Fire Protection Specialist I (#MFCA01)

Fire Protection Specialist II (#MFCA02)

Fire Protection Specialist III (#MFCA03)
$51,858.00 Yearly Min / $64,822.00 Yearly Mid / $77,786.00 Yearly Max

Fire Protection Specialist IV (#MFCA04)
$58,719.00 Yearly Min / $73,399.00 Yearly Mid / $88,079.00 Yearly Max

This class series uses four levels of work in the Engineering, Planning, Technical Services occupational group, Fire Protection Services occupational series and describes work conducting fire protection inspections and technical services; applying fire protection technology to ensure compliance with applicable fire prevention laws, rules, regulations, codes and ordinances.

Note: This career ladder series incorporates levels I and II.  All positions allocated into the career ladder are classified at the II level.  The I level is to provide entry for hiring new employees into the class series but does not preclude hiring new employees at higher levels.  Employees may be promoted through the career ladder in accordance with minimum qualifications and promotional standards. Promotional standards, a selection document under separate cover, sets forth the criteria that defines and describes the requirements that must be met at each level.  Advancement of employees through the career ladder is dependent on an agency's/department's operational needs and distribution of work. 

The III and IV levels, although not part of the career ladder, provide competitive opportunity for movement of employees.  

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Conducts on-site fire protection surveys and inspections to ascertain if the building is being constructed in accordance with submitted and approved plans.
   
• Analyzes and evaluates plans of all new construction, additions and renovations to ascertain if plans are in accordance with State Fire Prevention Commission regulations relative to life, safety and fire protection.
   
• Ensures compliance with applicable fire prevention law, rules, regulation, codes and ordinances.
   
• Conducts fire protection system tests.
   
• Reviews plans for storage of flammable or combustible liquids.
   
• May serve on committees or attend meetings regarding fire protection.

Fire Protection Specialist I

This is the first level in the series.

• Reports to a technical supervisor.
• Performs the full range of Essential Functions.
• Contacts include architects, engineers, developers, designers and other individuals involved in particular building projects.

Fire Protection Specialist II

This is the second level in the series.

• Performs comprehensive reviews and approves complex engineering designs, plans and specifications for new construction, additions and renovations.
• Meets with government and civil groups to provide expertise in the area of fire protection technology.
• Establishes liaison and provides coordination with planning and building inspection agencies.
• Calculates, verifies and oversees the collection of plan review user fees.
• Provides guidance and reviews the work of less experienced Fire Protection Specialists.
• Contacts include conducting sensitive meetings with architects, engineers, developers and designers for the purpose of interpreting code requirements and applying interpretations to proposed plans.

Fire Protection Specialist III

This is the supervisory level for fire protection inspections and technical services on a regional basis.

• Supervision is exercised over at least two or more merit full time positions per the Merit Rules. The elements of supervision include planning, assigning, reviewing, evaluating, coaching, training and recommending hire/fire and discipline.
• Plans, assigns and performs fire protection plan reviews and construction inspections.
• Supervises the statewide compliance program that ensures all fire alarm and suppression systems are properly maintained, inspected and tested in accordance with state fire protection regulations.
• Oversees the development and implementation of databases related to licensing and recording the activities of contractors responsible for the maintenance, inspection and testing of fire alarm and suppression systems.
• Assists with the development of new and revised fire protection regulations. Updates and distributes regulations.
• Prepares and submits detailed reports of section activity on a regular basis.
• Ensures timely and accurate billing of facility inspections.

Fire Protection Specialist IV

This level is responsible for planning, organizing, implementing and managing fire protection inspections and technical services on a statewide basis.

• Reports to an administrative supervisor.
• Supervision is exercised over at least two or more merit full time positions per the Merit Rules. The elements of supervision include planning, assigning, reviewing, evaluating, coaching, training and recommending hire/fire and discipline.
• Reviews and approves plans and specifications of the most complex nature for compliance with applicable fire prevention laws, rules, regulations, codes, and ordinances.
• Develops proposed laws, rules, regulations, codes and ordinances pertaining to the protection of life and property from fire, explosion and environmental hazards.
• Performs the most difficult on-site inspections of buildings under construction.
• Reviews on a regular basis the technical accuracy and cost effectiveness of inspection and plan review programs; takes corrective action and recommends strategies and methods to provide better service.
• Prepares and submits detailed reports on section activities.
• Responsible for all plan review funds collected, handled and deposited.
• Contacts include meeting with architects, engineers, developers and designers for the purpose of interpreting code requirements, applying interpretations to proposed plans, and reviewing or developing alternatives to achieve code compliance.
  

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSAs listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of fire protection systems.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local fire prevention laws, rules, regulations, codes and ordinances.
• Knowledge of principles of fire protection and building construction materials, methods and practices.
• Knowledge of flammable and combustible liquids, their storage and use, and how they apply to applicable codes.
• Ability to interpret building and construction codes and ordinances.
• Ability to apply accepted engineering practices to work problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills, and abilities, the Fire Protection Specialist II requires:

• Knowledge of State of Delaware safety statutes.
• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical and hydropneumatic systems.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of fire prevention, fire suppression and building codes.
• Knowledge of laws, ordinances, rules and regulations pertaining to the investigation of arson fires.
• Knowledge of heating, ventilating, air conditioning equipment, elevators, conveyors, rubbish chutes, incinerators and laundry chutes.
• Knowledge of collecting, verifying, and properly handling plan review user fees.
• Ability to provide guidance to others.
• Ability to interpret codes.
• Ability to read, review and interpret blueprints.
• Ability to apply engineering principles associated with blueprint review.
• Ability to provide interpretations for architects, engineers, contractors, consultants and owners in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with the public.
• Ability to give lectures and short talks to various groups on fire prevention, plan reviews and life safety.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills, and abilities, the Fire Protection Specialist III requires:

• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision.
• Knowledge of planning, assigning, and performing fire protection plan reviews on and construction inspections on a regional basis.
• Skill in interpreting codes.
• Skill in reading, reviewing and interpreting blueprints in complete detail.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills, and abilities, the Fire Protection Specialist IV requires:

• Skill in the principles and practices of staff supervision.
• Skill in planning, assigning, and performing fire protection plan reviews on and construction inspections on a regional basis.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Fire Protection Specialist III
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Three years experience in conducting fire prevention inspections to ensure compliance with laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
2. Three years experience in reviewing and approving architectural, mechanical, civil and electrical plans and specifications. 
3. Three years experience in suppression system, extinguishing system, and alarm system design, construction and use.
4. Three years experience in ensuring compliance with national and local building and fire codes.
5. Six months experience in technical report writing.
6. Knowledge of staff supervision acquired through course work, academic training, training provided through an employer, or performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others; OR supervising staff which may include planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others; OR supervising through subordinate supervisors a group of professional, technical, and clerical employees.