CONSTRUCTION OFFICIAL/ FIRE OFFICIAL CONSTRUCTION OFFICIAL

Code: 07058 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 has chief administrative responsibility for administering and enforcing the provisions of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code; does other related duties as required.

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.

Examples of work

• Directs, plans, organizes, and supervises staff and activities concerned with carrying out regulations of the NJ Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
• Develops the work program with effective/appropriate procedures, analyzes inspection problems, and establishes appropriate work methods.
• Executes plans for utilization of available funds, personnel, equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Prepares a budget and maintains balances.
• Establishes personnel rules/policies within the unit, and recommends policies or changes in policy and procedures to appropriate officials.
• Arranges for contractual inspections, and reviews reports submitted by contracted agency.
• Enforces regulations of the UCC.
• Provides applications for construction work and assists the public in preparing same when necessary; reviews applications for completeness as to form and for verification of prior approvals; requests additional documentation concerning prior approvals.
• On receipt of completed applications, determines proper fee for the work required, collects fees/penalties, and ensures that funds are properly accounted for.
• Ensures that subcode officials have an adequate time period to review applications, plans, and specifications.
• Ensures that requests for variation are properly prepared, documented, and referred to appropriate subcode officials.
• Issues construction permits, certificates of occupancy, and temporary certificates of occupancy on receipt of approval of all appropriate subcode officials.
• Records notices of violation on receiving notification of appropriate subcode official, and determines penalties for noncompliance with the penalty notices.
• Ensures that required inspections are scheduled and performed on time, and that reports on inspections are completed and filed.
• Records stop work orders as notified by the appropriate subcode official.
• Ensures that final inspections have been completed prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy and that inspections required for the purpose have been completed prior to issuance of the temporary certificate of occupancy.
• In the case of a change of use or on receipt for a certificate of continued occupancy, ensures that each subcode official gives approval based on inspection/review of submitted data before issuing such certificate.
• Prepares and obtains reports.
• Attends meetings and hearings.
• Coordinates activities of subcode officials in enforcement of provisions of the energy subcode.
• Files court complaints and makes court appearances in various courts of appeal.
• Makes field inspections when problems develop.
• May act as subcode official for any subcode for which qualified to act as such.
• 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.
• 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.

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

Appointees must possess a valid Construction Official's License issued by the Department of Community Affairs.

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 basic principles of management and supervision, and of the administration of a local enforcement agency including record keeping, preparation of reports, personnel procedures, and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of record keeping requirements under the UCC including permit and certificate of occupancy records, variation application records, and violation files and records.
• Knowledge of methods and procedures of establishing/maintaining review and approval procedures for permit applications to ensure compliance with the UCC and applicable laws/ordinances.
• Knowledge of legal methods of code enforcement; of purpose/fundamentals of stop orders and notices of penalty and court action; of powers and procedures to deal with hazardous conditions and emergencies; of procedures for processing, requiring, obtaining, and issuing search warrants; of legal responsibilities of inspection personnel; and of other related legislation.
• Knowledge of building subcode provisions including structural requirements; durability and weatherability requirements; of electrical subcode provisions including minimum service and appliances and basic circuits; of elevator subcode provisions; of fire prevention code provisions including special permits required, storage and handling of goods/materials, maintenance of exit facilities and of fire protection equipment; of fire protection subcode provisions including height/area requirements; and of plumbing subcode provisions including sanitary waste disposal, water supply, venting, and required facilities.
• Knowledge and abilities for the appropriate subcode official's license that are commensurate with the level (HHS, RCS) which has been established by the jurisdiction for the enforcing agency.
• Ability to establish/maintain cooperative working relationships with local/state government officials, staff members, and the public.
• Ability to evaluate programs and procedures.
• Ability to plan, organize, supervise, and coordinate activities of diversified units.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in evaluating situations and in making determinations.
• Ability to organize assigned work and develop effective work methods.
• Ability to prepare and supervise preparation of clear, concise, accurate, and informative reports.
• Ability to analyze and interpret the New Jersey UCC.
• 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 - RKR/cah 8/27/93
• This job specification is for local government use only.
• FIRE OFFICIAL
• 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.
• TITLE CODE FOR DUAL TITLE: LG -
• This job specification is for local government use only

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.

Where the construction official also serves as one or more subcode officials, possession of the appropriate subcode official license (s) will be required.

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.

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.