FIRE OFFICIAL/ FIRE PROTECTION SUBCODE OFFICIAL, UFD FIRE OFFICIAL

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, and coordinates and supervises activities of any fire safety specialists or other staff employed by the agency; does related work as required.

Under direction of the Construction Official, is responsible for administering the fire protection subcode of the State Uniform Construction Code within the concerned jurisdiction; inspects and/or supervises the inspection of construction projects under way to ensure that compliance with plans and specifications for fire protection approved in accord with State Uniform Construction Code is achieved; when necessary responds to fire alarms and participates in extinguishing fires; does other related duties.

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.
• If it appears that such an occurrence is of suspicious nature, 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 findings and information as to the cause, origin, and extent of such fires and the deaths, injuries, and damage caused thereby.
• 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 a written notice of violations describing the condition deemed unsafe and specifies the time limit for 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.
• 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.
• Reviews and approves plans of proposed structures, as provided in the Uniform Construction Code regulations, for conformity with the fire protection subcode.
• Has charge of the fire protection inspection staff and activities concerned in the inspection of construction projects.
• Develops the inspection work program with effective and appropriate procedures, analyzes fire protection inspection problems, and establishes appropriate work methods.
• Has the final responsibility in the inspection for fire protection compliance of all new construction and renovation projects.
• Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees.
• Gives appropriate assignments, instruction, and supervision to fire protection inspectors and clerical employees.
• Inspects, evaluates, and supervises the inspection of construction work in projects under way to ensure that all work installed conforms to the requirements of the approved plans and the fire protection subcode and the regulations of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.
• Has the responsibility in supervising the code compliance for the fire protection subcode of all construction and contractors to ensure that required standards are observed in accord with approved plans and specifications.
• Takes the initiative in halting construction work by contractors when and if reasonable standards of workmanship and safety and plans, specifications and/or legal requirements are not being observed.
• Collects and records permit and other fees, and verifies that required prior approvals have been obtained and is responsible for ensuring that these actions are in accord with the regulations for the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with architects, engineers, and construction personnel as required.
• Reviews construction to ensure that all materials, methods, and assemblies conform to the standards referenced by the code and manufacturers installation directions as well as other matters not shown in a set of plans but required for conformity with the code.
• Issues on site warnings, citations, and stop work orders in cases of serious violations of the adopted subcode or regulations, which might endanger the health, safety, and/or welfare of the public or building occupants.
• Prepares and supervises the preparation of recommendations regarding both temporary and final certificates of occupancy.
• Prepares and supervises the preparation of violation reports.
• Testifies in court and in administrative hearings.
• Prepares inspection reports showing the progress of work on each project relative to construction code compliance, weather conditions, and the percentage of the project completed.
• Maintains and supervises the maintenance of the records, reports, and files required to show the details of each project inspected.
• Establishes inspection schedules for fire protection inspection staff and ensures that all buildings being constructed or renovated are inspected at critical points during the course of construction as provided for in regulations for the Uniform Construction Code.
• Identifies, inspects, and supervises the inspection of the placement of materials being incorporated in the construction and renovation of buildings located within the jurisdiction to ensure that they conform to the approved plans and that they meet the necessary performance standards established in the regulations for the Uniform Construction Code and the fire protection subcode.
• Serves subpoenas and other legal process notices including notices of violations of the Uniform Construction Code and fire protection subcode.
• Assists the construction official in the preparation of all reports.
• Prepares correspondence.
• Participates in fire drills and other training courses.
• Responds to fire alarms and drives or accompanies fire apparatus and assists other uniformed personnel in extinguishing fires.
• Operates and uses fire hoses and other fire fighting 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.
• Maintains records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and 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.

<b>AGE:</b>

Not less than 18 years of age.

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.

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.

Possession of a valid license as a Fire Protection Subcode Official of the appropriate grade, issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. There are two (2) licenses issued based on the class of structure to be reviewed, industrial and commercial (ICS), or high-rise and hazardous (HHS). The responsibility for ensuring that the employee possesses the appropriate level of license, commensurate with the type of structures inspected, rests with the Appointing Authority.

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.

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 the duties of the position, cause the appointee to be a hazard to himself/herself or others, or become aggravated as a result of performance of these duties will be cause for rejection.

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 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 provisions of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code and regulations.
• 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 procedures involved in amending technical requirements and in promulgating needed administrative rules and regulations.
• Ability to apply 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 and interpret 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 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.
• CODES: LG- CAH 7/1/96
• This job specification is for local government use only.
• FIRE PROTECTION SUBCODE OFFICIAL, UFD
• There are two (2) classes of licenses, which are cumulative in terms of knowledge and abilities. The basic license (RCS) comprises the core knowledge and abilities for this title:
• Knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations concerning all types of fire protection measures.
• Knowledge of the organization and content of the Uniform Construction Code regulations.
• Knowledge of the organization and content of the fire protection subcode and its background, purpose, history, place in local government structure, and relation to construction code enforcement programs at other levels of government.
• Knowledge of classification of structures into class categories.
• Knowledge of systems design and installation practices required by the uniform construction code and/or its referenced standards for active and passive fire suppression, fire detection, and fire alarm systems sufficient to permit the review of plans to determine the adequacy of the systems.
• Knowledge of basic fire protection requirements.
• Knowledge of height and area limitations.
• Knowledge of fire resistance ratings of structural components, arrangement, sizing, and protection means of egress.
• Knowledge of flame spread and smoke generated requirements.
• Knowledge of combustibility of materials.
• Knowledge of requirements for installation of fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems.
• Knowledge of chimneys, flues, and vents.
• Knowledge of heating equipment and appliances.
• Knowledge of basic plan reading sufficient to perform the duties of the position.
• Knowledge of testing methods, agencies, and test verification procedures incorporated in the code for combustibility and flame spread of materials.
• Knowledge of the use of basic inspection tools and test methods.
• Knowledge of the construction process for smaller buildings and the points at which inspection must be made.
• Knowledge of basic inspection report writing including the preparation of violation notices and required inspection record keeping.
• Knowledge of the office procedures for inspectors, including form and records used and purpose of each.
• Knowledge of methods of establishing proper review and approval of permit applications for compliance with construction code and applicable laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of legal aspects of code enforcement.
• Knowledge of the purpose and fundamentals of stop orders, notices of penalty, and court action.
• Knowledge of the powers and procedures available to deal with hazardous conditions and emergency situations including emergency work orders, bids, and quotations process.
• Knowledge of the procedures for processing cases involving condemnations and other violations of the subcode from initiation through final compliance.
• Knowledge of preparation of case records.
• Knowledge of situations requiring a warrant and process of obtaining and issuing the warrant.
• Knowledge of the administrative hearings process under the State Uniform Construction Code Act.
• Knowledge of the legal aspects of the operations of the enforcing agencies, including legal processes and rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of legal responsibilities of inspection personnel.
• Knowledge of methods of appealing hearing decisions to court, legal basis of doing so and knowledge of related legislation.
• Knowledge of the laws and ordinances which are significant from the fire fighting point of view.
• Knowledge of the methods likely to be effective in fighting various types of fires.
• Knowledge of the varied kinds of fire fighting equipment and apparatus.
• Knowledge of the location of schools, large buildings, streets, and fire alarm boxes in the municipality.
• Knowledge of the types of fire alarm communications that are useful and feasible in the fire department.
• Knowledge of the procedures likely to be effective in enlisting the support of citizens and others in taking fire precautionary measures.
• Knowledge of the material requirements found in the electrical code.
• Knowledge of the proper installation methods for all approved materials.
• Knowledge of the relationship of fire prevention codes which regulate the use and occupancy of industrial and commercial buildings, and fire protection codes which regulate their construction.
• Knowledge of fire prevention code provisions, enforcement procedures, and objectives including the protection of places of assembly.
• Knowledge of the fire prevention code regulatory process which will ensure an understanding of the manner in which those fire hazards not regulation by the construction code can be regulated in the interest of public safety and fire protection.
• Knowledge of the information pertaining to structural, architectural, mechanical, fire protection, and electrical features of buildings which must be shown on the plans to ensure compliance with requirements of the code.
• Knowledge of analysis methods needed to ensure that fire protection elements of buildings depicted on plans do in fact conform to code requirements.
• Knowledge of field inspection and controlled inspection techniques necessary to ensure that the materials installed at the construction site are of the appropriate strength and quality. Ability to review plans to determine the adequacy of fire alarm systems.
• Ability to analyze and interpret the Uniform Construction Code, the fire protection subcode, and other laws, rules, regulations, and policies applicable to fire protection.
• Ability to carry out the provisions of the Uniform Construction Code and fire protection subcode as they relate to residential and small commercial structures.
• Ability to review fire protection provisions of plans and specifications prepared by others for accuracy and conformity.
• Ability to give assignments and instructions to individuals and groups, provide them with advice and assistance when difficult and unusual problems arise, and check their work to see that proper procedures are followed.
• Ability to work effectively with other municipal unit heads and with private contractors and architects.
• Ability to make thorough investigations, inspections, and investigations containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to maintain records and files.
• Ability to prosecute violations of the fire protection subcode by appearing in court.
• Ability to remain cool and decisive in emergency situations.
• Ability to take immediate and correct action when a fire alarm is sounded.
• Ability to recognize approved materials found in the electrical code.
• Ability to understand the standards and test methods which lead to approval.
• Ability to ensure that all materials are installed in accord with proper methods.
• The highest level license (HHS) incorporates all knowledge and abilities previously listed, and these following:
• Knowledge of fire protection material requirements established by the code including testing and listed procedures, and an understanding of test methods.
• Knowledge of code requirements related to fire divisions in buildings exceeding the height and area limitations established in the code.
• Knowledge of code requirements related to unlimited area buildings.
• Knowledge of design analysis methods needed to ensure that fire protection elements of buildings depicted on plans do in fact conform to code requirements.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret test reports for both active and passive fire protection requirements of systems of the type required to be incorporated in class I buildings.
• Ability 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, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform 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 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.
• CODES: LG- CAH 4/30/99
• This job specification is for local government use only.
• TITLE CODE FOR DUAL TITLE: LG:
• This job specification is for local government use only.

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.

The 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 promotion examination procedures only. Candidates must meet those requirements and qualifications for promotion specified in Department of Personnel law, rules, and regulations.