Position Summary

This is a responsible, technical, and clerical position that focuses on the areas of fire inspection, investigation, and public education activities. These responsibilities are carried out in accordance with NFPA codes regarding building inspection and Florida State Fire Marshal investigation practices. Work by personnel in this class is performed and reviewed under the general direction of the Division Chief of Fire Prevention and Life Safety.

The Inspector will assist in planning, developing, and administering of a Fire Prevention and Life Safety Program for the Walton Sheriff’s Office Division of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services. The Inspector will oversee various functions of Fire Prevention and Life Safety activities. This position will perform work related to fire code, fire inspections, hydrant maintenance and testing, plans review of new projects, and pre-fire plans within the County, public information, and public education. The Inspector’s work is performed under the general supervision of the Division Chief of Fire Prevention and Life Safety and is reviewed through reports, observation and results obtained.

Work involves an element of personal danger and members must be able to exercise independent discretion in the absence of a superior command officer. Incumbents perform essential functions as outlined herein according to location and functional assignment area(s). Performs related work as directed.

Qualifications

Experience – Two (2) years of experience in an organized fire department
Certifications:
- Florida Firefighter II certification
- Florida Fire Service Inspector certification
- Florida Fire Officer I certification
- Florida Fire Instructor I certification
Valid Driver License
Tasks include a criticality component in responding to fire, medical, emergency scenes or other critical incidents, whereby incumbents are required to maintain physical abilities. Must be able to pass the PAT test.

Essential Job Functions

This list of functions, duties, responsibilities, skills, and physical abilities is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as deemed necessary.

Regular and prompt job attendance.
Assists the Division Chief in his/her duties and may perform in the capacity of the Division Chief in their absence.
Ability to perform fire inspections on county businesses and evaluate them for code violations and hazards.
Ability to understand, interpret, discuss, and provide direction on NFPA Fire Code 1, NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code, Florida Building Code, County ordinances and policy and procedures.
Performs fire flow tests on fire hydrants upon request.
Assists with “Knox Box” operations including opening and closing for addition of emergency contact information and entry keys.
Testifies in court when required to do so.
Makes recommendations and assists in training personnel assigned to the Fire Prevention and Life Safety Division.
Attends various fire related training, classes, and conferences.
Performs plans reviews and public records requests as required.
Conducts training programs, exercises, and school fire drills.
Makes recommendations to the Division Chief of Fire Prevention’s office as to desired fire safety programming and materials needs.
Works with other members of the Fire Prevention and Life Safety Division to deliver fire safety programming to the community.
Other duties assigned by the Division Chief of Fire Prevention and Life Safety.
Continually evaluates programs, policies, and goals.
Performs related work as required.

Required Skills

Knowledge of code enforcement and ability to apply corrective actions for the violations noted during inspection.
Knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and use of modern firefighting apparatus and equipment including aerial and pumping apparatus.
Must have good interpersonal and communication skills to deal with public.
Outstanding project management and organizational skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to effectively communicate with the general public under all circumstances.
Ability to apply fire safety codes and ordinances, and to enforce all regulations tactfully, firmly, and impartially.
Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications and shop drawings accurately and compare to actual work done.
Ability to prepare comprehensive reports and maintain adequate and accurate records.
Ability to operate video equipment including cameras, tablets and video recording equipment.
Ability to type and work with computers and software. Capable of working well without continuous supervision.
Ability to show proficiency in all phases of operations as outlined in NFPA 1001 and NFPA 1002.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of all county policies. A strong understanding of ethical behavior is required.

Key Competencies

Must have knowledge of basic procedures and principals of general office duties.
Must have working knowledge of all rules, regulations and information that is necessary for successful job performance.
Must have the ability to exercise sound judgment and prepare clear and concise reports.
Knowledge of street locations, geography, and potential hazards within Walton County.
Knowledge of the legally established responsibilities and empowerment related to the performance of duties.
Knowledge of building construction, features of fire protection, fire alarm systems and fire suppression systems.
Knowledge of code requirements, regulations, basic operational features, and fire hazards.
Knowledge of the essential equipment necessary to accomplish life safety code enforcement.

Physical Requirements

Tasks involve the intermittent performance of extremely physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, running, climbing, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of extremely heavy objects (150+ pounds), such as in the event of rescuing or transporting a victim/patient in the performance of rescue operations.
When performing fire services and/or rescue operations, tasks are performed with potential for intermittent exposure to occupational health hazards including, but not limited to, fire, extreme temperatures, wetness, humidity, inclement weather, loud noise, toxic/chemical agents, electrical currents, pathogens, fumes, gases, odors, erratic or unpredictable human behavior, weapons, and explosives.
Tasks include working around moving parts, vehicles, equipment, carts, and materials handling, where extremely heightened awareness to surroundings and environment is essential in the preservation of life and property.
Personal protection equipment applies in the preservation of life and property, as does special equipment including, but not limited to, various types of containment suits, self-contained breathing apparatus equipment (SCBA) and safety gear.

The Walton County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Walton County Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Pursuant to applicable state and federal law, preference and priority shall be given to certain service members and veterans (including spouses and family members of such service members and veterans), and certain service members may be eligible for a waiver of post-secondary educational requirements as provided in Chapter 295, Florida Statutes.

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Fire Inspector (Fire Certified)