Description

A City application must be completed to be considered a candidate. Online applications are accepted at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/princetontx.

Under the direct supervision of the Fire Marshal, the Fire Inspector performs technical and administrative work related to fire prevention, life safety inspections, code compliance, public education, and fire protection system compliance. This position conducts inspections of commercial occupancies, public buildings, new construction, certificates of occupancy, state-licensed facilities, and other occupancies as assigned to ensure compliance with adopted fire codes, City ordinances, and applicable state and federal regulations.

The Fire Inspector investigates routine complaints related to fire and life safety hazards; documents inspection findings; issues notices of violation or correction notices as authorized; conducts re-inspections; maintains accurate inspection records; assists with pre-fire planning; and supports community fire prevention education. This position may assist the Fire Marshal with scene documentation or initial fire scene support when requested.

Essential Functions:

• Conducts fire and life safety inspections of commercial businesses, public buildings, schools, daycares, state-licensed facilities, multi-family occupancies, and other assigned occupancies for compliance with adopted fire codes, City ordinances, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Conducts Certificate of Occupancy inspections and assists with occupancy approvals by verifying required fire/life safety conditions, access, egress, occupant load, fire protection systems, address visibility, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, and other applicable requirements.
• Inspects new construction, remodels, tenant finish-outs, and related development projects to verify compliance with adopted fire codes, approved plans, ordinances, and applicable standards.
• Reviews inspection requests, schedules inspections, conducts field inspections, documents results, and communicates deficiencies clearly to contractors, business owners, property representatives, and City staff.
• Conducts re-inspections to verify correction of fire and life safety violations and documents compliance status in the department’s inspection or records management system.
• Investigates routine complaints regarding fire hazards, blocked exits, overcrowding, unsafe storage, fire lane violations, alarm/sprinkler concerns, and other life safety issues; coordinates corrective action under the direction of the Fire Marshal.
• Evaluates fire protection and detection systems, including fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, fire pumps, hood suppression systems, standpipes, hydrants, and fire extinguishers, to confirm compliance with adopted codes and approved conditions.
• Coordinates with contractors and third-party vendors regarding acceptance testing, inspection scheduling, system deficiencies, and required documentation for fire protection systems.
• Assists with limited plan review support as assigned, including review of site plans, fire lanes, hydrant placement, access, fire protection system documentation, and related fire code requirements; refers complex plans or interpretations to the Fire Marshal.
• Completes fire inspection forms, correction notices, activity reports, correspondence, and other documentation used by the department.
• Prepares clear, concise, and accurate reports that demonstrate inspection activity, code compliance, violation trends, re-inspection status, and productivity of the Fire Marshal’s Office.
• Maintains accurate records of inspections, notices, permits, complaints, re-inspections, fire protection system documentation, public education events, and related Fire Marshal’s Office activities.
• Coordinates and presents fire prevention, life safety, and public education programs to residents, businesses, schools, civic groups, and community organizations.
• Demonstrates sound principles and practices in fire prevention education, including age-appropriate and audience-appropriate delivery methods.
• Assists the Operations Division with the development and updating of pre-fire plans, including collection of building, occupancy, access, hazard, hydrant, fire protection system, and contact information.
• Supports the Operations Division by collecting and sharing relevant life safety and building information identified during inspection activities.
• Coordinates with Development Services, Building Inspections, Code Compliance, Public Works, and other City departments on fire/life safety issues, new development, occupancy concerns, and interdepartmental code compliance matters.
• Responds to fire scenes and conducts fire investigations. Evaluates fire scenes to determine the area or point of origin, source of ignition, material ignited, and the act or activity that brought the ignition source and material together. Documents findings and coordinates with the Fire Marshal when arson or other criminal activity is suspected.
• Immediately notifies and coordinates with the Fire Marshal when suspected arson, criminal activity, serious code violations, or significant fire/life safety hazards are identified.
• Maintains required certifications and completes continuing education and training necessary for assigned duties, certification maintenance, and departmental standards.
• Provides professional customer service to property owners, contractors, residents, business owners, City staff, and the public.
• Performs duties in accordance with City policies, department procedures, adopted codes, safety standards, and applicable local, state, and federal requirements.
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information and releases information only to authorized individuals or in accordance with City policy.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

      Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of fire prevention principles, fire inspection methods, life safety practices, and code enforcement procedures.
• Knowledge of adopted fire codes, City ordinances, and applicable state and federal regulations related to fire prevention and life safety.
• Knowledge of commercial and public occupancy inspection practices, including means of egress, fire lanes, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, occupant load, hazardous materials, storage practices, and general fire/life safety hazards.
• Knowledge of fire protection and detection systems, including fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems, hood suppression systems, fire pumps, standpipes, fire hydrants, and related equipment.
• Knowledge of inspection documentation, correction notices, re-inspection procedures, and code compliance follow-up practices.
• Knowledge of fire prevention education techniques and the ability to present safety information to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to read and interpret basic construction documents, site plans, fire protection system documents, inspection reports, permits, and applicable code provisions.
• Ability to identify fire and life safety violations and communicate corrective requirements clearly and professionally.
• Ability to prepare accurate, complete, and concise inspection reports, correspondence, activity summaries, and related documentation.
• Ability to maintain organized records and enter inspection data accurately into department systems.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy when working with business owners, contractors, residents, and City staff.
• Ability to work independently in the field while following department policy, supervisory direction, and established procedures.
• Ability to coordinate with multiple departments and outside stakeholders to resolve compliance issues.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and follow up on outstanding violations or inspection assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and emotional control when working under stress or during difficult interactions.
• Ability to work in adverse environments, including construction sites, occupied buildings, outdoor conditions, and potentially hazardous locations.
• Ability to safely climb, walk, bend, kneel, crawl, access mechanical/fire protection areas, and perform physical activity necessary for inspections.
• Ability to operate a City vehicle and maintain a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving 

Requirements

A City application must be completed to be considered a candidate. Online applications are accepted at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/princetontx.

   Minimum Qualifications Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required. 
• Three (3) years of experience in life safety inspections, code enforcement, building inspections, fire inspections, construction inspections, firefighting operations, or another closely related field involving the application and enforcement of life safety codes and regulations.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License and maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Must pass required pre-employment screening, including background check and drug screening, in accordance with City policy.

Required Certifications:

• TCFP Fire Inspector I and II.
• TCFP Plans Examiner, or the ability to obtain within a timeframe established by the City.
• TCFP Fire Investigator, or the ability to obtain within a timeframe established by the City. 
• NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Science, Fire Protection, Fire Engineering, Emergency Management, Public Administration, Construction Management, or a closely related field.
• TCFP Basic Structural Firefighter.
• Experience conducting commercial fire inspections, Certificate of Occupancy inspections, or fire protection system acceptance inspections.