FIRE PREVENTION INSPECTOR

Description

The Ideal Candidate has a solid work history in a related field, a willingness to learn the fire code, hazardous material business plan code, oil code, and related standards, and the ability to work independently and efficiently, with high quality, as well as excellent communication and customer service skills in order to address code requirements with business owners.
This individual would be self-motivated, requiring little oversight and direction once given the necessary training and experience. The candidate must possess a strong teamwork mentality and successfully work independently while completing given tasks onsite. This individual will professionally represent the Fire Department and operate in a performance based environment built on our core values: Humility, Social Awareness, Passion, Exceptionality, Integrity and Legacy.
JOB SUMMARY

Under close supervision, performs technical and specialized activities in the enforcement of compliance with codes, laws, regulations, and ordinances related to fire, building, life safety, hazardous materials, and oil wells. Performs related duties that support the mission and vision of the organization.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Reports to: Fire Marshal, Deputy Fire Marshal

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Fire Prevention Inspector is the entry-level classification in this series. It differs from the Senior Fire Prevention Inspector by the range and difficulty of fire prevention inspection duties.

Examples of Essential Duties

• Conducts fire and life safety inspections at certain businesses and occupancies in Huntington Beach
• Conducts certain building construction and fire construction inspections following approved plans to determine compliance with the fire code; inspects and witnesses acceptance testing of fire protection systems; reviews fire system testing results for compliance
• Administers the hazardous materials business emergency plan program; under supervision, reviews submissions to the California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) and approves or rejects submissions in accordance with the requirements of Health and Safety Code 6.95 and local requirements; performs audits, run reports, verifies billing, and work with supervisors and CUPA staff to ensure compliance with CUPA rules and regulations
• Conducts hazardous material program inspections of occupancies that exceed regulatory hazardous material program thresholds to confirm compliance with state and local requirements
• Enforces filing of hazardous material information, including chemical inventory and business emergency response plans into a web-based records system
• Reviews plans, blueprints, equipment, standards, chemical inventories, and processes to ensure compliance with hazardous material business plan and fire life safety requirements
• Reviews, evaluates, processes, and maintains a variety of files related to fire inspection and prevention activities, including hazardous materials and oil well programs
• Completes data input and analysis of a variety of information related to fire inspection and prevention activities, including hazardous materials
• Drafts reports related to fire inspection and prevention activities
• Prepares inspection reports, given agency policy and procedures and observations from an assigned field inspection that reflects the findings of the inspection in accordance with the applicable codes and standards and the policies of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Fire Department
• Recognizes the need for a construction or operational permits, given a situation or conditions; develops draft operational permits given the scope of activity and code requirements
• Reviews plans for events, identifies need for permits, and conducts a temporary event permit inspection
• Investigates complaints and performs follow up and documentation
• Participates in informal and formal enforcement including notices of violation and civil citations
• Actively participates in objective and key result process to achieve established goals and professional standards for the organization
• Attends a variety of continuing education classes, seminars and meetings to maintain current knowledge of applicable codes, regulations, policies and procedures
• May conduct public education programs on fire safety inspection and prevention
• Participates in a variety of special projects related to fire inspection and prevention activities
• Travels to various sites and locations during the course of work
• Reports to work as scheduled; may work a variety of schedules including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
• Maintains a regular and consistent attendance record
• Performs other related duties as assigned

The preceding duties have been provided as examples of the essential types of work performed by positions within this job classification. The City, at its discretion, may add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• The codes that give a fire inspector legal authority to conduct inspections in the state of California, the California Health and Safety Code, California Code of Regulations Title 19, and California Code of Regulations Title 24; California Fire Code and City of Huntington Beach local amendments in the municipal code; referenced codes and standards; California Health and Safety Code Chapter 6.95; OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
• Permit policies of the jurisdiction and the rationale for the permit
• Plan review policies of the jurisdiction and the rationale for the plan review
• The legal requirements pertaining to evidence rules in the legal system and types of legal proceedings
• Occupancy classification types; operational features; and fire hazards presented by various occupancies; occupant load factors; means of egress elements, types of construction, occupancy egress requirements, relationship of fixed fire protection systems to egress requirements and to approved means of egress elements, including but not limited to doors hardware and lights; acceptable building construction methods and materials
• Basic understanding of the component of fixed fire suppression systems; determine readiness of existing fire detection and alarm systems; basic understanding of portable fire extinguishers including their components and placement
• Practices and techniques of code compliance inspections, fire behavior, fire prevention practices, ignition sources, safe housekeeping practices, and classification of hazardous materials
• Ability to observe, communication, apply codes and standards, recognize problems, and make decisions
• Ability to read and comprehend plans for fire protection systems
• Requirements relative to emergency evaluation drills that are required within the jurisdiction, ways to conduct and/or evaluate fire drills in various occupancies, and human behavior during fires and other emergencies
• Emergency access and accessibility requirements
• Classification properties, labeling, storage, handling and use of hazardous materials
• Basic fire behavior, flame spread and smoke development ratings of contents, interior finishes, and building construction elements, decorations, decorative materials, and furnishings
• Basic knowledge of computers, including work processing, data spreadsheets, and email programs
• Arithmetic and basic algebra
• Computer equipment and associated software programs
• Quality service practices
• Safety issues and liability reduction, report writing methods
• Customer service principles

Ability to:

• Read and understand laws and regulations, fire codes, and procedures related to fire prevention inspections
• Conduct fire prevention inspections
• Communicate clearly and concisely with Department personnel, businesses, and residents, both verbally and in writing; perform field inspections for fire code compliance including building construction, egress, fixed fire suppression systems, extinguishers, and recognize hazardous operations and conditions
• Understand and classify hazardous material by its properties, and identify a hazardous material’s Federal hazard classes and Fire Code hazard categories
• Learn new concepts and adapt to changing environment, including new technology, codes, policies, or procedures
• Maintain a large inventory of inspections, tasks, and projects
• Work in teams
• Read and understand drawings, diagrams and specifications for construction projects and fire protection equipment
• Prepare reports and communications; communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
• Perform arithmetic and basic algebraic functions
• Ensure safety and professional work standards are met
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and deliver quality customer service

Education: High school diploma or equivalent certificate supplemented by courses in fire prevention, fire inspection, fire education, or other directly related field; prefer bilingual language skills. Bachelor’s degree desirable

Experience: One (1) year experience with fire prevention, hazardous material management, compliance inspections, code enforcement, or permit processing.

Licenses/Certifications: Possession of a valid California Class C driver license and an acceptable driving record are required at time of appointment and throughout employment.

Complete CAL FIRE/OSFM CFSTES Fire Inspector I course work and certification during probationary period.

PC 832 certification desirable.

International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Fire Inspector desirable.

Inspector must have or obtain an HAZWOPER First Responder Awareness Training within 6 months of hire, and maintain annual 8 hour refresher training.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Employees regularly assigned/required to drive a city or personal vehicle in the course and scope of work shall be required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull Notice program.

Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all Huntington Beach city employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCEDURE

• An online application must be completed in its entirety. Please attach a resume and cover letter to your online application prior to submitting.
• All applications will be closely reviewed for relevant experience, education and training.
• Applicants must clearly demonstrate meeting minimum education and experience qualifications and other supplemental question requirements by demonstrating proof or submitting the supporting information/documents or they may be subject to exclusion from further consideration.
• Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in a qualifications appraisal process, which may include a job-related writing exercise and oral board examination.
• Passing candidates will be placed on the employment eligible list from which hires may be made. The employment eligible list may be valid for one year, unless exhausted sooner.
• Candidates considered for hire must undergo a background investigation which may include a credit check, driving record check, Livescan fingerprinting and Department of Justice (DOJ) report, pre-employment questionnaire, and/or other related examinations.
• Upon hire, employee is subject to further reporting from DOJ via subsequent arrest notification.

Please Note: Our primary means of communication with applicants is sent via email; therefore, please include a valid email address on your application.
FLEXIBLE STAFFING/RECLASSIFICATION

Fire Prevention Inspector incumbents may be recommended for reclassification upon completion of probation and meeting the minimum qualifications of Senior Fire Prevention Inspector, specifically:

Minimum one (1) year of college-level coursework (30 semester units or 45 quarter units) from an accredited college or university in skilled or construction trades, fire administration/science/technology, engineering, or directly related field PLUS three (3) years of experience as a fire prevention inspector, hazardous material inspector, oil well compliance inspector, building inspector, public works inspector, construction inspector, engineering assistant PLUS CAL FIRE/OSFM CFSTES Fire Inspector II course work completion.

Reclassification is not automatic. Consideration is subject to the review, recommendation and approval of the Department Head based upon operational and staffing requirements.

Supplemental Information

Incumbents must be able to meet the physical requirements of the class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.

Work involves considerable physical activity in an outdoor setting with exposure to weather conditions and potential exposure to physical harm. There is frequent need to walk, talk or hear, stand, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and climb ladders or scaffolding. May also necessitate frequent exposure to weather conditions, physical, electrical, mechanical, and chemical hazards. Must comply with all California Occupational Safety & Health Act (Cal/OSHA) regulations and utilize approved safety equipment and protective gear including but not limited to respirators and/or hearing protective devices if and when required. May climb, stoop, bend, crouch, kneel, and reach above and below shoulder level. Must be able to work beyond a regular scheduled workday when required.

Reasonable accommodation(s) for an individual with a qualified disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The City of Huntington Beach offers a comprehensive benefit package to Huntington Beach Municipal Teamsters (formerly MEA) members, including:

The SALARY RANGE is composed of seven steps. Merit step increases are based on satisfactory performance.

PROMOTIONS within the City are based upon the merit system principles emphasizing individual ability and utilizing competitive examinations.

TWELVE PAID HOLIDAYS provided per year.

GENERAL LEAVE with pay of 176 hours is granted to regular full-time employees. After four years' service additional general leave hours are earned, up to 256 hours after fifteen years' service.

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PLANS are available for eligible employees to develop their knowledge and abilities.

GROUP INSURANCE PROGRAMS are available to eligible City employees. These programs include medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurances.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS are available where employees use pre-tax salary to pay for regular child care, adult dependent care and/or medical expenses.

RETIREMENT BENEFITS are provided by the California Public Employee's Retirement System. Every regular employee becomes a member immediately upon employment. Effective January 1, 2013, the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act will apply to new members of CalPERS. A new member is defined as a new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after 1/1/13 and has no prior membership in a California public retirement system; is not eligible for reciprocity with another California public retirement system; or is rehired by a different CalPERS employer after a break in service of greater than six (6) months. All employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 will be subject to CalPERS membership review for applicability of PEPRA. Employees enrolled in CalPERS prior to January 1, 2013 are considered classic members.

The benefit formula, final compensation period, and member contribution rate is as represented below:

Classic Miscellaneous Members:
Benefit Formula Miscellaneous 2.5% at age 55
Final Compensation Period 1-year Final Compensation
Member Contribution Rate 9.0% of Reportable Compensation

New Miscellaneous Members under PEPRA:
Benefit Formula Miscellaneous 2% at age 62
Final Compensation Period 3-year Final Compensation
Member Contribution Rate 8.25% of Reportable Compensation (eff. 7/1/23)

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Two voluntary deferred compensation 457 plans are available.

CREDIT UNION membership is available to all City employees and provides access to low interest loans.

FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULES: Employees will have the option of working a 5/40 or 9/80 work schedule with Supervisor and Department Head approval. Employees assigned to the Police Department shall retain the option of working the 4/10 work schedule with Supervisor and Department Head approval. In order to maintain service to the public, departmental effectiveness, productivity and/or efficiency, a Department Head may assign an employee a different work schedule that is in compliance with the requirements of FLSA with City Manager approval.

An Agency Shop Agreement exists between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Municipal Teamsters (HBMT). As a result, employees in classifications represented by the HBMT are required, no later than 30 days after commencing employment, to either opt out or become a dues paying HBMT member. All dues are collected via payroll deduction and distributed directly to HBMT for processing.

NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract expressed or implied, and any provisions contained herein may be modified or revoked without notice.

For a more detailed overview of the benefits, review the Memorandum of Understanding and Side Letters at: MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDINGS Click on the links under "Huntington Beach Municipal Teamsters" or "Municipal Employees' Association".

Closing Date/Time: 1/13/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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• City of Huntington Beach

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