Fire Inspector jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA

Position Summary

GENERAL SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Assistant Fire Marshall, performs inspections and plan reviews for new and existing business and commercial occupancies. Documents and enforces various fire prevention laws, ordinances, and regulations. Responsible for promoting public safety through enforcement of fire and life safety codes and standards, public education, and community risk reduction efforts.

The ideal candidate possesses the ability to follow a management philosophy that is input oriented and values problem solving and the development of partnerships; the ability to work effectively as a member of a team; and the desire to be part of an organization that values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation, and teamwork.

Job Duties

• Conducts in-field inspections and testing of fire protection systems, often of multiple on- going projects; some inspections may be required outside of normal business hours.
• Enforces codes and provides quality control for a variety of life safety and fire protection systems to determine compliance with plans and specifications and initiates legal proceedings.
• May appear in court and participate in providing testimony in court.
• Works collaboratively with other city and county departments. Works well with a variety of community partners, business owners, and citizens. Maintains a respectful dialogue.
• May review documents for compliance with local and nationally recognized fire and life safety codes.
• Assists in various investigations including building violations and may assist at fire investigations to determine the cause and origin of various fires.
• Maintains daily record of projects and communicates status to supervisors, project engineers and team as needed.
• Works with Pre-plan software to create and or revise pre plans.
• Provides customer service to residents by performing inspections and investigating resident concerns regarding life safety issues. Acts as a liaison between contractors and residents involving project conflicts.
• Confers with architects, contractors, builders, and the public and explains fire code requirements and restrictions.
• Works with the department’s compliance vendor to ensure accurate reporting and business participation.
• Conducts follow-up inspections and recommends code enforcement proceedings for non- compliance of project plans and specifications.
• Coordinates projects to eliminate overlapping with other construction projects and city functions.
• Provides input on accreditation categories, ISO reporting, and strategic planning processes.
• Operates as first point of contact on assigned projects.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

• Building and Construction and Fire Protection: Knowledge of engineering, fire protection, fire investigation, and building/construction methods, procedures, and principles.
• Communication: Effective verbal and written communication including appropriate documentation and reporting.
• Inspection Proficiency: Ability to apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials and detect deviation from plans, regulations, ordinances, codes and standard fire protection and life safety practices.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Ability to analyze problems, make decisions and initiate corrective action.
• Technical Report Writing: Ability to prepare analytical, technical, and operational reports.
• Equipment Operation: Ability to operate testing equipment.
• Blueprint Interpretation and Reading: Ability to interpret and understand technical drawings, diagrams, and specification used in construction, engineering, or manufacturing projects.
• Technology: Knowledge of personal computers, word-processing, database and spreadsheet software.
• Collaboration and Customer Service: Ability to work effectively and professionally with internal and external stakeholders and customers.

• Operates office equipment.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Subject to recall at various times including holidays and after hours.
• May remain in a stationary position for an hour or more.
• The ability to identify and avoid unsafe working conditions to maintain personal safety at all times. Ability to utilize appropriate safety equipment including eye protection, hearing protection, and respirators. Ability to test to the necessary fit testing standards for the appropriate level of respiratory protection for the position.

• General work is conducted in the field, some office work.
• Ability to work outside.
• May work in areas that are somewhat uncomfortable due to dirt, dust, fumes, noise, lighting, or temperature variation.
• Travels to various locations, ability to operate a variety of department vehicles.
• Ability to navigate various terrain including construction sites and function in a variety of weather conditions common in Iowa.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent,
• At least one year of experience in fire inspection and code enforcement.
• Valid State of Iowa Driver’s License. Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license.

• Associate's degree in Fire Science or equivalent field.
• Three or more years of experience in fire inspection and code enforcement or related field.
• Or a commensurate combination of experience and education.

• International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector 1. Ability to obtain certification within 12 months of hire.

Supplemental Information

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Employee shall establish their principal place of residence within fifty (50) miles of their place of employment as soon as practical after appointment, but within two years of their date of employment or appointment.

FLSA STATUS: Non- Exempt

SUPERVISORY STATUS: None

Selection Process

• 
  MQ Review: HR will screen applications for minimum qualifications after the posting closes.
• SME Review: Applications for candidates that meet minimum qualifications will be forwarded for an in-depth review of supplemental question responses.
• Panel Interview(s): Our goal is to schedule panel interviews with candidates that pass the HR review as soon as possible.

Our Commitment to You
We are committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities. The City of Dubuque values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration and work-life harmony. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our diverse community. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and an inclusive workforce. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.