Fire Inspector I

Print
Class Title
Fire Inspector I
Class Code
7327
Salary
$62,753.60 - $85,113.60 Annually
Classification Description Summary

This class includes an entry level with progression to skilled level work as a fire inspector. Incumbents are trained in the various areas of fire prevention. Tasks include inspecting commercial and residential buildings and properties to enforce Federal, State, and local codes and regulations; responding to complaints regarding fire code violations; reviewing, approving, and inspecting construction plans of fire safety systems; educating the general public in proper fire safety methods and practices; assisting with fire investigations and completing the necessary computer data entry to document completed inspections.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry level position in the Fire Inspector series. This position is distinguished from Fire Inspector II in that the incumbent serves in a training capacity, learning to perform fire prevention related tasks and duties.

Employees will be eligible and expected to progress through the promotional process to Fire Inspector II upon satisfactory completion of training as outlined in the Reno Fire Department Policies and Procedures.

The Fire Inspector I receives immediate supervision from Fire Prevention Captains and may receive technical assistance from the Fire Inspector II.

Essential Functions

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Conducts fire and life safety inspections of residential, commercial, and mercantile occupancies. Assists with fire and life safety inspections of industrial, institutional, public assembly, and other establishments and properties to identify, report, and eliminate fire hazards.

Under direct supervision, assists with inspections of businesses prior to issuance of a business license; identifies unsafe fire and life safety practices or conditions, and develops corrective recommendations.

Investigates complaints regarding fire and life safety hazards in existing buildings, structures, and premises to determine if hazardous or illegal conditions exist. Documents code violations; recommends modifications to rectify violations; verifies conformance to existing codes.

Participates in the evaluation of fire alarm systems, automated fire extinguishing systems, building exiting systems and storage methods for explosives and combustible materials.

Under direct supervision, assists in the investigation of structure fires. Prepares reports on causes of fires and other relevant information.

Delivers lectures, demonstrations and talks on fire safety, prevention, protection, and inspection procedures.

Conducts fire drills in schools, hospitals, and other public buildings.

Responds to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provides information within the area of assignment; resolves complaints in an efficient and timely manner; provides quality customer service.

Under direct supervision, assists in the plans examination and review process.

Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:
Principles and procedures of record keeping
Common office software programs
Techniques for communicating effectively with the public
English usage, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure
Basic mathematical calculations
Codes, laws, and regulations relevant to fire prevention, protection, and investigation
Fire prevention and protection components and the science of fire and firefighting
Modern fire prevention and protection principles, practices methods and techniques
Fire behavior; common causes of fire and fire spread
IFC, IBC, & NFPA standards
Fire protection equipment, systems, and appliance evaluation, testing and approval
Fire department suppression operations, tactics, and strategies
Community education methodology related to fire and life safety, human behavior during fire and community risk assessment
Fire hazard development causes, prevention and related injuries

Ability to:
Learn and apply pertinent city and state fire and life safety codes and ordinances
Learn and apply principles and practices of fire and life safety code enforcement
Learn and apply fire prevention methods and practices
Learn department and division organization and operations
Learn to read and interpret blueprints
Successfully complete Reno Fire Department's Fire Inspector I training program

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:
Equivalent to the graduation of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in fire behavior and/or the building trades and code enforcement.

Experience:
Eligible candidates will have verifiable work experience in one or more of the following fields:

One year of work experience as an instructor in a public setting.
OR
One year of work experience in plan checking; building or structural inspection; or life safety systems design, installation, or inspection.
OR
One year of work experience conducting public fire code prevention or community code enforcement including interpretation and enforcement of related codes and regulations.
OR
Two years of work experience as a full-time public fire department fire fighter.
OR
Four years of experience as a public volunteer fire fighter.

License or Certificate:
Possession of a valid driver's license on the date of application with maintenance thereafter.
Successfully complete the Reno Fire Department's Fire Inspector I Training Program as required by the Reno Fire Department Policies and Procedures.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein 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 job functions.

Environment: Travel from site to site; work in field, construction site and office environments; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, potentially hazardous chemicals; inspect in restricted spaces.

Physical: Essential and marginal functions require physical agility necessary for bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, climbing stairs and ladders, walking or standing for prolonged periods of time.

Other Requirements

IAFF

F11

Rev 9/2018

JD 11/2018

Please use this Health and Welfare Benefit Link to learn more about the City of Reno's great employee benefit plans and wellness programs.