FIRE CODES INSPECTOR II
(Fire Rescue)

*** This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement ***
** This position may require a physical ability/agility test**

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:

MAJOR FUNCTION

Conducts fire safety inspections of public facilities (i.e.: public assembly, educational, institutional, mercantile, business, industrial, manufacturing, storage and special hazardous structures). Works directly with the public to provide reliable information on all fire safety issues. Trained commensurate to duty, additional responsibilities shall include: firefighting, pre-fire planning, performing rescue, and handling other emergency work.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

• Inspects for proper installation, operation and maintenance of fire detection equipment, alarms, annunciation, fire sprinkler valve and fire pump operations. Checks fire extinguishers to insure they are placed in appropriate areas and are operationally serviced as required. Receives and performs inspection requests from citizens, state and local agencies (i.e.: HRS, Health Department, State Fire Marshal). Advises and/or assures that laws/codes are conformed with or issues appropriate notifications. Performs state mandated inspections, performs stand by operations at events, and performs plans reviews when needed. Responds to complaints and prepares a descriptive summary report on conditions and findings regarding each case inspection.
• Performs other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Must have a comprehensive knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the department, and by customers, as well as working in the prevention/inspection process.
• Must have thorough knowledge of the methods procedures and policies of the Polk County Fire Rescue as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Fire Inspector II. Understands the role of the position in relationship to the county as a whole.
• Must be able to proficiently use computers and computer software related to the duties of this position including word processing software. Must have the ability to learn and utilize new skills, computer programs and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
• Must have the ability to plan and develop daily, short and long term goals. Must know how to make public presentations.
• Knowledge of Florida Fire Prevention Code, Florida Administrative Code, Federal Regulations, local ordinances and laws. Knowledge of the principles and practices of fire safety and inspection techniques. Knowledge of mechanical, chemical and related characteristics of a wide variety of flammable, explosive and similar properties.
• Ability to recognize and define fire hazards and to recommend effective remedial measures. Ability to complete and/or write clear, concise and accurate descriptive reports in a timely manner. Ability to use good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the public, officials and other employees. Ability to effectively communicate orally. Ability and agility to perform inspections under any conditions. Ability to see, ambulate independently, drive, bend, stoop, sit and stand. Ability to perform research and recommend solutions. Ability to think and react calmly to emergency situations.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have an Associates Degree in Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Public Administration or related subject or possess and maintain a valid State of Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance as outlined in FS 633 and maintain Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic certification as issued by the state of Florida.
• If incumbent is a Florida Firefighter-EMT or Firefighter-Paramedic they must maintain certifications and meet the requirements to practice as a Florida Firefighter-EMT or Firefighter-Paramedic during the course of employment.
• Must have a valid Fire Safety Inspector II Certificate of Compliance issued by the Division of State Fire Marshal Office, Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.
• Must meet the requirements as outlined in the current edition of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1031, Chapter 5 “Fire Inspector II” standard for professionals qualified for Fire Inspectors and Plans Examiners.
• Skills in understanding and/or influencing people when requiring owners and contractors to meet building codes for fire safety.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment.
• No comparable amount of training or experience may be substituted for the above minimum qualifications unless such an accepted equivalent is approved by the Polk County Fire Rescue Division.
  

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Applicant/employee shall be fingerprinted and subject to personal background investigation procedures to ascertain an evaluation and determination of moral character.
• If qualified for the position with a valid State of Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance as outlined in FS 633, applicant/employee must provide a pre-employment medical and physical examination which satisfies the minimum requirements prescribed by the Division of the State Fire Marshal of the Florida Department of Financial Services prior to initial employment as a firefighter.
• Must have a telephone while employed with the Fire Rescue Division as employee is subject being called for emergencies.
• No comparable certificates or licenses may be substituted for the above requirements unless such an accepted equivalent is approved by the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of the State Fire Marshal, Bureau of Standards and Training, and Polk County Fire Rescue Division.
• Employees hired by the Fire Rescue Division after January 1, 2013 must obtain Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Awareness certification through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Those obtaining this certification must maintain certification as a condition of employment.
• This position shall be required to report at the discretion of fire administration for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.
• Persons in this job classification may be assigned to New Construction section or Existing occupancy section of the Fire Prevention Branch/Bureau.
• If the employee is not issued a county phone: Must have a cell phone while employed with the Fire Rescue Division as employee is subject to call-in emergencies and might occasionally be contacted for debriefings or for the agency to retrieve follow-up information. Must keep the phone turned on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and must answer all calls. Must promptly return any missed calls.
• If the employee is issued a county phone: must keep the county-issued cell phone turned on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Must answer calls as employee is subject to call-in emergencies and might occasionally be contacted for debriefings or for the agency to retrieve follow-up information. Must promptly return any missed calls.
• This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.
  

SPECIAL PREFERENCES

• A valid State of Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance as outlined in FS 633.
• A current Emergency Medical Technician Certificate (or better) from the State of Florida.
• Two years experience as a Fire Codes Inspector I with the Polk County Fire Marshal’s division.