What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fire Inspector position at City of Kinston?
Description
Performs intermediate protective service and basic administrative work in the direction of a municipal fire prevention and inspection program, and related work as required. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Fire Chief.
Essential Functions
Performing fire inspections; preparing inspection schedules; reviewing plans for construction; conducting fire protection tests; preparing and maintaining files and records; preparing reports.
The following functions are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position, or other duties assigned as directed by the Fire Chief.
Performs field inspections and re-inspections for compliance with North Carolina Fire Prevention Code and other ordinances for commercial, residential, and industrial structures.
Issues warnings and takes appropriate action when existing structures and/or new construction is not in compliance with regulations.
Issues and enforces order for compliance.
Processes violation notices.
Reviews plans.
Issues permits; completes inspections; post inspection results on computer.
Prepares and maintains appropriate records and files; prepares reports.
Delivers safety programs on topics such as fire safety, housekeeping, sprinkler systems, and smoke detectors.
Work involves extensive public contact with highly independent decision-making, which requires good communication, courtesy, diplomacy, tact, problem-solving methods, and inspection effectiveness.
Manages the Pre-Plan Program.
Minimum Qualifications
Thorough knowledge of the modern principles and techniques of fire prevention, including inspection, hazards and elimination of dangerous conditions; thorough knowledge of the geography of the City; thorough knowledge of the laws and ordinances of state and City regarding fire prevention ; general knowledge of the principles and practices of building construction and electrical and mechanical systems; ability to recognize existing and potential fire hazards in a wide variety of structures and installations; ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions; ability to prepare clear and concise written reports; ability to interpret and enforce rules and regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially; mechanical aptitude; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public. Ability to obtain certifications in electrical, building, mechanical, and plumbing inspections.
High school diploma or GED with certifications as indicated in the Special Requirements section and considerable experience in fire suppression and/or prevention, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of Fire Inspector Level I certification. Ability to obtain Fire Inspector Level II & III based on class availability. Must meet and maintain minimum training and experience requirements for position as established by the department and the State of North Carolina. Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina.
Physical Demands
This work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently standing and walking and occasionally requires sitting, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling and lifting; work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception and color perception; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office with typewriters and/or computer printers, light traffic).
