Fire prevention specialist job description

This post includes 3 parts: duties list, job qualification and job description writing tips for Fire prevention specialist in details. A complete job description concludes Fire prevention specialist key duties/responsibilities, Fire prevention specialist 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 specialist duties:

1. Conducts inspections of buildings and property for compliance with fire codes, proper installation of fire alarms, efficiency of fire protective equipment, adequacy of fire exits, and overall compliance with codes and regulations pertaining to fire and life safety; and, as necessary, develops plans of correction.
2. Assists in the review of technical plan checks to determine compliance with fire and building codes as required, but not limited to checking underground fire mains, occupancy, fire alarm and fire suppression systems.
3. Investigates citizen complaints of violations of fire codes and regulations and takes corrective action; responds to inquiries regarding fire and life safety codes and standards.
4. Promotes public relations through public education programs; speaks to various civic and professional organizations to promote the goals of the City; meets with industrial and business representatives to promote cooperation and provide information regarding fire codes and standards; and, makes presentations and participated in promotional events, demonstrations, and fire and life safety programs.
5. Assists with fire scene investigation to determine cause and origin; notifies appropriate authorities; coordinates cleanup; participates in post-fire investigation and analysis; testifies in legal proceedings when required; and, completes required documents.
6. Prepares and maintains forms, records, technical letters files and reports; issues permits and corrective action correspondence.
7. Assists with plan reviews; assists with the research, development, and revision of new codes, standards and policies.
8. Stays current on the legal and technical developments in the fire prevention field, fire investigation field and other areas of assignment; participates in professional meetings and associations.

II. List of Fire prevention specialist qualifications

1. Associate’s degree or 60 semester units or 90 quarter units in Fire Science/Technology, Building Design, Construction, Chemistry, Fire Protection, Engineering, Architecture, Interior Design or related.
2. Fire Protection Organization; Fire Prevention Technology; Fire Protection Equipment and Systems; Building Construction for Fire Protection; and, Fire Behavior and Combustion.
3. Applicable national, state and local laws, regulations, codes, standards, ordinances and policies related to contemporary fire protection, building inspection, fire prevention and life safety principles, practices and techniques.
4. Practices, procedures and equipment used in fire investigations, including fire cause, determination principles and practices of investigation and interviewing techniques.
5. Methods and techniques of developing effective public education, public relations and community presentations.
6. Building plans.
7. Map reading.
8. Mathematical principles for purposes of, but not limited to, reading plans and maps.
9. Effective communication techniques for gathering, evaluating and transmitting information.
10. Principles and practices of customer service.
11. Methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar.
12. Principles and procedures of record keeping and filing techniques.
13. Office practices, methods and equipment, including a computer and applicable software.
14. Perform fire prevention inspections, apply fire codes consistently and accurately, identify violations of applicable codes and regulations, and develop a reasonable and prudent plan of correction.
15. Identify and investigate applicable code violations.
16. Plan, coordinate and prioritize inspection workload to ensure timely inspection of assigned occupancies.
17. Read and accurately interpret codes, regulations, technical reports, building plans.
18. Perform fire cause determination; assist with or conduct fire investigations; and, testify in legal proceedings, as necessary.
19. Prepare and present professional fire and life safety presentations to civic organizations, including, but not limited to, schools and community events.
20. Express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, to groups and individuals.
21. Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
22. Read, interpret and record data accurately.
23. Prepare and maintain clear, accurate and concise records, correspondence and reports.
24. Represent the City in a professional manner and deal effectively with the public to gain their cooperation in resolving problems and concerns.
25. Physically perform the duties, including the ability to be fit tested and successfully complete periodic physical examinations required for the use of respirators.                                                             
26. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
27. Adhere to the appropriate chain of command; work effectively on an assigned task force; or in an ICS (Incident Command Structure).
28. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
29. Observe safety principles and practices and work in a safe manner.
30. Work on call hours and overtime to respond to fires, emergencies or other events.
31. Wear a Department-issued uniform and protective equipment.
32. Obtain the required certifications and complete the required training courses within the established time frames or in accordance with an extended time line as approved by management.

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.