Fire Prevention Inspector                                                                                  5122

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class is responsible for basic fire code inspections of existing multiple family residential, commercial and/or industrial properties for current fire hazards and the issuance of recommendations for the correction of such hazards.  Regular inspections are made independently on assignment from an administrative superior, who advises the employee if problems arise on the more difficult inspection cases.  The work differs from that of a Fire Marshal I because it does not include responding to hazardous materials incidents, recommending building evacuation procedures, investigating the causes of fires, or assisting with fire safety programs.  Work is reviewed in progress and upon completion by means of observation, written reports and frequent discussions with superiors.  Performs related work as required. 

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Conducts basic inspections of existing multiple family residential, commercial, and/or industrial properties for existing fire hazards such as inadequate wiring, blocked/locked fire exits, collection of rubbish and/or flammable materials, and inadequate fire extinguishing/detection equipment;

Conducts inspections to identify compliance and violation of existing codes, ordinances and fire prevention laws;

Issues recommendations for the correction of fire hazards;

May respond to basic complaints of fire hazards;

Reinspects the premises where violations were discovered to ensure their correction;

Climbs ladders and uses tools to access ceilings, roofs or other concealed spaces for inspection; 

Issues notices of violations of the fire prevention codes, ordinances and other laws pertaining to fire prevention;

Maintains records and issues reports of inspections;

Keeps informed about the latest fire prevention methods and regulations through training and code research.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of modern fire prevention techniques and of typical sources of fire hazards; some knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations governing fire safety, fire fighting, fire prevention and detection; some knowledge of the modern developments and current literature available and sources of information pertaining to the fields of fire safety, fire prevention and fire protection; knowledge of methods used for investigation of hazardous conditions; ability to explain pertinent provisions of laws and regulations to property owners, municipal officials and the public, and to enforce fire safety laws with fairness, tact and impartiality; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; ability to keeps simple records and reports; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

             OPEN COMPETITIVE

             Either:

             (A) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State  with an Associate’s Degree in fire science; or,

             (B) Possession of a certificate in the field of fire science from a college or university with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State, and one (1) year of experience as either a paid or volunteer member of a fire department actively involved in fire fighting, fire prevention and fire safety; or,

             (C) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and two (2) years of experience as either a paid or volunteer member of a fire department actively involved in fire fighting, fire prevention and fire safety;

             (D) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of (A), (B) and (C).

 

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

             1. At the time of appointment and during employment in this title, candidates will be required to possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State.

             2. All employees hired after January 1, 1985 must successfully complete the required basic training program entitled Minimum Standards for Code Enforcement Personnel that will qualify an individual for certification as a Code Compliance Technician (Fire Inspector).  This program has been established by the State of New York Fire Fighting and Code Enforcement Personnel Standards and Education Commission.  The program must be completed in the appropriate time period as specified in the regulations, and upon completion, the required in-service training programs shall be attended as well. 

 

03/27/12

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

Review 7/23/15