Purpose of Job

Under limited supervision, performs duties relating to fire prevention which involves conducting fire prevention and life safety inspections, codes compliance and enforcement activities, fire scene cause/origin/arson investigations, maintaining perpetual records and reports, evaluating and revising fire prevention and inspection programs. This position requires independent judgment in the application of policies and regulations. Reports to the Fire Chief.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Reviews site and building plans in detail for compliance with appropriate sections of fire and building codes.

Reviews fixed fire protection system plans for compliance with appropriate sections of fire and building codes and performs inspections and acceptance tests on these systems during and after construction.

Inspects new and remodeling construction in commercial and public buildings for compliance with appropriate codes.

Coordinates and supervises the regular inspections of all existing public and commercial buildings. Ensures that the responsible party is notified of violations found, explains necessary corrective measures, and ensures corrections are made within the specified time period.

Investigates and oversees the correction of dangerous conditions relating to fire safety.

Provides fire code interpretation for architects, engineers, contractors, firefighters, and fire officers.

Researches and recommends fire code upgrades as needed in an attempt to maintain the same edition of the code as that adopted by the Fire Marshal’s office of the State of Tennessee.

Investigates fires to determine cause and origin; investigates suspicious fires for evidence of arson; assists the Police Department and State Fire Marshals Office in criminal fire investigations; assists in the collection and documentation of evidence, interviews of suspect and witnesses, and testifies in court as needed.

Organizes and coordinates public education activities, gives fire prevention demonstrations and lectures, and conducts fire drills at schools and day care centers.

Maintains perpetual records and reports of all activities including building and special inspections, fire prevention and public education activities, criminal fire investigations, school/daycare fire drills, permits, summons and citations.

Enforces codes, laws, statutes, and ordinances related to the manufacture, transportation, use, sale, storage, and discharge of fireworks and explosive or blasting agents.

Investigates complaints regarding hazardous or dangerous conditions, investigates fire code violations, issues corrective orders, and issues summons as needed.

Manages the SupraSafe Key Box Program

Coordinates fire prevention training needs with the Training Officer and the Fire Chief.

Prepares summary report of fire prevention activities for monthly fire department activity report.

Prepares and submits budget requests for fire prevention activities to the Fire Chief.

Responds to first-alarm assignments when on-duty and assists on-scene commander in coordination of staff function fire suppression activities. May perform on-scene fire suppression duties if necessary.


Additional Job Functions

Performs other related duties as required.

Maintains fire inspector’s certification and training.


Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Two years college required, four years preferred, with a minimum of five to seven years of progressive firefighting experience (or related), with extensive experience in fire prevention, fire codes enforcement and inspections and/or arson investigations. Firefighter certification preferred. Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science or Fire Protection Engineering preferred. Valid Tennessee Driver's License required. Must possess thorough knowledge of related laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations. Must be certified fire inspector in compliance with Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Division of Fire Prevention within six (6) months of employment.


(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED
TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be proficient at operating various types of office equipment, such as a computer, calculator, telephone, etc. Must also be physically able and licensed to operate a motor vehicle in the state of Tennessee. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. Must be able to exert up to sixty pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to fifty pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for physically active work. Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of twenty to forty pounds. Must be physically able to climb stairs and crawl into confined spaces when conducting inspections.

DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and or judge the readily observable functional, technical, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange technical and administrative information relating to fire code compliance. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to staff.

LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires ability to read a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures related to the ability to write reports and essays with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.

INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques related to fire code compliance; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to the position of Fire Marshal.

VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information to superior officers and elected officials; to explain procedures and policies; and to follow verbal and written instructions, guidelines and objectives.


NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; determine percentages; determine time and weight; and utilize statistical inference.

FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with office equipment and light tools.

MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using automated office equipment and light tools utilized for completing fire code inspections.

MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have above average levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

COLOR DISCRIMINATION: Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.

INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people (i.e. staff, management, general public, and elected officials) beyond giving and receiving instructions such as in interpreting departmental policies and procedures. Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress when confronted with emergency situations.

PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear).


PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Knowledge of Job: Has thorough knowledge of the policies, procedures, and methods of the Department, firefighting practices and fire code laws and ordinances as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Fire Marshal. Has extensive knowledge of modern fire suppression and basic emergency medical principles, practices, and equipment. Has extensive knowledge of the geography of the City and is able to carry out complex oral and written instructions. Has the ability to drive fire station vehicles and operate firefighting equipment. Is able to deal with the general public in a diplomatic and fair manner. Is able to maintain good physical conditioning in order to perform strength and agility tasks. Is able to develop and administer operations and staff plans and objectives for the expedience and effectiveness of specific duties of the department. Is able to develop and implement long-term goals for the department as necessary in the promotion of effectiveness and efficiency. Knows how to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, computer operations, equipment needs and policies, etc. as they pertain to departmental operations and activities. Knows how to operate various equipment as required in the completion of daily activities. Has the ability to perform duties necessary to promote the safety and welfare of the general public. Is able to react quickly and calmly in dangerous and emergency situations. Is able to use independent judgment and discretion as necessary in the performance of routine and non-routine activities. Has the ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information. Is able to use independent judgment in a wide array of circumstances from routine tasks to extremely critical situations. Has the ability to work in stressful, high-risk conditions.

Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts with all departments and divisions, co-workers and the general public.

Quantity of Work: Performs described "Essential Functions" and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets standards and expectations of the organization.


Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and for meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Remains accountable to assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance: Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to superiors with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with City/department policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between staff persons and departments within the City.

Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with superior officers, supervisors and staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all department employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees and superior officers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the public so as to maintain good will toward the department and to project a good department image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the department. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the department. Interacts effectively with the Fire Chief, Codes Director, other department heads, staff, elected officials, and the general public.

Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.
Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the department and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.

Planning: Plans, directs and uses information effectively in order to enhance activities and production of the department. Knows and understands the expectations of the City regarding the activities of the department and works to see that these expectations are met. Designs and formulates ways, means, and timing to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and the City. Within constraints of City policy, formulates appropriate strategy and tactics for achieving departmental and City objectives. Effectively and efficiently organizes, arranges and allocates manpower, financial and other designated resources to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and the City.

Organizing: Organizes work and that of subordinate staff well. Ensures that staff members know what results are expected of them and that they are regularly and appropriately informed of all City and department matters affecting them and/or of concern to them.

Staffing works with the department staff, and superior officers where appropriate, to select and recommend employment of personnel for the department who are qualified both technically and philosophically to meet the needs of the department and the City. Personally directs the development and training of department personnel ensuring that they are properly inducted, oriented and trained.

Leading: Provides a work environment that encourages clear and open communications. Have a clear and comprehensive understanding of the principles of effective leadership and how such principles are to be applied. Provides adequate feedback to staff so they know whether their performance levels are satisfactory. Commends and rewards employees for outstanding performance yet does not hesitate to take disciplinary action when necessary. Exercises enthusiasm in influencing and guiding others toward the achievement of City goals and objectives.

Controlling: Provides a work environment that is orderly and controlled. Coordinates, audits, and controls manpower and financial resources efficiently and effectively. Coordinates, audits, and controls the utilization of materials and equipment efficiently and effectively. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of City standards, methods and procedures.

Delegating: Assigns duties to staff as necessary and/or appropriate to meet department goals, enhance staff abilities, build confidence on the job and assists staff members in personal growth. Has confidence in staff to meet new or additional expectations.

Decision-Making: Uses discretion and judgment in developing and implementing courses of action affecting the department. When a particular policy, procedure or strategy does not foster the desired result, moves decisively and explicitly to develop and implement alternatives.

Creativity: Regularly seeks new improved methodologies, policies and procedures for enhancing the effectiveness of department and City. Employs imagination and creativity in the application of duties and responsibilities. Is not adverse to change.

Human Relations: Strives to develop and maintain good rapport with all staff members. Listens to and considers their suggestions and complaints and responds appropriately. Maintains the respect and loyalty of staff.

Policy Implementation: Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of City policies regarding the department and City function. Adheres to those policies in the discharge of duties and responsibilities and ensures the same from subordinate staff.

Policy Formulation: Keeps abreast of changes in operating philosophies and policies of the City and continually reviews department policies to ensure that any changes in City philosophy or practice are appropriately incorporated. Also understands the relationship between the operating policies and practices and department morale and performance. Works to see that established policies enhance same.