City of Tampa

An employee in this class is responsible for serving as an advanced apprentice in order to acquire additional training and experience necessary to qualify for promotion to Fire Inspector. Work is of average difficulty and includes limited responsibility for enforcing fire prevention codes. Previous experience in this activity is required as employees exercise some initiative and independent judgement in performing the less difficult inspectional tasks. More advanced inspections, which are performed under the immediate supervision of an experience inspector or supervisor, are also important aspects of work in this class. Employees must be capable of maintaining accurate records, drafting complete and concise reports, and performing tasks requiring light to moderate physical exertion. Most activities are performed in the field, requiring the operation of a lightweight motor vehicle in traveling among work sites as well as extensive public contact. Employees are required to maintain combat firefighter readiness as they are subject to deployment in that capacity. Work schedules vary and might include nights, weekends and holidays on a regular or irregular basis. Work is reviewed through consultations, observation and submitted reports.

Conducts fire prevention inspections of commercial, industrial and multi-family structures including childcare facilities, apartment houses, theaters, and places of public assembly; inspects existing structures and facilities under construction for compliance with fire prevention ordinances. Inspects for: placement and accessibility of fire exits; type, number and placement of fire extinguishers; heat from electrical service and boxes; placement and pressure of sprinkler systems and heads; use of required fire retardant materials; placement and functioning of heat and smoke detectors; conformance to occupancy requirements; and, other fire hazards and potential hazards. Informs owners, managers and other responsible parties of violations detected; explains corrections necessary and date by which corrections must be instituted; issues citations when voluntary compliance is not obtained. Conducts public information programs, explaining fire prevention and safety measures through lectures, demonstrations and audiovisual presentations. Receives classroom and on-the-job training in the inspection of liquefied petroleum gas installations for proximity to potential fire sources, fire containment provisions and adequacy of security measures.   Maintains records of scheduled and completed assignments; documents findings in narrative and statistical reports; drafts written summaries sufficiently detailed and accurate for use in legal proceedings. Performs related work as required.

Working knowledge of: fire prevention laws, codes and ordinances; fire prevention and inspection techniques; building materials, construction practices and mechanical systems related to fire prevention, fire suppression, and the safeguarding of lives and property from fire; firefighting principles and practices.

Ability to: enforce fire prevention codes and ordinances firmly, tactfully and impartially; prepare written and oral reports and impart them effectively; perform tasks requiring light to moderate physical exertion; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, law enforcement and inspectional services personnel, builders, property owners, and the public.

Four (4) years of experience in the fire service.

Successful completion of 30 college credits (18 of which must be in the areas of fire science/administration, emergency medical service, business or public administration, or industrial education with a major in fire science/administration).

A copy of the diploma should be submitted if a degree was conferred.  If a copy of the diploma is not available, an official transcript clearly showing a diploma conferred date can be used as proof of graduation.  In cases where graduation did not occur, an official transcript copy should be submitted to show the total number of credits attained from each institution attended where credits were earned.  This includes recognized fire science college credit equivalent courses which may yield educational points if accompanied by regional/national accredited college or university course catalog (HCC, Polk State, St. Pete College, etc.;) citing equivalent course name and course description.

Possession of:

- A valid Florida driver's license.

- State of Florida Fire Inspector's certificate.