The Township of Maplewood is accepting applications for a Fire Inspector Specialist

Notice

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all the duties listed in this job specification, and all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Under direction, inspects buildings and premises to identify and eliminate fire hazards and enforce the provisions of relevant fire safety codes and related regulations; does related work as required.

Requirements

1. Possession of a current, valid Fire Inspector Certification issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
2. Applicants who possess the higher-level certification as a Fire Official are considered to have met the above certification requirement.
3. Some jurisdictions may require appointees to possess a license as an Inspector of Hotels and Multiple Dwellings, issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs when assigned to a municipality approved to conduct cyclical inspections of multiple dwellings in conjunction with the State Local Cooperative Housing Inspection Program (SLCHIP).
4. Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Skills & Abilities

1. Knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook, and other computer programs as needed.
2. Writes correspondence and prepares clear, accurate, informative statistical and other reports.  Supervises the establishment and maintenance of essential records and reports.

Job Duties  

• Inspects various buildings, structures, and premises to identify and eliminate fire hazards.
• Inspects buildings classified as high-rise and life-hazard use for compliance with the Uniform Fire Safety Code using established regulations, guidelines, standards, procedures, and schedules.
• Inspects fire extinguishing and fire protection equipment to ensure it is operable and prepares reports identifying deficiencies.
• Observes tests of fire prevention or protection equipment in plants where explosive or flammable materials are processed or stored.
• Observe equipment tests and inspect storage conditions for fire and safety code conformance.
• Notes and investigates unsafe conditions and practices that might cause or increase fire hazards.
• May instruct employees of business establishments in fire safety practices.
• Inspects buildings with six or more stories used for human occupancy to ensure that they are equipped with standpipes installed in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Reports findings to the fire official utilizing authorized forms, detailing violations and corrective action.
• Inspects areas where flammable or combustible materials are stored and reports or takes steps to correct undesirable conditions.
• Serves penalty notices, orders, rulings, and other legal process, including violation notices.
• Ensures that automatic fire alarm systems, when required, are present, operable, and adequately maintained by pertinent regulations.
• Inspects buildings for proper and adequate means of egress as determined by use, design, and layout.
• Ensures all means of egress are accessible, safe, adequately equipped and maintained, and meet the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code requirements or other relevant codes or ordinances.
• Ensures all exit and information signs are correctly displayed and maintained and meet the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code requirements about location, illumination, height, etc.
• Reinspects buildings, structures, and premises that have been identified as having violation(s) of applicable fire codes and that constitute an imminent hazard to the health, safety, or welfare of the occupants or intended occupants, firefighters, or the general public, for abatement of said violation(s).
• Reinspect buildings, structures, or premises within a prescribed time after they have been cited for violations to determine that violations have been properly and wholly abated.
• Issues penalty notices for fire hazards not abated on subsequent inspection.
• Examines interiors and exteriors of buildings, structures, and premises to detect hazardous conditions or violations of fire regulations and laws.
• Prepares reports of violations and penalty orders.
• Discusses conditions with owner or agent and recommends safe methods of storing flammable or other hazardous materials.
• Informs owner or agent of conditions requiring correction, such as deficient egress facilities, improper fire protection equipment and faulty wiring, and issues violation notices.
• Explains the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code and regulations to owners and advises how to abate existing violations.
• Ensures permit applications are obtained where the Code requires and performs inspections on uses related to the permit.
• Works closely with the Fire Official, fire department, and municipal officials in interpreting/applying the NJ Uniform Fire Code and ensuring construction permits are obtained where necessary.
• Performs inspections to ensure compliance with conditions of permits issued by the Fire Official.
• Prepares and files inspection reports.
• Prepares and serves violation notices and orders.
• Investigates complaints of alleged fire code violations and provides reports on findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Investigate fires to determine origin, cause, and speed.
• Maintains file of inspection records, prepares reports of activities, and coordinates activities with other officials responsible for ensuring fire and life safety.
• Prepares and maintains inspection records of actions taken, violations found, progress made, and other conditions observed.
• Takes photographs pertinent to assignments.
• May perform building inspections to identify health and safety violations.
• Gives testimony in court and at hearings and acts as a witness when required
• May speak before civic, school, and community organizations/groups to encourage the use of fire prevention methods by community residents.
• They may give talks or demonstrations to adults and children on appropriate fire safety procedures in the home, school, or other buildings.
• Prepares clear, sound, accurate, and comprehensive reports of inspections and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Maintains essential records and files.
• They will be required to learn to utilize various electronic and manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

 Maplewood reserves the right to review applications and conduct interviews as they are received.

The Township of Maplewood is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Interested persons should email their resume/inquiries to: gjones@maplewoodnj.gov

Job Description: Fire Prevention Specialist