FIRE OFFICIAL, UFD

Code: 06351 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction administers and directs the enforcement of provisions of relevant fire safety codes and related regulations, establishes day-to-day operating routines of the code enforcement agency, coordinates and supervises activities of any fire safety specialists or other staff employed by the agency, and responds to fire alarms and participates in extinguishing fires; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Inspects or directs the inspection of various structures and premises for the purpose of ascertaining and causing to be corrected any conditions liable to cause fire, contribute to the spread of fire, interfere with fire operations, endanger life, or for any violations of the provisions or intent of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code or any other law, rules, or regulations affecting fire safety.
• Investigates or causes to be investigated every reported fire or explosion occurring within the jurisdiction that involves loss of life or injury or causes destruction or damage to property.
• Takes charge immediately of physical evidence, and, to preserve any physical evidence relating to the cause or origin of such fire or explosion, takes the steps necessary to prevent access by any person or persons to such building, structure, or premises until such persons designated by law to pursue investigations into such matters become involved, and cooperates with such authorities in the collection of evidence and prosecution of the case.
• Keeps a record of all reported fires in life hazard use structures and all facts concerning same including investigation of findings and information as to the cause, origin, and extent of such fires and the deaths, injuries, and damage caused.
• Whenever the following dangerous or hazardous conditions or materials are found in any structure or on any premises, orders such conditions or materials to be removed or remedied in accord with provisions of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code or any other law, rules, or regulations affecting fire safety:
• 1. Dangerous conditions which are liable to cause or contribute to the spread of fire in or on said premises, building, or structure, or endanger occupants thereof.
• 2. Conditions which would interfere with efficiency and use of any fire protection equipment.
• 3. Obstructions to or on fire escapes, stairs, passageways, doors, or windows, liable to interfere with egress of occupants or operation of the fire department in case of fire.
• 4. Accumulations of dust or waste material in air conditioning or ventilating systems or grease in kitchen or other exhaust ducts.
• 5. Accumulations of grease on kitchen cooking equipment or oil, grease, or dirt on, under, or around any mechanical equipment.
• 6. Accumulations of rubbish, waste, paper, boxes, shavings, or other combustible materials, or excessive storage of any combustible material.
• 7. Hazardous conditions arising from defective or improperly used or installed electrical wiring, equipment, or appliances.
• 8. Hazardous conditions arising from defective or improperly installed equipment for handling or use of combustible, explosive, or otherwise hazardous materials.
• 9. Dangerous or unlawful amounts of combustible, explosive, or otherwise hazardous materials.
• 10. All equipment, materials, processes, or operations which are in violation of provisions and intent of the Code.
• Prepares written notice of violations describing the condition deemed unsafe and specifies the time limit for the required repairs or improvements to be made to render the building, structure, or premises safe and secure.
• May grant extensions of time when it is determined that, despite diligent effort, compliance cannot be accomplished within the time specified in the notice.
• If the notice of violation is not complied with within time periods specified, institutes appropriate enforcement proceedings to restrain, correct, or abate such violation or to require removal or termination of the unlawful use of the building or structure in violation of provisions of the Code or other related directive or regulation.
• Conducts hearings, assesses penalties, and sets and collects fines for violations of fire regulations.
• Ensures that all life hazard use structures are inspected in accord with the schedule established by the Code.
• Ensures that notices of violations are served whenever inspections reveal violations.
• Ensures that permit applications are available and assists the public in preparing them when necessary.
• Reviews all permit applications for completeness as to form.
• Ensures that the inspection required for issuance of a permit is performed in a timely manner.
• Ensures that no activity or use which requires a permit is carried out without one.
• Ensures that all life hazard use structures are registered.
• Assists the state when requested with any registration survey.
• Coordinates activities with the fire subcode official where the work to be performed, to comply with the fire safety code, requires a construction permit.
• Collects all fees and penalties due the local enforcing agency and ensures that they are properly accounted for.
• Ensures that all requests for variances are properly prepared, documented, and approved or denied in a timely manner.
• Ensures that all appeals are promptly referred to the Construction Code Board of Appeals.
• Records all notices of violation and determines the amount of all penalties for noncompliance.
• Ensures that a report of every inspection is completed and properly filed.
• Takes reasonable measure to determine when imminent hazards exist and enforce the law as provided for by the Code.
• Files such reports as the state may from time to time require.
• Supervises the work of any assigned enforcement personnel to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Ensures that any agency staff members requiring certification possess such certification.
• Ensures that procedures of the local enforcing agency conform to requirements of the Code and regulations.
• Prepares and obtains reports required by regulations.
• Attends meetings and hearings as required by the Code and regulations.
• Coordinates activities of the local enforcing agency with other code enforcement agencies and state agencies having a related interest or responsibility.
• Responds to and causes to be investigated any complaints brought under the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code.
• May confer with and speak before civic, school, and community organizations and groups concerning fire prevention methods.
• May plan and direct a public relations program to present the need for and encourage the use of fire prevention methods among community residents.
• May direct a public information and education program designed to improve fire safety measures in the home, office buildings, industrial and commercial structures, and other locations.
• May confer with public officials or civic representatives to improve fire safety education programs.
• May give talks and demonstrations before adults and/or children on methods for ensuring proper use of fire safety procedures in the home, school, or other buildings.
• Participates in fire drills and other training courses.
• Responds to fire alarms, drives or accompanies fire apparatus, and assists other uniformed personnel in extinguishing fires.
• Operates and uses fire hoses and other firefighting equipment and apparatus.
• Performs special duty at theaters, schools, and other public gatherings to help maintain proper fire precautionary measures.
• Responds to calls concerning bomb threats and conducts bomb searches.
• Inspects the condition of fire protection apparatus in public and private buildings.
• Inspects fire hydrants.
• Performs rescue work.
• Pumps out cellars.
• Receives fire alarms and notifies proper fire company.
• Keeps needed records.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from high school, vocational high school, or possession of an approved high school equivalency certificate.

Experience

Five (5) years of experience in one or more of the areas indicated below or some combination thereof: (1) as a firefighter in a paid or volunteer fire company, and/or (2) in the inspection of buildings to detect fire hazards and to enforce fire safety codes and regulations, and/or (3) in the investigation of fires to determine their cause, and/or (4) in the inspection of the construction of buildings and the review of building construction plans and specifications to ensure compliance with fire protection codes and regulations, and/or (5) in the installation of fire protection equipment.

<b>AGE:</b>

Not less than 18 years of age.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

As a prerequisite for appointment, appointees may be required to pass a thorough medical and psychiatric examination to be administered by the appointing authority. Any psychological, medical, or physical condition or defect which would prevent efficient performance of duties of the position, cause appointees to be a hazard to themselves or others, or become aggravated as a result of performance of these duties will be cause for rejection.

License

AND CERTIFICATE Possession of a current and valid fire official certificate issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. 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 the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of fire prevention measures required in residential, commercial, industrial, and public buildings.
• Knowledge of administration and enforcement of fire codes.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations concerning all types of fire prevention measures.
• Knowledge of provisions of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code and regulations.
• Knowledge of the fire safety system of buildings and uses including but not limited to means of egress, fire suppression systems, fire alarm systems, and methods for limiting the flame spread, flammability, or combustibility of materials.
• Knowledge of safe use and maintenance of facilities, buildings, and uses of such structures which are subject to the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code.
• Knowledge of safe handling, storage, and use of materials which pose a fire hazard.
• Knowledge of supervision and management techniques needed to effectively manage a large staff of field personnel.
• Knowledge of operation and maintenance of smoke detectors and types of smoke detectors and alarms available.
• Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures used in organizational analyses and program management.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of fire safety and protection systems including limitations, types, operation, maintenance, and installation.
• Knowledge of methods for handling and storing hazardous materials.
• Knowledge of means of egress requirements including exit access, exit discharge, and exit signs.
• Knowledge of methods and administrative and operational procedures applied to ensure the timely inspection and reinspection of life hazard use structures and highrise buildings required by the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code and regulations.
• Knowledge of methods of preparing inspection reports.
• Knowledge of problems, procedures, and equipment involved in the installation, repair, and maintenance of various signal systems.
• Knowledge of laws and ordinances which are significant from the firefighting point of view.
• Knowledge of methods likely to be effective in fighting various types of fires.
• Knowledge of varied kinds of firefighting equipment and apparatus.
• Knowledge of the location of schools, large buildings, streets, and fire alarm boxes in the municipality.
• Knowledge of types of fire alarm communications that are useful and feasible in the fire department.
• Knowledge of procedures likely to be effective in enlisting support of citizens and others in taking fire precautionary measures.
• Knowledge of procedures involved in amending technical requirements and in promulgating needed administrative rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of provisions under the Uniform Construction Code Act, Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law, and Rooming and Boarding House Act, and their relation to the Uniform Fire Safety Act.
• Ability to organize assigned fire prevention and safety field inspections and investigative work.
• Ability to make required field visits, inspections, and investigations.
• Ability to conduct hearings and assess penalties.
• Ability to maintain essential records and files.
• Ability to give appropriate assignments, instructions, and supervision to employees.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply basic laws and regulations pertaining to fire safety, protection, and prevention.
• Ability to recognize existing and potential fire safety hazards, call these to the attention of the persons concerned, and prepare detailed reports.
• Ability to establish cooperative work relationships with tenants, owners, municipal officials, and others interested in or concerned with enforcement of laws relating to fire safety.
• Ability to estimate time required to abate violations and establish realistic deadlines by which owners must complete abatement of violations.
• Ability to supervise the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files.
• Ability to prepare extensive, detailed, and technical correspondence in the course of official duties.
• Ability to prepare or supervise preparation of detailed narrative and statistical reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to act as a witness in hearings and court procedures and give testimony under oath.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activities such as lifting heavy firefighting equipment, climbing standard and aerial ladders, and lifting and carrying people and equipment for rescue and salvage.
• Ability to work under conditions of heavy physical exertion in extreme heat and dust, in high and confined areas and smoke filled spaces, and in all kinds of weather and to maintain physical activity for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
• Ability to record information in written form.
• Ability to function independently and without direct supervision.
• Ability to think clearly and to apply knowledge under stressful conditions and to handle more than one task at a time.
• Ability to work closely with people including functioning as a team member, to exercise tact or diplomacy, and display compassion, understanding, and patience.
• Ability to use and maintain firefighting equipment and to apply the theory necessary for effective firefighting and equipment operation.
• Ability to apply basic techniques of fighting fires and rendering first aid.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

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

Positions in this class may be filled through promotional examination procedures only. Candidates must meet those requirements and qualifications for promotion specified in Civil Service law, rules, and regulations.