Fire prevention inspector job description

This post includes 3 parts: duties list, job qualification and job description writing tips for Fire prevention inspector in details. A complete job description concludes Fire prevention inspector key duties/responsibilities, Fire prevention inspector job qualifications (knowledge, education, skills, abilities, experience…KSA model) and other ones such as daily tasks, key activities, key/core competencies, job functions/purpose…

I. List of Fire prevention inspector duties:

1. Performs fire prevention inspections of hazardous processes, industrial and commercial occupancies, institutional and public assemblage occupancies, and new construction sites to ensure compliance with the California Fire Code, city ordinances, state and local laws and nationally recognized fire prevention standards
2. Review plans, blueprints, equipment, standards, chemical inventories, and processes to ensure compliance with safety requirements
3. Inspect and test fire protection systems; Interprets the various fire codes for the public and makes recommendations for alteration of inadequate fire prevention systems
4. Checks plans and specifications for the installation of fire protection systems and appliances
5. Review, evaluate, process, and maintain a variety of files related to fire inspection and prevention activities
6. Complete data input and analysis of a variety of information related to fire inspection and prevention activities
7. Draft reports related to fire inspection and prevention activities
8. Prepare and issue safety notices, permits and correction letters that outline compliance issues and deficiencies
9. Attend a variety of continuing education classes, seminars and meetings in an effort to maintain familiarity with applicable codes, regulations, policies and procedures
10. Instruct assigned subordinate staff in inspection techniques and may conduct public education programs on fire safety inspection and prevention
11. Participate in a variety of special projects related to fire inspection and prevention activities
12. Under close supervision, manage city owned oil wells
13. Issue new and reactivated oil well permits
14. Conduct inspections of oil wells and oil tank farms for compliance with established regulations
15. Review and coordinate oil well abandonments
16. Maintain oil well management records and oil well waste water records
17. Maintain petroleum pipeline identification
18. Review methane gas mitigation plans
19. Conduct methane gas mitigation inspections

II. List of Fire prevention inspector qualifications

1. Methods and practices involved in construction
2. Arithmetic and basic algebra
3. Computer equipment and associated software programs
4. Quality service practices
5. Safety issues and liability reduction, report writing methods
6. Customer service principles
7. Applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to fire prevention and investigation
8. Conduct fire prevention inspections
9. Assist Sworn Fire Personnel as needed;
10. Read and understand drawings, diagrams and specifications for construction projects;
11. Prepare reports and communications; communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing; communicate and deal effectively with fire personnel, engineers, contractors and the general public;
12. Perform arithmetic and basic algebraic functions
13. Ensure safety and professional work standards are met
14. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and deliver quality customer service
15. One (1) year of college-level coursework (30 semester units or 45 quarter units) from an accredited college or university in skilled or construction trades, fire administration/science/technology, engineering or a directly related field. 
16. An Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in a directly-related field may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis up to one (1) year.
17. Three (3) years experience as a building inspector, public works inspector, construction inspector, engineering assistant or equivalent fire prevention inspection experience.

III. Tips to write job description

1. Too-long job description:

Looking at a too-long job description can frighten the candidates off and drive the away. A job description, no matter how important the job is, should not be included in more than 3 pages. If one focuses on too many things at a time, he shall definitely lose focus on the main items and get overwhelmed by the remaining; So, keep it concisely.

2. Too-short job description:

While too-long can be a problem, too-short is more a problem. It will ruin the meaning of the job description. A too-short one means it lacks necessary details and therefore, the candidate will not be able to understand while reading it.

3. Listing unnecessary functions or job duties:

Just classifying these into the “others” category will save you a lot of effort and space. On the other hand, the job description will become more dilute and easy to be neglected.

4. Key functions

Not listing key functions as required for the job can be a fatal mistake to a job description.

5. Grammar and spelling

Poor grammar and having spelling errors can ruin the job description, too. Never think that as you are the employer, you may have the right to make grammar or spelling errors while requires other not to. A job description with such errors is easily to be mistaken as a fake or ghost ads; as a result, the candidate will turn away from it.

6. Not specific enough:

Be specific and concise; if you don’t address the specific, then what the job description is for. It is for the candidate to understand just exactly what he needs to do or needs to have. Lacking details can confuse the candidates very well.

7. Not having the job description reviewed by others:

This is also a common mistake. One may be subject to bias, but more than one, especially with the help of those external advisor, the job description can be more perfect.

8. Using buzzwords or abbreviations:

In fact, it is not necessary at all to use such in a job description.

9. Using slang or legal words:

Just use common wording to communicate with others and don’t do anything extraordinarily.

10. Not updating the job description:

The same job may require different duties and responsibilities in different times, so, you cannot use the same job description for 2 different times.