Fire/Building Inspector

CITY OF MORGAN HILL
Fire/Building Inspector
$9,617 - $12,274 Monthly
$115,404 - $147,288 Annually

Job Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Building Manager, the Fire/Building Inspector is responsible for enforcing applicable fire and building codes, laws, ordinances, and regulations. This role involves conducting detailed building and fire plan reviews, as well as field inspections throughout the development process of residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

Class Characteristics:

This is a journey-level class requiring the ability to interpret and apply complex building and fire codes with minimal supervision. This role involves frequent interaction with developers, contractors, and property owners, requiring strong communication and problem-solving skills. 

Please apply on-line at www.morganhill.ca.gov and submit the following: 

• Completed application

• Responses to the supplemental questions

• Copy of required certification(s)

• Cover letter

• Resume

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

The Fire/Building Inspector performs duties independently and collaboratively with the Building Manager, City staff, contractors, engineers, architects, consultants, and other community groups. Key responsibilities include:

• Conduct thorough plan reviews of residential, commercial, and industrial projects for compliance with state and local building and fire codes.
• Evaluate and review fire protection systems, including sprinklers, fire mains, detection and alarm systems, and smoke control systems.
• Assess site development plans for adequate fire apparatus access, water supply, and fire hydrant placement.
• Provide technical guidance to architects, engineers, developers, and property owners regarding building and fire code compliance.
• Perform engineering calculations related to fire flow, hydraulic design, building areas, and occupant loads.
• Issue written reports detailing building and fire code interpretations, deficiencies, and required corrections.
• Conduct inspections of buildings, structures, and fire protection systems to verify compliance with fire and building codes.
• Investigate fire-related code violations and provide technical assistance to staff and customers.
• Attend design review meetings to provide input on fire and building code compliance for new construction projects.
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, plan reviews, and permits while preparing detailed reports.
• Stay up to date with changes in codes, laws, and regulations and attend ongoing training.
• Provide excellent customer service and maintain a professional image on behalf of the City of Morgan Hill.
• May perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications Requirements: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any combination of education, experience and training will qualify provided it meets the knowledge, skills and abilities required.

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in fire and/or building plan review or inspections.
• College coursework in construction, fire or building inspection or related technical curriculum is highly desirable.

Required Licenses & Certifications:

• Valid California Class C driver’s license in compliance with City driving standards.
• State Fire Marshal Fire Inspector I or International Code Council Fire Inspector I or equivalent.
• ICC Building Inspector Certification or equivalent (must be obtained within one year of hire).
• ICC Fire Plans Examiner Certification or equivalent (must be obtained within one year of hire).

Desirable Qualifications:

• Licensed Fire Protection Engineer (California).
• NICET Certification in Fire Alarm or Water Based Systems.
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certifications.
• California State Fire Marshal Plans Examiner Certification.

Additional Requirements:

• Must have sufficient mobility to inspect construction projects in the field.
• Must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions and the physical capability for sustained walking, standing, and climbing.
• Must be able to respond to work various hours, rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays in unusual or emergency situations.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) desirable.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• State and local building codes, including the California Building Code, Fire Code, Mechanical Code, Electrical Code, and Plumbing Code.
• Fire protection systems.
• Inspection procedures and policies.
• Typical construction methods and materials.

Skills in:

• Interpreting, applying, and explaining complex codes, laws, and regulations.
• Reading and interpreting construction plans and specifications.
• Detecting and correcting problems at the earliest stage of construction.
• Use of office software including Microsoft Office, and permit processing systems.
• Providing outstanding customer satisfaction (internally and externally).

Ability to:

• Work effectively in outside environments which are often subject to the noise of large equipment and other conditions common to buildings under construction.
• Exercise safe work and driving practices.
• Exercise initiative and sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Represent the City effectively in meetings with others.
• Prepare clear, concise, and competent reports, correspondence and other written materials.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Employee frequently is required to sit, stand, walk, crawl, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch.
2. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception, the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Employees generally work 50% indoors and 50% outdoors.
2. The work environment indoors is usually in a temperature-controlled office; some travel is required.
3. While performing the duties of this job outdoors, the employee occasionally works in varying weather conditions, visiting developed and undeveloped sites in various stages of construction.
4. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but the employee may occasionally be exposed to high level noises including but not limited to outdoor construction equipment.

Salary : $115,404 - $147,288