Apply Today as a Fire Inspector for The City of Forest Park!

Fire Inspector

Job Description

The Fire Inspector works under the immediate supervision of the Fire Marshal. This person is responsible for enforcing the fire code by conducting fire safety inspections in new and existing commercial, retail, industrial, and multi-family occupancies.

Also accountable for communicating fire protection and prevention practices to businesses, residents, building owners, and the general public, responding to inquiries regarding fire and life safety practices, preparing reports based on observations conducted in the field, reviewing plans, maintaining records, and enforcing the City of Forest Park and Ohio Fire Codes.

Application

Apply Today as a Part-Time Fire Inspector!

Essential Functions

Enforces all provisions of the Forest Park Fire Code, the Ohio Fire Code, the International Fire Code, and the maintenance provisions of the Ohio Basic Building Code.
Communicates with businesses, property owners, designers, contractors, and the general public regarding fire protection and prevention practices, inquiries regarding fire and life safety practices, inspection procedures and practices, and investigation, complaints, and appeals procedures.
Forwards any complaints from the public and forwards them to the Fire Marshal for follow-up.
Must be self-motivated and work well with other department officials.
Must be enthusiastic and require little supervision.
Must possess excellent customer relations skills and self-discipline when dealing with upset individuals.
Assists in fire protection plan reviews and inspections of new buildings with the City of Forest Park Building Department and other building departments serving areas with which the Forest Park Fire Department has contracts.

More Essential Functions

Assures the maintenance of fire protection features of existing buildings, including exit access, exit illumination, exit signs, exit corridors and doors, exit stairs and ramps, no-smoking signs, fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, fire hydrants and standpipes, fire access roads, portable fire extinguishers, fire-resistant construction, open burning, storage, and combustibles.
Verifies that special code requirements for special occupancies, including places of assembly, covered mall buildings, garages, tents and air-supported structures, lumberyards, and woodworking plants, are maintained.
Verifies that special code requirements for special processes, including the application of flammable and combustible finishes, welding and cutting, organic coatings, combustible fibers, compressed gases, explosives and ammunition, fireworks, liquefied petroleum gases, and pesticides display and storage, are maintained.
Verifies that hazardous materials storage and processing comply with code requirements for exempt amounts and fire protection.
Conducts research to identify applicable codes and standards for fire and/or life safety issues.
Maintains records covering inspections, complaints, and investigations.
Assists in investigations of fire causes and origins.
Generates written correspondence related to violations of the fire codes and the appeals process.
Provides testimony at legal proceedings.
Submits a bi-weekly report to the Fire Marshal detailing the inspections conducted and the number of violations discovered.
Attends training programs to maintain professional certifications.

Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

Ability to understand and enforce the Forest Park Fire Code, the Ohio Fire Code, the International Fire Code, and the maintenance provision of the Ohio Basic Building Code.
Ability to converse and interact with business owners, property owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and the general public on both highly technical and basic human levels in an informative but helpful manner.
Thorough knowledge of fire fighting methods and procedures, and their relationship to building construction and fire protection systems.
Basic knowledge of fire protection systems, including NFPA 13 and 13R sprinkler systems, fire alarm and supervision systems, commercial kitchen hood fire suppression systems, standpipe systems, underground fire lines, and hazardous materials.
Thorough knowledge of the Forest Park Fire Code, the Ohio Fire Code, the International Fire Code, and NFPA Standards related to fire protection and prevention.
Maintain a comprehensive and current knowledge of applicable codes, regulations, and standards; review new codes and changes to existing codes; and be aware of new methods, materials, trends, and advances in the profession.
Basic knowledge of the Ohio Basic Building Code, particularly regarding maintaining fire protection and life safety features.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret construction and fire protection plans and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or business community members.

More Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, height, distance, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of introductory algebra and geometry.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to interpret technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with abstract and concrete variables.
Ability to assess, plan, organize, and execute essential job functions without a need for constant supervision, ability to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of rules and regulations of the department and other authorities;
ability to cooperate with fellow employees and the general public, ability to communicate and interpret information of a highly technical nature to construction contractors, building officials, and inspection professionals;
ability to understand written and oral instructions; must be of good moral character with the ability to distinguish and disseminate sensitive information;
must become knowledgeable of the geography within the City of Forest Park, locations, and the status of water supply systems, alarm systems, and fire suppression systems.

Minimum Required Experience and Training

High school diploma or G.E.D.
Minimum of three years of experience as a fire inspector and one year of experience in reviewing plans.
Must be certified as a State of Ohio Fire Inspector I or II.
Minimum of a State of Ohio Firefighter I certification.
Preferred State of Ohio Firefighter II certification and EMT/Paramedic.
Training or experience in construction and fire protection systems is desirable.

The candidate will be expected to continue their education as directed by the Fire Marshal.

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