Fire Inspector/Investigator

Dept/Div: Fire/N/A --- FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

General Definition of Work

Performs intermediate technical protective service work in fire prevention and investigation conducting inspections, investigations, and promoting fire safety/prevention through enforcement of codes county ordinances, state fire regulations, building, electrical, and housing codes and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Fire Marshal.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

Assists the Fire Marshal in the day-to-day operations and activities of fire prevention, including conducting fire safety educational programs.

Assists in plan and blueprint review on all new construction and provides appropriate recommendations.

Schedules, conducts, and administers inspections of existing facilities for existing or potential fire hazards and to ensure compliance with Federal, State and County Fire Codes.

Inspects and tests fire protection installations in commercial buildings during construction and at completion; conducts re-inspections as necessary and Approves requests for commercial building permits; Certificates of Occupancy (CO) and Certificates of Completion (COC).

Conducts fire education, safety and training for the department, businesses, schools, daycare centers and the community at large.

Investigates unsafe structures and fires of suspicious origin; collects documents and preserves evidence as required; interviews suspects, witnesses, and victims in suspected or confirmed arson cases.

Coordinates and reviews all pre-fire plans for the County.

Maintains appropriate inspection records; prepares and maintains reports; enters inspection information in computer database.

Occasionally responds to fire and accident calls as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of the principles of fire protective services and state and local fire codes. Thorough knowledge of construction codes and standards and local ordinances. Thorough knowledge of inspection practices and techniques. General knowledge of modern fire investigation techniques, fire science and terminology, criminal and civil law, and search and seizure laws, and basic profiling skills; moderate knowledge of the principles and practices of building construction and electrical and mechanical systems. Familiarity with law enforcement procedures, applicable state and federal codes, courtroom procedures and photography. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing combined with the ability to establish professional working relationships with local officials, community organizations, and the general public. Ability to operate a computer with comprehensive knowledge of various software applications. Maintains physical capabilities standards as determined by position content, validated physical abilities assessment and annual physical fitness test.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED and moderate experience in fire inspection, investigation and/or prevention

Five (5) years of G.F.S.T.C. certified firefighter.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 60 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently requires sitting and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, tasting or smelling, pushing or pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires wet, humid conditions (non-weather), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, exposure to outdoor weather conditions and wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

Special Requirements

Fire Investigator Certification, Fire Inspector Certification, and Safety Inspector Certification preferred, or all obtained within 24 months of hire/assignment to position.

Possession of a valid State of Georgia Class F driver’s license with a favorable MVR.

Last Revised: 08/22/2022