FIRE PREVENTION SPECIALIST UFD / FIRE PROTECTION INSPECTOR

Code: 06363 Local Non-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 inspects premises of buildings to detect and eliminate fire hazards and to enforce the provisions of relevant fire safety codes and related regulations, and responds to fire alarms and participates in extinguishing fires; does related work as required.

Under direction, reviews plans and performs fire protection inspection work involved in enforcement of the State Uniform Construction Code, the fire protection subcode, and relevant fire protection laws within the concerned jurisdictions; does other related duties.

Examples of work

• Inspects various buildings, structures, and premises to detect and eliminate fire hazards.
• In accord with established regulations, guidelines, standards, and procedures, inspects buildings classified as highrise and life hazard use for compliance with the Uniform Fire Safety Code in accord with the schedule established by the Code.
• Inspects fire extinguishing and fire protection equipment to ensure equipment is operable and prepares reports identifying deficiencies.
• Observes tests of fire prevention or protection equipment in plants where explosive or flammable materials are processed or stored.
• Observes tests of equipment and inspects storage conditions to ensure conformance to fire and safety codes.
• Notes and investigates unsafe conditions and practices which might cause or increase fire hazards.
• May instruct employees of business establishments in fire safety practices.
• Inspects buildings of six stories or more that are used for human occupancy to ensure that such buildings are equipped with standpipes that have been installed in accord with applicable regulations.
• Reports findings to Fire Official on authorized forms detailing violations and corrective action.
• Inspects areas in which flammable or combustible materials are stored and reports undesirable conditions or takes steps to correct such conditions.
• Serves penalty notices, orders, rulings, and other legal process including notices of violation.
• Ensures that automatic fire alarm systems, when required, are present, operable, and properly maintained in accord with pertinent regulations.
• Inspects buildings for proper and adequate means of egress as determined by use, design, and layout, and ensures that means of egress are accessible, safe, properly equipped and maintained, and meet the requirements of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code or other relevant codes or ordinances.
• Ensures that all exit and information signs are properly displayed and maintained and meet the requirements of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code with regard to location, illumination, height, and so forth.
• Reinspects buildings, structures, or premises that have been identified as having violation(s) of applicable fire codes and that constitute imminent hazard to the health, safety, or welfare of the occupants or intended occupants, firefighters, or the general public for abatement of said violation(s).
• Reinspects buildings, structures, or premises within a prescribed time after they have been cited for violations to determine if the violations have been properly and completely abated.
• Issues penalty notices for fire hazards not corrected on subsequent inspection.
• Examines interiors and exteriors of buildings, structures, and premises to detect hazardous conditions or violations of fire regulations and laws.
• Prepares reports of violations and penalty orders.
• Discusses conditions with owner or agent and recommends safe methods of storing flammable or other hazardous materials.
• Informs owner or agent of conditions requiring correction such as deficient egress facilities, improper fire protection equipment and faulty wiring, and issues violation notices.
• Explains the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code and regulations to owners and provides advice on how to abate existing violations.
• Ensures permit applications are obtained where Code requires and performs inspections on uses related to the permit.
• Inspects to ensure that conditions of permit issued by the Fire Official are being complied with.
• Works closely with fire officials, fire departments, and municipal officials in interpreting and applying the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code and ensuring construction permits are obtained.
• Prepares inspection reports which are complete and properly filed.
• Prepares violation notices and orders to abate the violations which are served to owners.
• Investigates complaints of alleged fire code violations and provides reports on findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Investigates fires to determine origin, cause, and spread.
• Maintains file of inspection records, prepares reports of activities, and coordinates activities with other officials responsible for ensuring fire and life safety.
• Prepares and maintains accurate inspection records of actions taken, violations found, progress made, and other conditions observed and takes photographs pertinent to assignments.
• Prepares clear, sound, accurate, and comprehensive reports of inspections and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Maintains essential records and files.
• Gives testimony in court and at hearings and acts as a witness in behalf of the local community.
• Speaks before civic, school, and community organizations and groups on matters concerning fire prevention methods and to encourage the use of fire prevention methods by community residents.
• Gives talks and demonstrations before adults and/or children on the 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 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.
• Examines and approves plans for fire protection work to see that they comply with the fire protection subcode of the Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
• Inspects and evaluates work in construction projects to ensure that all work and materials installed conform to approved plans and the fire protection subcode of the UCC and relevant fire protection laws/regulations.
• When violations of the fire protection subcode are found, determines the cause and takes corrective action.
• Gives testimony in court cases.
• Prepares recommendations regarding both temporary and final certificates of occupancy.
• Prepares reports.
• Establishes and 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>LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION</b>

Possession of a current and valid fire inspector certification issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

License

Possession of a valid license as a Fire Protection Inspector of the appropriate grade, issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. There are two (2) licenses issued based on the class structure to be reviewed, industrial and commercial (ICS), or high-rise and hazardous (HHS).

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 essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of basic fire prevention measures required in residential, commercial, industrial, and other buildings and structures.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations concerning all types of fire prevention measures.
• Knowledge of practices and procedures of fire code enforcement.
• Knowledge of fire safety systems 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 the safe use and maintenance of facilities, buildings, and the uses of such structures which are subject to the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code.
• Knowledge of safe handling of materials which pose a fire hazard.
• Knowledge of modern standards for installation of fire detection, fire alarm, and suppression systems.
• Knowledge of requirements for means of egress including exit, access, exit discharge, and exit signs.
• Knowledge of requirements of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code regulating use and occupancy of buildings.
• Knowledge of procedures used in inspection and evaluation of buildings and structures for fire hazards and fire safety.
• Knowledge of code requirements related to fire ratings of structural components, arrangement, sizing, protection of means of egress, and flamespread.
• Knowledge of operation and maintenance of smoke detectors and alarms.
• 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.
• Ability to comprehend and interpret basic laws and regulations.
• Ability to make inspections to determine hazardous conditions.
• Ability to recognize existing and potential fire safety hazards, call these to the attention of the proper persons, and prepare detailed reports thereon.
• Ability to act as a witness in hearings and court procedures and give testimony under oath.
• Ability to establish cooperative work relationships with local police, fire officials, owners, agents, tenants, and other interested individuals.
• Ability to make field visits, inspections, and investigations.
• Ability to prepare inspection reports in accord with established procedures and guidelines.
• Ability to maintain inspection and other records and files.
• Ability to prepare correspondence relating to the work of the agency.
• Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• 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, in all kinds of weather, and to maintain physical activity for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to understand and carry out 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.
• CODE: 02/04/2006
• <b>FIRE PROTECTION INSPECTOR</b>
• There are two (2) classes of licenses, which are cumulative in terms of knowledge and abilities. The basic license (ICS) comprises the core knowledge and abilities for this title:
• Knowledge of the organization and content of Uniform Construction Code regulations and of the organization and content of the fire protection subcode.
• Knowledge of the fire protection subcodes 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 UCC and/or its referenced standards for active/passive fire suppression, fire detection, and fire alarm systems sufficient to permit the review of plans to determine adequacy of the systems.
• Knowledge of basic fire protection requirements.
• Knowledge of height and area limitations.
• Knowledge of fire resistance ratings of structural components.
• Knowledge of arrangement, sizing, and protection of 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 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 preparation of violation notices and required inspection record keeping.
• Knowledge of the material requirements found in the electrical code.
• Knowledge of proper installation methods for all approved materials.
• Knowledge of the relationship of fire prevention codes which regulate use/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 materials installed at the construction site are of appropriate strength and quality.
• Ability to analyze and interpret the Uniform Construction Code.
• Ability to examine and approve plans for residential and small commercial structures.
• Ability to carry out field inspection activities for structures in classes I and II.
• Ability to organize assigned fire protection field inspections and investigative work and to make the required field visits/inspections/investigations.
• Ability to prepare detailed and technical correspondence.
• Ability to maintain records and files.
• Ability to compile factual fire safety data relating to a particular structure and prepare clear, sound, accurate, and detailed reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations for approval or disapproval.
• Ability to recognize approved materials found in the electrical code.
• Ability to understand 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 the 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/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 - DJ 9/24/99
• This job specification is for local government use only.
• DUAL TITLE CODE:

Note

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 promotional examination procedures only. Candidates must meet those requirements and qualifications for promotion specified in Civil Service law, rules, and regulations.

Applicants who possess the higher level certification as a Fire Official are considered to have met the above certification requirement.

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.

<b>AGE:</b>

Not less than 18 years of age.

<b>MEDICAL EXAMINATION</b>

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 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.

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.