Job Summary:   This position conducts inspections to ensure compliance with fire codes and performs investigations to determine the cause and origin of fires.   

Major Duties:  Conducts annual fire safety inspections and safety education for businesses, schools, daycares, nursing homes, hospitals, churches, etc. Documents inspection results and maintains related files and records.  Investigates fires to determine cause and origin; takes photographs and collects evidence; interviews victims, witnesses, and suspects; analyzes fire scenes and records information.  Reviews plans for new business construction to ensure compliance with relevant codes.   Conducts onsite inspections for new commercial buildings.  Maintains inspection files and records.  Maintains and updates department website.  Responds to fire and other emergency scenes and performs the duties of a Firefighter as needed.  Performs related duties. 

Minimum Qualifications:   18 year or older.  High School Diploma, GED and/or equivalent work experience. Valid Alabama Driver’s License.  Sufficient experience usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. Ability to meet current requirements set forth by the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission.  Possession of or ability to readily obtain the appropriate state certification for the type of inspection(s) conducted. 

Knowledge Required By The Position:   Knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques used in fire investigations.  Knowledge of building and fire code enforcement principles.  Knowledge of departmental and city policies and procedures and related federal, state, and local guidelines.  Knowledge of city streets and geography.  Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.  Skill in operating emergency vehicles and equipment.  Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.  Skill in the preparation of clear and precise administrative reports.   Skill in oral and written communication. 

Complexity/Scope Of Work:   The work consists of varied fire inspection and code enforcement duties. The variety of tasks to be performed contributes to the complexity of the position.  The purpose of this position is to participate in the department’s fire inspection, code enforcement, fire investigation, and fire prevention activities. Success in this position contributes to the safety of life and property. 

Physical Demands/ Work Environment: The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending or crouching. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.   The work is typically performed in an office, outdoors, and at emergency and fire scenes. The employee may be exposed to noise, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, irritating chemicals, and a variety of potentially life-threatening situations. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, and gloves as well as a variety of specialized tools and equipment.  Physical strength, ability, and mobility to perform all essential job functions with or without accommodation.   Must be willing to work non-standard work hours, overtime, holidays, shifts, and weekends as necessary.  Must be willing to be on-call.