Fire - Fire Inspector

Job Summary

The purpose of this position is to support and be responsible for technical work in enforcing fire and building codes, as well as city ordinances.  Performs routine semi-skilled and technical field inspection work for industrial, commercial, and sometimes residential building projects during all phases of construction, renovation, and remodeling projects; issues permits; works with contractors, industry, and the public; ensures compliance with federal, state, and local codes and standards; and ensures contractual provisions are met. Provide fire prevention and safety courses to the citizens and visitors of La Vergne. THIS IS A SAFETY-SENSITIVE POSITION

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills. They are intended to provide accurate summaries of what the job classification involves and what is required to perform it. Employees are responsible for all other duties as assigned.

• Conducts inspections of new and existing buildings, buildings under construction, and equipment as defined in the fire codes and reviews them for compliance with the fire and building codes and ordinances adopted by the City of La Vergne.
• Investigate complaints of violations of codes.
• Conducts inspections for authorizing the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy and other fire safety-related permits.
• Make yearly inspections of existing buildings.
• Provides fire watch and enforces occupancy restrictions at places of assembly and other occupancies as required.
• Required knowledge and skill to read and interpret engineering and architectural blueprints and drawings.
• Knowledge of basic fire codes.
• Issues citations and appears in court as required.
• Prepares and maintains reports and records of inspections, investigations, and other work.
• Knowledge of National Fire Protection Association 1031 Fire Inspector Professional Qualifications is preferred.
• Accurately communicates information to assigned supervisors in a timely and useful manner.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding sensitive information.
• Safely operates a motor vehicle for conducting official duties for the City of La Vergne, which duties may include transporting other City employees.
• Must have the ability to operate modern office equipment such as telephones, calculators, computers, and copy machines.

• Knowledge of City and Departmental personnel policies, procedures, and regulations and ability to enforce them.
• Performs other work as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; an associate degree is preferred. 
• Must have three (3) years of experience as a full-time employee in the fire services, codes enforcement, commercial construction, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience preferred.
• Certification as a Fire Inspector by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or the International Code Council (ICC) and the State Fire Marshal’s Office (preferred) must be obtained within twelve months of promotion or employment.
• Certifications as a fire inspector II must be obtained within twenty-four (24) months from promotion or employment.
• Tennessee Firefighting Commission certification in fire and life safety education or approved fire and life safety educator course (preferred); Must obtain within thirty-six (36) months from promotion or employment.  
• Must have a valid driver’s license in Tennessee that has not been revoked or suspended within the last thirty-six (36) months.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of applicable fire safety codes and standards, state laws, public acts, and other standards related to fire safety.
• Knowledge of fire science, safety concepts, standard practices, processes, equipment, and materials related to fire safety.
• Knowledge of inspection techniques and practices.
• Knowledge of code enforcement and related practices.
• Make detailed investigations, analyze findings, establish and maintain cooperative relations, and interact effectively with others while conducting code enforcement or related fire prevention duties.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, codes, rules, and regulations relative to the work.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans, and specifications.
• Ability to observe critically, obtain data, and prepare reports of findings.
• Ability to propose and develop effective solutions to identified code violations or other fire safety hazards.
• Work independently daily to coordinate, schedule, and complete inspections within an assigned area.
• Use computers, PC tablets, smartphones, various software programs, email, and internet-based tools to conduct research, generate correspondence, create and retrieve reports, manage data input, communicate, organize, and maintain activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to maintain favorable public relations.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of emergency medical procedures such as advanced first aid, CPR, and other medical assistance techniques
• Knowledge of city geography.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to pass reasonable fitness and physical standards to perform work as determined by City Physician safely; sufficient vision and hearing acuity, normal or corrected to read, write, and hear to operate tools and equipment safely; dexterity and fitness sufficient to grasp, crawl, crouch, bend, stoop, climb, stretch, walk, run, and otherwise perform physical functions of the assignment. Work will be indoors and outdoors, with some tasks performed outdoors regardless of weather conditions. Must be capable of walking significant distances daily, traversing rough and debris-strewn ground and floor areas, entering, and maneuvering in confined spaces, and safely negotiating similar situations found at inspection sites. Must be able to wear and use a respirator by the Standard on Respiratory Protection, 29 CFR 1910.134.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Varied Inspection Sites: The Fire Inspector works primarily in the field, conducting inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial properties to ensure compliance with local, state, and national fire codes and standards. This includes new constructions, existing buildings, and sites requiring fire safety permits.

Investigative and Analytical Tasks: The role involves a detailed analysis of building plans, fire protection systems, and safety protocols to identify potential fire hazards and violations. Fire Inspectors must be thorough, methodical, and analytical in their approach to inspections and assessments.

Educational Outreach and Training: Beyond inspections, Fire Inspectors engage in public education efforts, conducting training sessions and presentations on fire prevention practices and safety measures for property owners, schools, businesses, and community groups.

Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement: Fire Inspectors are responsible for enforcing fire codes and regulations. This may involve issuing violation notices, recommending corrective actions, and following up to ensure compliance. In cases of non-compliance, Inspectors may need to prepare and present evidence in legal proceedings.

Collaborative Work with Fire Department and Other Agencies: Collaboration with fire department personnel, building departments, and other regulatory agencies is a regular part of the job. Fire Inspectors must effectively communicate and coordinate with various stakeholders to enhance fire safety and compliance.

Physically Demanding Activities: The role can be physically demanding, requiring walking, climbing, crawling, and stooping during inspections, as well as the ability to carry and use inspection tools and equipment. Fire Inspectors must also be prepared to work in a variety of environments, including confined spaces and at heights.

Flexible Schedule: This position is not remote. Fire Inspectors may need to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, to conduct inspections at times that accommodate business hours of various establishments or to respond to emergencies requiring their expertise.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

THE CITY OF LA VERGNE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, SEX, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, OR VETERAN STATUS IN EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.