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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Fire Prevention Specialist

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

Safety and SecurityGovernmentPublic SafetyComplianceConstruction

🎯 Role Definition

As a Fire Prevention Specialist, you will be the cornerstone of our community's safety program. You will serve as an expert authority on fire and life safety codes, proactively identifying and mitigating fire hazards through diligent inspections and comprehensive plan reviews. Working collaboratively with developers, business owners, contractors, and the public, you will enforce regulations and provide crucial education to prevent fires and protect lives and property. This is a mission-critical role for an individual passionate about public safety and dedicated to upholding the highest standards of fire prevention.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Firefighter
  • Code Enforcement Officer
  • Building Inspector
  • Safety Technician

Advancement To:

  • Senior Fire Prevention Specialist or Fire Inspector III
  • Deputy Fire Marshal / Assistant Fire Marshal
  • Fire Marshal
  • Fire Protection Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Fire Investigator
  • Corporate Safety Manager
  • Insurance Risk Assessor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive fire and life safety inspections of new and existing commercial, industrial, educational, and multi-family residential buildings to ensure strict compliance with local, state, and federal fire codes, ordinances, and standards.
  • Perform technical inspections and witness acceptance testing of fire protection systems, including fire alarm systems, automatic fire sprinkler systems, commercial kitchen hood suppression systems, and standpipes.
  • Review and analyze complex construction plans, site plans, architectural drawings, and fire protection system submittals for new construction, additions, and remodels to verify full compliance with fire and life safety code requirements prior to permit issuance.
  • Investigate the cause, origin, and circumstances of fires and other emergencies, collecting and preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing detailed investigative reports for legal and administrative proceedings.
  • Issue notices of violation, correction orders, and citations for non-compliance with fire codes; conduct follow-up inspections to verify that all violations have been abated in a timely manner.
  • Manage and track cases of non-compliance, preparing documentation for legal action and testifying in court or at administrative hearings as a subject matter expert when necessary.
  • Respond to and investigate complaints from the public and other agencies regarding potential fire hazards, life safety deficiencies, or overcrowding conditions.
  • Develop, prepare, and deliver engaging fire safety and prevention educational programs to diverse community groups, including schools, businesses, and senior centers.
  • Serve as a primary point of contact and technical resource for architects, engineers, contractors, and business owners, providing authoritative interpretations of fire codes and standards.
  • Evaluate and approve operational permits for special events, hazardous materials storage/use, hot work operations, and other regulated activities.
  • Conduct annual inspections of licensed facilities such as daycare centers, adult foster care homes, and healthcare facilities to ensure they meet specialized life safety requirements.
  • Maintain and manage detailed, accurate records of all inspections, plan reviews, permits, violations, and investigations using a records management system.
  • Assist in the development and revision of local fire code ordinances to address emerging technologies, materials, and community needs.
  • Perform detailed fire safety inspections related to business license applications and renewals, ensuring all prerequisites are met before a license is granted.
  • Proactively patrol assigned districts to identify and address fire hazards, blocked exits, unpermitted construction, and other dangerous conditions in public view.
  • Participate in pre-construction meetings with developers and project managers to outline fire department requirements and ensure a smooth, code-compliant building process.
  • Review and approve fire safety and evacuation plans for high-rise buildings, assembly occupancies, and other complex structures.
  • Act as a liaison to fire suppression crews, providing them with critical information on building layouts, fire protection system status, and known hazards through pre-incident planning.
  • Investigate reports of illegal fireworks usage or sales and participate in enforcement actions to mitigate associated fire risks.
  • Witness and document the required testing of emergency power generators, fire pumps, and other critical life safety equipment.
  • Assess and approve fire department access roads and water supply requirements for new developments to ensure adequate emergency response capabilities.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the development and maintenance of the department's pre-incident survey and planning program.
  • Participate in community events, public safety fairs, and school programs to promote fire safety awareness and prevention strategies.
  • Maintain and organize meticulous records of inspections, violations, permits, and investigations using designated records management software.
  • Provide technical assistance and code interpretation to fire suppression crews, other city departments, and the general public as requested.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expert Knowledge of Fire Codes: Deep understanding of International Fire Code (IFC), International Building Code (IBC), and NFPA standards (especially NFPA 1, 13, 72, 101).
  • Fire Plan Review: Ability to read, interpret, and analyze complex blueprints, site plans, and technical specifications for code compliance.
  • Fire Protection Systems: Proficiency in inspecting and testing fire alarm, sprinkler, suppression, and smoke control systems.
  • Fire Investigation: Knowledge of scientific principles for determining fire cause and origin (NFPA 921).
  • Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT): Ability to recognize and apply code requirements for the storage, handling, and use of hazardous materials.
  • Legal and Enforcement Procedures: Competency in issuing citations, writing detailed reports for legal action, and providing expert testimony.
  • Records Management Software: Experience using computer-based systems for tracking inspections, permits, and violations (e.g., Tyler EnerGov, Accela, Bluebeam).
  • Public Speaking & Education: Skill in developing and presenting technical information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
  • Construction Materials & Methods: Solid understanding of building construction types and their behavior under fire conditions.
  • ICC/NFPA Certifications: Possession of or ability to obtain certifications such as ICC Fire Inspector I/II, ICC Plans Examiner, or NFPA Certified Fire Inspector I.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail & Meticulousness: A keen eye for identifying subtle code violations or hazards that others might overlook.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze complex situations, interpret ambiguous code language, and devise practical solutions.
  • Diplomacy & Interpersonal Skills: Skillfully navigating interactions with frustrated or uncooperative individuals to achieve compliance.
  • Effective Communication (Written & Verbal): Articulating technical requirements and findings clearly, concisely, and professionally in both reports and conversations.
  • Integrity & Ethical Conduct: Upholding public trust by applying codes and standards fairly and consistently without bias.
  • Conflict Resolution & Negotiation: De-escalating tense situations and negotiating compliance timelines with property owners and contractors.
  • Independent Judgment: Making sound, defensible decisions in the field with minimal supervision.
  • Time Management & Organization: Effectively managing a demanding workload of inspections, plan reviews, and administrative tasks.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED supplemented by college-level coursework in a relevant field and a combination of experience and state-mandated certifications.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Fire Science / Fire Technology
  • Fire Protection Engineering
  • Public Administration
  • Construction Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in a municipal fire department, code enforcement agency, or related fire protection field.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience working as a state-certified Fire Inspector, Fire Marshal, or Plans Examiner for a public agency. Experience as a sworn Firefighter is highly desirable.
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