Fire Inspector I

Distinguishing Characteristics
Fire Inspector I is the entry level classification in the Fire Inspector series.  This class is distinguished from the Fire Inspector II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties including duties performed according to established procedures with changes in procedures or exceptions to rules explained in detail as they arise. Since this is an entry level position, employees may have limited related work experience.

Please click on the link below to view the Fire Inspector I Brochure.
http://www.yourcsd.com/DocumentCenter/View/5544

• Inspects occupancies and facilities, such as businesses, assembly buildings, schools, day care and care homes facilities, auto body garages, and storage facilities for compliance with mandated federal, state and local codes;
• Reviews minor building construction plans for compliance with local, State and Federal Codes;
• Conducts fire sprinkler and alarm tests;
• Reviews and tracks fire alarm and sprinkler company test results;
• Assists in fire investigations;
• Conducts fire flow tests;
• Inspects properties for the weed abatement program; sends notices and follows up;
• Keeps records on all designated projects and findings;
• Reviews building and site plans regarding fire protective construction; reviews sprinkler plans and verifies calculations;
• Inspects general business plans for the prevention, control and mitigation of dangerous conditions related to hazardous materials and to insure compliance with codes; issues violation notices and citations;
• Inspects buildings under construction for compliance with fire and building  codes which relate to fire prevention, detection systems and suppression systems;
• Works on special programs, such as fire sprinkler five year servicing, Christmas trees, inspecting firework display racks or booths, haunted houses, Knox box, etc.
• Provides information to the general public about fire protection assistance; lectures to groups on fire safety;
• Performs various related essential duties as required.

Education and Training:

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; AA in Fire Science or Fire Technology is highly desirable.  Certification as a Fire Inspector I (or equivalent) through the Officer of the State Fire Marshal within 12-months of hire is required.

Experience:

• None.

Special Requirements:

• Obtain Penal Code § 832 Certificate within 12 months of hire date. Must include firearm module if employee desires to participate in the department armament program.
• Current certification in American Red Cross First Aid and CPR is required.
• Certification or classes in fire prevention are desired.
• Must possess and maintain throughout employment a valid California class “C” driver’s license, with a with a driving record sufficient to be insurable through the District.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• All candidates for this position will be subject to a safety background investigation.
• All candidates for this position will be subject to a department approved physical fitness examination. Fitness for duty exams may be required thereafter as stipulated in the current MOU or SOP.
• All candidates for this position must pass a department approved psychological examination.
• Must keep knowledge, skills and education current, through seminars, employee development classes or formal education.
• May be required to wear and use firearm if employee desires to participate in departmental armament program.

• Proper fire inspection and investigation methods and techniques;
• Principles of combustion as related to various types of building and construction material;
• Proper storage and handling of explosives and flammable materials and other hazardous materials;
• Building fire extinguishing and alarm systems;
• Principles, practices and procedures of firefighting;
• Principles of water hydraulics;
• Laws, codes, rules and regulations related to fire suppression rescue and prevention options.

Ability to:

• Operate a variety of machines and equipment and tools including a personal computer, scanner/radio, engineer/architect scale, Pitot tube and gauge, canned smoke, camera and calculator;
• Operate both as a member of a team and independently;
• Effectively communicate with individuals or groups utilizing a broad base of verbal skills to successfully educate the public about fire hazards and prevention;
• Use independent judgment in regularly routine situations with rare risk of personal injury when investigating fires and issuing citations;
• Perform complex tasks during life threatening emergencies;
• Use manual and power tools in performance of duties
• Comprehend and correctly use a variety of reference books and manuals as well as informational documents, including utilizing and interpreting basic technical engineering, legal, electrical and hydraulics terminology;
• Prepare fire flow charts, letters, articles for newspapers, lists of occupancies and weed abatement, and boiler plate form letters using prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction and style;
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide;
• Ability to calculate decimals, ratios, percentages, fractions and exponents.