JOB SUMMARY:
Under minimal supervision, this entry-level part-time Fire Inspector position’s duties are consistent with those assigned to a Fire Prevention Officer, Fire Inspector, Fire Protection Engineer, Fire Safety Education Officer, or Fire Investigator within the scope of the employee's training. At the direction of the Fire Marshal, this position will also assist with fire safety education and public relations programs and conduct and/or assist with fire inspections and fire investigations as assigned.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Plans and initiates inspection activities of public buildings and commercial businesses as assigned, to detect fire and life safety hazards, and enforces local codes and federal and state laws.
Aids full-time staff in conducting large facility inspections and smoke detector inspections in apartments as needed.
Investigates complaints related to the fire code and documents findings and actions taken.
Performs field survey inspections related to fire lanes, blocking fire hydrants or fire department connections, issues citations, and makes court appearances as necessary.
Conducts local licensing accreditation inspections as required.
Maintains records and reports of all job-related activities and prepares status reports.
Assists in public education activities as necessary, such as Arbor Daze, Open House, and similar events that may arise.
May assist fire investigators as needed and within the scope of the individual's training.
Performs documentation of conditions as appropriate, performs follow-ups of assigned incidents as necessary, and coordinates with other agencies.
Performs other related duties consistent with the activities of the Fire Marshal’s office or other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Knowledge of firefighting practices, as well as fire prevention practices and techniques.
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Knowledge of fire laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and criminal laws and procedures related to fire investigations.
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Skill in analytical problem-solving and written and verbal communications.
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Ability to participate in public service activities as necessary and public education duties as assigned.
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Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely in both oral and written communication and establish and maintain effective working relationships among personnel.
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Ability to maintain all certifications as required by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, Texas Department of Health, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, and Fire Department policy.
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Ability to maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include running, walking, crouching, or crawling during emergency operations; moving equipment, climbing stairs/ladders; standing or sitting for extended periods of time; operating assigned equipment and vehicles.
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Ability to maintain flexible hours to meet job needs, including occasional evening or weekend work, to include an on-call investigation rotation.
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Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, ability to work as part of a team.
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MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
High school education or equivalent is required. An associate degree in Fire Protection Technology, Criminal Justice, or a related field of study is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Must possess a minimum of Basic Fire Inspector certification as outlined by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License with a good driving record.
WORK HOURS:
This position is part-time. Hours of work will be determined between the employee and the Fire Marshal. The position is an at-will position with no benefits or expectation of permanence provided. The continuance of the position is dependent on available funding and the needs of the City and, therefore, is subject to discontinuation at any time with no notice. Normal work hours will be limited to approximately sixteen (16) hours per week between the hours of 0800-1700, although start and stop times may extend either side of these hours, to include occasional weekend or evening needs.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
BIOMECHANICAL ASPECTS OF THE JOB:
1. Lifting
2. Pushing/Pulling
3. Standing/Walking/Running
4. Carrying
5. Climbing
6. Bending/Kneeling/Stooping
7. Sitting/Driving
STRENGTH/ENDURANCE CONSIDERATIONS:
WEIGHT: No frequent strength demands. However, during fire inspection and fire investigation duties, the individual must be able to transport equipment on a truck to the area of need.
- Bunker gear is 70 lbs. added to body weight. NOTE: This position will have no fire operations responsibilities.
- Other strength demands are situational, but the individual must be prepared to ensure both personal and public safety.
FREQUENCY:
The frequency depends on the situation. Sitting for extended periods of time, completing special projects, as well as walking for hours while conducting inspections, are expectations of the job. During fire investigation activities, endurance capacities may need to range from 30 minutes to over two hours. Thus, functional testing or screening should include endurance-related parameters.
OTHER:
The position involves the need to be able to walk or stand for extended periods of time while conducting inspections, as well as the ability to climb stairs and ladders as needed.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Usually works in a controlled environment. During fire investigation activities, portions of fire investigations, and inspections of non-climate-controlled buildings or portions thereof, environmental conditions are weather-dependent. Conditions are usually hot for an extended period of time, especially in the summer. Exposure to particulate matter during investigations and exposure to loud noises during inspections are to be expected. The bunker gear and/or encapsulated gear, if needed for job duties, also raises internal body temperature.
Pre-employment screening includes, but is not limited to, Drug Screen, Physical Examination, Credit Check, Motor Vehicle Review, and applicable Background Checks.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Such tasks shall be capable of being performed with reasonable accommodation, if necessary, that does not impair a business necessity or impose an undue business hardship, and without presenting a direct threat to the safety of the applicant or others.
