General Statement of Duties Performs difficult protective service work in fire inspections, fire investigations, fire prevention, and emergency management, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the general direction of the Fire Chief, and Deputy Chief of Clinton Fire Department. Distinguishing Features of the Class An employee in this classification is responsible for performing inspections for commercial, industrial, retail establishments, schools, health care facilities and residential (upon request only). Performs varied tasks in conducting a fire prevention program to ensure compliance with federal, state and local fire laws, codes, rules, and regulations. The employee is also involved in reviewing site plans for new construction to ensure that all fire codes are being met. The majority of the work is performed independently with considerable latitude and judgment in interpreting and complying with these laws. Considerable public contact requires that the employee exhibit tact and diplomacy in seeking compliance with fire laws, codes, rules, and regulations. The employee is subject to hazards associated with fire inspection, administrative, and firefighting duties including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as exposure to high heat, exposure to chemicals, and in the proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, working in confined areas, and working in high places. Employee is also exposed to atmospheric conditions and OSHA level blood borne pathogens, and is sometimes required to wear a respirator, and may be required to work in close quarters. Work is performed under the supervision of the Fire Chief, and is evaluated through observation and conferences, review of records, by periodic field review of job assignments for thoroughness, proper interpretation and application of codes, and public acceptance and receives an annual performance review. Duties and Responsibilities Essential Duties and Tasks Ensures compliance with all State and Federal regulations such as National Incident Management Systems (NIMS). Receives and responds to inquiries and complaints from the public. Conducts and provides fire code enforcement through inspections, plan reviews and code and standards research; directs and reviews fire preplans; conducts business consultations; records fire inspections and sets up follow up inspections; researches applicable codes and standards; requests clarifications and official determinations. Conducts fire and explosion investigations; develops and maintains fire investigation reports; photographs fire/event scenes for evidence and documentation; identifies, analyzes, and collects evidence; determines origin and cause; conducts witness interviews; compiles and prepares detailed diagrams and reports. Provides testimony for civil and criminal proceedings as required. Maintains HazMat records; enforces communities Right-to-Know Act and regulations. Serves on committees and attends various meetings as assigned. Maintains equipment for emergency response and investigations. Supervises and manages the inspections and permitting databases. Issues permits for special events; ensures events comply with the NC Fire Code. Availability to respond to emergencies and investigations after hours, weekends, and holidays. Works closely with fire departments, EMS agencies, 911 Communications, law enforcement, and other first responders to improve response capabilities throughout the county. Works alongside the shift captains and performs firefighting duties and/or safety operations as assigned by the chief officer on working incidents. Assumes a leadership role during emergencies to include working in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Other duties as assigned by the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief and/or Public Safety Director. Additional Job Duties Performs related duties as required Must respond in accordance with pre-identified emergency response assignment in the event of an emergency declaration by County Emergency Services/Administration. Desirable Education and Experience Completion of high school and fire inspection and prevention schools and advanced courses and seminars in the fire service and considerable experience in the fire service and/or fire inspections; or any equivalent combination of training and experience. Special Requirements Preferred Possession of Level III Probationary Fire Inspector Level II NC Fire Fighter Certification NC Fire Investigation Technician TIMS NC Fire & Life Safety Educator Level I Complete NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 and 800 training within three months of hire. Complete Electrical Fire Investigation training within one year of hire. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Comprehensive knowledge of the laws and ordinances pertaining to fire prevention and the construction and occupancy of buildings, state fire codes and related building codes; comprehensive knowledge of grant management; thorough knowledge of the methods of readily ascertaining the presence of existing or potential fire hazards; thorough knowledge of the hazards common to various types of construction and the storage of flammable and hazardous materials and explosives; thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of fire investigations and fire educational and prevention programs; thorough knowledge of the NFPA standards, UL Underwriters Laboratory standards and 29 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) 1910.1200; ability to read maps and interpret building plans, to recognize fire hazards, and to make recommendations for their correction; ability to work independently, to observe carefully, and to interpret and enforce codes and ordinances firmly, impartially, and with tact; ability to plan, assign and direct the work of subordinate employees; ability to prepare and maintain accurate, clear, and concise records of work activities; ability to make arithmetic computations; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with medical personnel, law enforcement personnel, other fire/EMS agencies, associates, and the general public.