Job Description
Fire Inspector II
The purpose of this position is to provide advanced protective services activities in fire prevention and life safety, fire origin and cause investigation, emergency and disaster planning, and assisting in response and recovery activities. Conducts routine fire code inspections as mandated by the State of North Carolina in all commercial and county-owned buildings with Durham County.
This class works independently, under limited supervision, reporting major activities through periodic meetings.
Essential job functions include:
- Lead inspector that evaluates public, commercial, and residential structures to ensure compliance with jurisdiction, state and federal fire codes and ordinances. Conducts inspections of complex fire hazard complaints for compliance with jurisdiction, state, and federal regulations. Issues permits.
- Lead fire investigator that is responsible for investigating fire events to determine origin and cause, conduct fire death investigations, collect evidence, write comprehensive reports, and work with law enforcement, interviewing witnesses, or involved persons who may possess information or knowledge pertaining to incident under investigation and provide testimony in court or other legal settings.
- Supervise the implementation of a community risk reduction (CRR) plan so that community needs are addressed.
- Assign instructional sessions, recommend budget needs, approve course materials, manage training records and reports.
- Participates in Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations during disasters and emergencies.
- Responds to fire code, law, and life safety inquiries from citizens. Reviews and evaluates routine and detailed building plans, site plans, and fire protection system plans in terms of fire code and building code life safety criteria.
- Responds to fires and performs fire suppression operations including attack, ventilation, rescue, and salvage; assists all other agencies as needed and requested to extinguish fires.
- Schedules and conducts age- and audience-appropriate programs of instruction on fire and life safety issues using prepared materials with identified objectives.
- Participates in Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations during disasters and emergencies.
- Drives, operates, and moves specialized response and recovery vehicles, trailers, and equipment if needed.
- Performs related work as assigned.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:
- Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of modern suppression systems and fire prevention practices and must also possess the ability to apply this knowledge to fire prevention laws and ordinances, principles of public administration and code enforcement.
- Knowledge of fire ground hazards, types of evidence, importance of fire scene security, evidence preservation and issues relating to spoilation.
- Knowledgeable of the types of building construction and the effects of fire on construction materials, types of evidence commonly found in the perimeter, evidence preservation methods, the effects of fire suppression, fire behavior and spread, fire patterns, and a basic awareness of the dangers of hazardous materials.
- Working knowledge of educational methodology, an in-depth understanding of the fire service and its role in the community, and an understanding of fire service management, policies, and procedures.
- Working knowledge of fire and building codes and laws: advanced knowledge of the principles, techniques, and design of fixed fire suppression and detection systems; and the ability to read and interpret plans and blueprints.
- Basic mathematical calculations.
- Ability to speak and deal tactfully and effectively with internal and external customers.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to analyze the concepts necessary for accomplishment of required written and oral records and reports.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Must be available for call-back during significant emergencies and disasters.
- Position requires on-call status for fire investigations.
Minimum education and experience requirements include:
- Associate's Degree in Fire Science, Fire and Safety Engineering Technology or related field from an appropriately accredited college or university.
- Four (4) years of fire service progressively responsible experience or related experience or an equivalent combination of education, and experience.
Certification, license, and special requirements include:
- Requires North Carolina Fire: Inspector Level III certification, Certified Fire Arson Investigator, Firefighter Level II, Hazardous Material Operation, Emergency Vehicle Driver, Investigator Technician.
- Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina Driver's license with an acceptable three-year driving history.
Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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