Fire Inspector

Position Summary

Inspects new construction fire protection systems and performs annual inspections enforcing fire codes and City ordinances; provides education to the public; and maintains knowledge of building codes.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Positions at this level perform the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series. Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters allocated to the journey and/or Senior level. Employees work under immediate supervision while learning assigned job tasks within the scope of established policies, procedures, and pertinent regulations. May receive technical and/or functional supervision from higher levels.

Essential Functions

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Performs annual, daily, certificate of occupancy, and new tenant fire inspections inspecting all buildings, grounds, and facilities to ascertain and correct hazardous conditions; performs re-inspections as needed; and prepares and delivers invoices for services.
• Participates in pre-construction meetings; reviews plans in the field as needed; assists other departments on construction sites in resolving construction issues and concerns; and performs fire lane and fire hydrant inspections prior to construction. 
• Enforces fire codes and City ordinances; responds to complaints ranging from fire lane parking violations, illegal spray painting, missing life safety devices, emergency access gates, and access control systems; responds to apartments/multi-family residential properties for various code violations; responds to fire scene to assist with fire systems; and maintains knowledge of building codes.
• Prepares and presents programs for fire prevention and public education including fire extinguisher training, fire and evacuation drills, fire code, fire protection system purpose and functionality, and life safety issues.
• Performs administrative duties including maintaining routine fire inspection files of all businesses with emergency phone numbers, invoicing, monitoring invoices for payments, creating and issuing citations, and following up with businesses.
• Prepares daily and monthly reports related to inspections.
• Contacts news media on prevention related matters.
• Inspects and monitors special events such as fireworks displays, Fire Department open house functions, parades, or other situations as assigned by the Fire Marshal.
• Assists with all functions related to pandemics and all other orders issued by the governor’s Office.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or GED required.  Associate degree in a related field preferred.

Experience: One (1) year of experience in a related field preferred. Experience performing fire and life safety inspections for a government agency preferred.

Any combination of related, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job is an acceptable substitute for the above specified experience requirements. 

Licenses and Certifications: Texas Commission on Fire Protection Basic Fire Inspector Certification. Plans Examiner Certification recommended, not preferred. 

Conditions of Employment: Must submit and pass a criminal background check, pre-employment drug, pre-placement medical examination and the job placement assessment (JPA). Must possess and maintain a valid State of Texas Driver’s License Class “C” and good driving record as defined by City policy.

Other Requirements: Must be able to work overtime, on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays as required. This position is subject to emergency operations.  The individual holding this position will be required to work as usual or as needed: during emergency operations, in preparation for prolonged emergency operations and/ or during recovery from prolonged emergency operations as directed by his/her direct supervisor, Department Head or designee, or the City Manager or designee. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Building codes, fire codes, and City ordinances; principles and methods of fire prevention and fire inspection; fire detection and extinguishing systems; hazardous materials, proper storage, use, application, and response to fire; and elements and requirements of a legal report.

Skilled in: Conducting physical inspections of buildings on both level and uneven surfaces; using personal computer including Microsoft Office, G-Suite, e-mail, the internet and any other fire inspection related databases or programs; accepting responsibility for his/her actions; performing work accurately and thoroughly; following instructions, safety practices, and standard operating procedures in performing assigned tasks; communicating effectively, clearly, and concisely both orally and in writing; being punctual and attending work regularly; and working effectively with people regardless of their race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran' s status, genetics, or job type.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to climb and descend stairs, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites.   Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio.  The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking, hiking, and/or climbing in and through operational areas to identify situations, problems, or hazards.  Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate the above-mentioned tools and equipment.   Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, climb to perform work and inspect work sites, and push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.   Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Employees work primarily in the field and may be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and/or hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road and/or land hazards, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.  Employees work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions.  Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

The city of Lewisville has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities, which may be required. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. The position also requires meeting the essential requirements of the Physical Demands and Working Conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Levels of positions within a class series are distinguished by the level of responsibility assumed, the complexity of duties assigned, the independence of action taken, the nature of the public contact made, and the impact and span of tasks performed.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.  The City of Lewisville has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Work Hours

Monday - Thursday 7:30am-5:30pm, Friday 7:30am-11:30am.