5.2. SR 08-19-1996ity of
iver
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
MEMORANDUM
ITEM 5.2.
Mayor & City Council
Bruce A. West
Fire Chief
August 14, 1996
Approval of Job Description for
Part-Time Fire Inspector
Overview
Attached for your review is the proposed job description for the position of
part-time Fire Inspector for the City of Elk River. This will be a newly
created position for inspection of new and existing buildings for compliance
with the Uniform Fire Code. The creation of the position of part-time Fire
Inspector was discussed during the 1996 budget sessions with the City
Administrator, Assistant City Administrator, and myself.
Background
The position of part-time Fire Inspector for the City of Elk River has been
expected for a number of years. There are currently firefighters within the
Elk River Fire Department organization who are trained and quolified for
the position of part-time Fire Inspector. It is my proposal to hire one or two
part-time Fire Inspectors to conduct fire inspections in commercial,
industrial, and places of assembly for enforcement of the fire codes. The
inspections within the commercial, industrial, and places of assembly are
currently being completed by myself. With the addition of part-time Fire
Inspectors, they will be conducting up to 20 hours per week (total hours per
week for all part-time inspectors) of inspections and also the required report
writing and documentation as needed. Approximately 10 to 14 hours of in
the field inspections along with 10 hours of follow up and report writing will
be necessary to complete the inspection process. Approximately 1200 hours
per year has been designated for the part-time Fire Inspectors of which
funding shall come from the Council Contingency Fund.
On a related note referencing the soon to be hired Uniform Housing
Inspector, it shall be noted the Uniform Housing Inspector will conduct
inspections in the residential rental property throughout the City of Elk
River. The Uniform Housing Inspector at the same time they are conducting
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425
housing maintenance inspections will also conduct Uniform Fire Code
Inspections within those residential rental properties. This will enable the
Inspector to complete two inspections at one time and not inconvenience the
caretaker/owner more than once. With the residential rental fire inspections
being conducted by the Uniform Housing Inspector, this shall leave the
commercial, industrial, and places assembly inspections for the part-time
Fire Inspectors and those will continue to be conducted by myself.
There shall be no new ordinances required for the fire inspections to be
conducted within the City of Elk River. The Elk River Fire Department has
and will continue to use the Uniform Fire Code 1991 addition. The UFC
1991 Fire Code has been adopted state wide and is an acceptable practice for
use in fire code inspections.
Summary
The job description for the part-time Fire Inspector has been approved by
both the City Administrator and Assistant City Administrator at this time.
At the August 19, 1996, City Council meeting, I will be requesting approval
of the job description and funding for the part-time Fire Inspector position. I
will be in attendance at the August 19, 1996, City Council meeting to answer
any questions in reference to the part-time Fire Inspector position. If you
have any questions prior to the City Council meeting, please feel free to give
me a call at the Elk River Fire Department, 441-4919. Enclosed for your
review is a copy of the part-time Fire Inspector job description.
s:\offsiteXfirinsp .doc
Approved:
Revised:
City of Elk River Position Analysis
Position Title:
Department: Fire Department
Immediate Supervisor's Title:
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Part-time Fire Inspector
Fire Chief
Purpose: The part-time Fire Inspector position interprets, applies, and
enforces fire and life safety codes uniformly. The part-time fire inspector
conducts inspections of new and existing buildings for compliance with the
fire code and local fire safety ordinances to minimize loss of life and property
and provides the public with fire safety education.
Essential Functions
Inspections - Inspect multiple dwelling units, commercial, and
industrial buildings, and places of assembly to enforce fire codes and
other local laws referencing fire and life safety.
A. Review past inspections reports.
B. Contact owner/managers for approval to conduct inspections.
C. Conduct on-site inspections of structures and properties
annually.
D. Determine code violations, if any; review with owner/manager
and issue correction orders on inspection form or by letter;
document all inspections.
E. Research any questionable code violation(s) and issue correction
orders.
F. Investigate complaints of fire safety regulation violations and
issue corrective orders for such violation(s) where appropriate.
G. Conduct follow-up inspections for compliance.
H. Refer any fire code violation issues to the Fire Chief for possible
citations.
I. Communicate other code violations found during inspections to
proper agencies.
J. Maintain all records.
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Identify during inspections any hazardous materials, determine
proper safety precautions for handling and use, including
storage requirements.
Code Enforcement- Works in cooperation with all other city
departments and inspectors on code enforcement activities.
Coordinate and work cooperatively with other public or private
agencies. Provide a supporting role to the Fire Chief in assisting in
plan reviews as they relate to fire protection.
Public Fire Safety Education - Provide a supporting role to the Fire
Chief in conducting public safety activities through open houses, tours,
demonstrations, and talks in schools and public places.
A. Assist in evaluation and development of safety materials and
programs.
B. Assist in scheduling and promoting fire prevention/education
programs.
C. Assist in preparing and distributing printed fire
prevention/education information through media, newspaper,
city newsletter, or handouts.
Communication - Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively both
verbally and in writing with property owners and contractors. Ability
to develop positive working relations with the public, property owners,
and contractors.
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General Inquiries and Complaints - Provide assistance in responding
to fire code inquiries and complaints.
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Administrative Activities - Assist the Fire Chief in activities necessary
to ensure enforcement of the Uniform Fire Code or other municipal fire
codes.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Assist in recommendations for policy or procedural changes.
Plan, prioritize, and schedule fire inspection activities.
Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of services and programs.
Assess concerns of citizens/community.
Physical Abilities
Must be able to move freely on public and private property to perform
inspections. This includes climbing stairs and walking on uneven surfaces.
Must be able to bend and move about in tight spaces to complete inspections.
Must be able to handle objects, grasp and/or turn levers and knobs using
hand(s). Job requires working both outdoors and indoors in various
environmental conditions. Also may occasionally work or inspect in or near
heat, cold, or chemicals.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
· Completion of a Firefighter II course.
· Voluntary certification as a Uniform Fire Code Inspector through
International Fire Code Institute.
· Field experience as a fire inspector.
· Ability to present positive and professional image of the city to the public.
· Ability to work independently.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent. Post secondary training in the field of fire
prevention and code enforcement. Three years experience with a fire
department. Possession of a valid, unrestrictive Minnesota drivers license.
Completion of basic fire inspection or equivalent course. Ability to physically
move about freely in public or private facilities to complete inspections.
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