FIRE DISTRICT III k
WHATCOM COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION: Fire Inspector III RANGE: 170.1
DEPARTMENT: Planning & Development Services FLSA: NE
REPORTS TO: Division Manager EEO: 1
SUMMARY
Performs specialized inspection tasks related to more complex residential and commercial
building fire code compliance, balancing team and individual responsibilities. Performs work
within scope of licensure or certification and established guidelines. Provides necessary
information for the progress and completion of inspection assignments. Complies with legal
standards and requirements. Answers questions pertaining to departmental functions and
technical matters and provides technical assistance and information as authorized.
Depending upon assignment, the incumbent may perform some or all of the following duties,
which are a representative sample of the level of work appropriate to this position.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Performs tasks related to the inspection of fire flow, fire protection systems, exits or similar
installations in commercial, institutional and residential buildings. Writes correction notices
regarding compliance issues with applicable fire codes and issues non-criminal, misdemeanor,
and gross misdemeanor citations or performs custodial arrests in accordance with Special Deputy
Sheriff Commission, Sheriff's Office policies, and appropriate laws.
Conducts independent fire/arson investigations. Prepares complex investigation reports and uses
the Sheriff's Office Records Management System proficiently, in accordance with Sheriff's
Office policies and procedures.
Conducts more complex residential and commercial inspections and plan reviews of burn sites,
newly installed fire systems, fire protection features, and occupied businesses and schools to
ensure compliance with fire codes and air pollution regulations. Performs more complex fire
code interpretations for residential and commercial applications.
Issues civil and criminal citations for fire code violations. Examines and recommends
corrections to building plans or buildings in construction to comply with the International Fire
Code.
Monitors work in process to assure observance of safety procedures, applicable codes and
regulations, and sound construction practices. Maintains records of construction progress and
results of inspections to assure compliance with applicable codes.
Acts as a technical resource for other employees.
Monitors state, county, city and other applicable activities to remain current on changes and new
requirements for area of assignment. Participates on and facilitates assigned task forces.
Enters, tracks, and looks up inspection data in permit tracking system. Researches, collects and
analyzes complex or diverse information and data. Identifies problems and recommends
alternative solutions for resolution. Maintains accurate and organized records, databases,
systems and files.
Initiates or assists in the preparation of correspondence, reports, complex presentations or other
documents utilizing word processing, spreadsheets and presentation software, keeping others
adequately informed. Writes concisely and correctly. Organizes information clearly. Annually
identifies and completes service improvement projects to increase effectiveness and efficiency of
the department.
Assists the public in interpreting and answering more complex and difficult issues and code-
related questions and general inquiries at front counter, general office, and over the phone.
Performs residential plan reviews and commercial sprinkler and fire alarm reviews. Identifies
customer needs, explains services clearly and promptly responds to requests. Evaluates priorities
and independently addresses assigned matters, inquiries and complaints.
Prioritizes and plans own work activities. Works with others or leads independent organization
of inspection schedules. Uses resources effectively.
Assesses compliance and interprets and applies regulations legally and equitably for assigned
areas.
Issues correction notices and stop work orders in coordination with supervisor.
Prepares and makes public presentations on topics such as fire prevention and smoke alarm
safety. Annually develops complex community outreach, public safety agency, and staff
training,.
ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES
Assists with the development of procedures and tasks, as assigned.
Performs all duties of lower- and similarly classified positions and other duties, as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Requires an Associate's degree, one year of fire service experience AND three years of fire
inspection experience OR five years of fire service experience AND three years of fire
inspection experience.
Requires knowledge of.•
The field of assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of
responsibility as illustrated by example in this job description.
Building inspection practices; building construction materials, methods and terminology;
and construction plan reading.
International Fire Code and related codes pertaining to buildings. Code violations at
various stages of construction.
Local, county, state and federal laws, agencies, policies, rules and regulations applicable
to the area of assignment.
Recordkeeping; project management principles; customer service skills; mathematics;
English composition and grammar.
Computer operation and a variety of software including word processing, spreadsheet,
database and other applications related to the area of assignment.
Safety precautions, practices and procedures applicable to the area of assignment.
Requires the ability to:
Listen attentively and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in clear,
concise language appropriate for the purpose and parties addressed including facilitating
groups, preparing and making technical and/or public presentations which can be
understood by non-technical listeners, giving clear directives, and preparing and/or
directing the preparation of comprehensive written reports, materials and correspondence.
Maintain appropriate level of confidentiality on all matters.
Use tact, discretion, respect and courtesy to gain the cooperation of others and establish
and maintain effective working relationships and rapport with public officials,
department heads, co-workers, volunteers, members of the building industry, consultants,
representatives of other agencies and businesses, other departments, officials and diverse
members of the public.
Fulfill the commitment of the County to provide outstanding public, inter- and intra-
departmental customer service.
Be attentive to detail, maintain a high degree of accuracy, make basic mathematical
calculations, check data and prepare and review material in reports and correspondence.
Recognize, resolve and correct discrepancies in data or information.
Read, understand, interpret and apply appropriately the terminology, instructions,
policies, procedures, legal requirements and regulations pertinent to the area of
assignment. Read, understand and interpret a wide variety of maps, charts, site plans and
images, grading, construction drawings, plans, specifications, blueprints, legal
descriptions and other documents applicable to the area of assignment.
Organize, prioritize and coordinate work assignments. Work effectively in a multi-task
environment. Take appropriate initiative. Apply good judgement, creativity and logical
thinking to obtain potential solutions to problems within the scope of knowledge and
authority or refer to the appropriate source. Exhibit reliable attendance and punctuality.
Produce and use documents, spreadsheets, and slideshow presentations. Initiate, compile,
compose and/or edit correspondence, records, narrative, statistical and financial reports
and other applicable documents and assure all pertinent information from appropriate
sources is included and accurate.
Proficiently operate office and other equipment standard to the area of assignment.
Maintain current knowledge for assigned areas and adapt to new technologies, keeping
technical skills up to date and using technology to increase productivity.
Work independently or cooperatively as a member of a team.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have a driving record that meets County standards and possess a valid driver's license at
time of hire and throughout employment.
Background check must meet County criteria for law enforcement positions.
Must pass a psychological evaluation, polygraph examination and job-related tests.
Must be eligible to cross the border between the United States and Canada.
Must possess an International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector II certification and maintain
throughout employment.
Must possess an ICC Fire Plans Examiner certification or other approved ICC certification; or
complete the National Fire Academy Fire Investigation Essentials course. Must update these
certifications every three years while employed.
Must possess and maintain certification as a Washington State Certified Fire Investigator,
International Association of Arson Investigators Fire Investigation Technician (IAAI-FIT).
Requires completion of NFPA compliant classes related to fire sprinklers, fire pumps, water
tanks, private water mains, fire alarm systems, and other automatic and manual fire protection
systems.
Must possess Sheriff's Office Special Deputy Sheriff Commission and complete and maintain
requirements associated with this Commission including:
• Completing use-of-force and less-than-lethal weapons training.
■ Meeting and maintaining duty weapon proficiency according to Whatcom County
Sheriff's Office standards. Completing Whatcom County Sheriff's Office basic firearms
training and other training as mandated.
• Passing written examinations concerning the use of force and Whatcom County Sheriff's
Office policies and safety procedures.
Must possess a First Aid/CPR Card and maintain throughout employment.
Haz-Mat Awareness-Level Training to NFPA 472 standard required at time of hire and on a
periodic basis throughout employment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in an office setting and at field locations throughout Whatcom County. Sits
or stands for long periods of time. May occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 50
pounds. Will be required to attend meetings or perform duties outside of normal office hours.
Carries rotational pager cell phone and must be promptly available for service. Moves
throughout the County facilities. Frequently drives a motor vehicle to perform duties in the field,
at multiple sites, or travel out of the County. Traverses rough terrain and inclines. During
emergency situations may be required to run, shovel, dig or use physical force to protect self and
others. May carry firearms and less-than-lethal weapons for personal protection in the field.
Works in, on or near water, on ladders, on and near bridges, often in remote locations or close
quarters. May travel by boat, river raft, airplane or helicopter and may stand for long periods of
time outside in all types of weather, May work near noisy machinery in the field. Possibility of
exposure to a variety of environmental and chemical allergens standard to the area of
assignment. Possibility of exposure to hostile and offensive language from the public. Uses
appropriate safety equipment and follows established work safety policies, practices and
procedures.
The statements contained herein reflect,as of the date signed,general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job,the level
of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work
requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned,including work in other functional areas,to cover absences or relief,to equalize
peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education,
experience,certifications,and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
Whatcom County provides equal employment opportunities(EEO)to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race,color,
religion,national origin,sex,age,marital status, sexual orientation,disability, military service,genetics,and any other legally protected class.
Whatcom County also complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.
Employee Status: This is an FLSA non-exempt position and, as such, is paid hourly and is
entitled to overtime.
Signature Date
JDE Job En JDE Special Requirements
Job Code:F375 Reason for Change: Security:Level 5 Medical Privacy:N
Job Group: Standard Language Driving:Frequently Physical Capacity:N
W/C Code: 1501 Retirement: PSERS CDL:N Physical:N
Group: 1000 BBP:N Polygraph:Y
Cash Handling:N Psychological:Y
Performance Evaluation Form:B4 FIRE INSPECTOR 111.JOB SS 12/27/18