Fire Inspector

Department: Fire Reports to: Fire Marshal

Summary: Performs fire prevention and public relations duties on an assigned basis. Inspects commercial, public, and multi-family residential occupancies in an assigned area to promote fire and life safety and to enforce applicable local, state, and federal rules, codes, and ordinances. Conducts fire safety presentations. Must maintain telephone contact. Conducts inspections on a timely basis as defined in the fire code. Conducts public education presentations on an assigned basis.

Essential Functions: -- Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Inspects public, commercial, industrial and residential buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws.
• Examines interiors and exteriors of buildings to detect hazardous conditions or violations of fire ordinances and laws.
• Prepares reports of violations or unsafe conditions.
• Discusses conditions with owner or manager and recommends safe methods of storing flammable or other hazardous materials.
• Informs owners or managers of conditions requiring corrections.
• Issues summons for fire hazards not corrected or subsequent inspections and enforces code when owner refuses to cooperate.
• Keeps file of inspection records.
• Conducts plans review for new construction.
• Conducts fire prevention classes to the various ages of children, adults, and senior citizens. Assists individual groups and organizations in establishing fire safety programs.
• Conducts certificates of occupancy inspections with members of the Building Department.
• Works off-duty hours to ensure full compliance with local laws and ordinances that can not be performed during normal business hours. These off-duty hours are on a rotating basis and usually have a positive outcome.
• Ensures code compliance with existing fire suppression systems, fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems, and similar devices, and conducts acceptance testing on all new installations.
• Participates in all phases of E.O.C.
• Performs video and photography duties as assigned.
• Assists with special programs such as Child Safety Seat, smoke detectors, and other safety issues.
• Supports departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.
• Subject to 24-hour on-call status.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines: A high school diploma and (2) years of experience working directly with the public is required. An associate degree is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Able to work effectively with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public.
• Must have Computer knowledge.
• Must have the ability to prepare detailed reports and communicate orally and in writing.
• Preferred knowledge of fire prevention codes.
• Preferred knowledge of Fire Science.
• Preferred knowledge of and experience with public speaking.
• Preferred knowledge of local building ordinances.

License and certification requirements: A valid driver's license is required. While a Fire Inspector and Plans Examiner certification is preferred at the time of appointment, candidates who are not certified must obtain both certifications within six months of employment.