditions, environmental contamination, or other less than safe or comfortable conditions. The nature of on-scene inspection work is physically demanding and strenuous.
Position will be exposed on a limited basis to potential burns; radiant energy; explosive, electrical and mechanical hazards, and to working at heights. Potential for exposure to catastrophic conditions such as high wind, blizzard, flooding, hail, etc., exists on a limited basis. Moderate potential for exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, stress, blood-borne pathogens, and motor vehicle traffic hazards associated with emergency and non-emergency situations.
Employee may enter areas of loud and/or irritating noises such as engines and generators on a limited basis. Potential for exposure to fumes, odors, dust, mists, and gases under poorly ventilated conditions exist on a limited basis.
Required Materials and Equipment
Vehicles and equipment related to fire inspections, water flow devices, shovels and other hand or power tools, ladders, radio, pager, computer, telephone, copier, and various related business equipment. Operation of computer programs including Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook, Records Management, Incident Reporting, Blue Beam, TRAKiT and Internet Explorer.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
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Background checks will include employment references and criminal history and when applicable, credit check, driver’s license record, education verification
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Must be able to pass the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) background check due to access to sensitive areas
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Pre-employment drug screen
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Pre-employment physical
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Must be legally entitled to work in the United States
