Job Specification
FIRE PREVENTION SPECIALIST UFD / FIRE PROTECTION INSPECTOR
FIRE PREVENTION SPECIALIST, UFD 06357
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.
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.
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.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: 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.
EDUCATION:
Graduation from high school, vocational high school, or possession
of an approved high school equivalency certificate.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION
Possession of a current and valid fire inspector certification issued
by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
NOTE: 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.
AGE:
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 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.
KNOWLEDGE 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: 06357 02/04/2006
FIRE PROTECTION INSPECTOR
DEFINITION
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.
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.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
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.
REQUIREMENTS:
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 AND ABILITIES:
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 - 05053 DJ 9/24/99
This job specification is for local government use only.
DUAL TITLE CODE: 06363 | 