The City of Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services is looking for two (2) individuals who can learn new work skills to fill Fire Prevention Inspector positions. The selected candidates will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and the Virginia Uniform Statewide Prevention Code. The selected candidates will be given training, and they must be willing to learn work-related processes.

Duties for this position include but are not limited to

Performing occupancy and use inspections
Inspecting fire prevention systems and evacuation plans
Issuing notices of code violations and citations
Investigating complaints by visiting field sites
Enforcing the requirements of the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code NFPA 101 Life Safety Standards and the City of Richmond Fire Department through tactful, clear written and oral communication
Developing and presenting fire safety/prevention programs to help educate the public
Assisting in developing evacuation plans and conducting fire drills
Reviewing and proposing changes to safety standards and codes
Serving as a liaison between the firefighters and company officers
Reviewing building plans for code compliance
Writing detailed reports of fire inspections performed and fire code violations observed
Maintaining good working relationships with co-workers
Providing timely responses to inquiries from the public and outside agencies
Planning, scheduling, and conducting inspections of institutional, industrial, and educational facilities building occupancies to ensure fire safety and compliance
Attending seminars and meetings related to fire prevention/safety to stay up to date on codes and ordinances
Training firefighters and company officers using the knowledge attained
Meeting with the Fire Marshall and Deputy Fire Marshal to seek direction on the current status of ongoing inspections
Recommending actions to bring properties into compliance
Operating a motor vehicle as assigned
Charging and collecting permit and inspection fees followed by the timely transference of same fees for deposit in City of Richmond account.

This position is considered essential personnel, which means that the incumbent is required to work when the City is closed due to public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions, or inclement weather. This individual may be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, or on-call as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code

Virginia Uniform Statewide Fire Prevention Code
City of Richmond Fire Prevention/Safety codes
Fire prevention systems (e.g. fire sprinklers and extinguishers)

Knowledge of building evacuation principles

Characteristics of hazardous materials
Behavior and characteristics of fire
Acceptance testing fire prevention systems

Demonstrated skill conducting fire drills

Inspecting fire prevention
Making presentations
Operating a motor vehicle
Maintaining records
Reviewing building plans

Demonstrated ability to train others

Conduct research
Interact and work with different groups of people
Learn new codes and fire prevention policies
Communicate with the public regarding citations and code violations.

Minimum Training and Experience

High School Diploma or GED
Three years of safety, prevention and/or inspection experience
Preferred candidates will have experience with fire prevention
An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.

Licensing, Certifications, and/or Other Special Requirements

Fire Inspector I NFPA 1031 must be obtained within 180 days of hire
Fire & Safety Education NFPA 1035 must be obtained within 180 days of hire
A valid driver's license and a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License within 60 days of hire (Note: Must be without restrictions or revocations which prohibit the operation of a department vehicle).

Preferred Training and Experience

An Associate's Degree
Bilingual is a plus.