City of Tampa

This is responsible technical work involving fire prevention, inspection and code enforcement duties.

An employee in this class is responsible for enforcing fire prevention codes. Work is of more than average difficulty and requires the application of specialized and previously acquired knowledge, abilities and skills. This class is distinguished from that of Assistant Fire Inspector in that work is performed more independently and greater reliance is placed on an employee's exercise of judgment, discretion and initiative in making arrests, determining courses of action to pursue during inspections, and detecting of inconspicuous fire hazards. Most functions are performed in the field, requiring the operation of a lightweight motor vehicle to travel among worksites, and involve extensive public contact. Employees must be capable of maintaining accurate records, drafting complete and concise written reports, and performing tasks requiring light to moderate physical exertion. 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. Although under general supervision, employees are often physically removed from superiors and might be required to provide leadership and training to lower level inspectors and others. Work is reviewed through consultation, 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 liquefied petroleum gas installations for proximity to potential fire sources, fire containment provisions and adequacy of security measures; 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 services and boxes; placement and pressures 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.

Trains lower-level inspectors in the processes and techniques of conducting fire prevention inspections; trains combat fire personnel in conducting basic fire prevention inspections.

Conducts public information programs, explaining fire prevention and safety measures through lectures, demonstrations and audio-visual presentations; arranges for tours of fire installations and public demonstrations of equipment.

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.

Considerable 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 life and property from fire.

Working knowledge of: 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; performs 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.

Eight (8) years of experience in the fire service including three (3) as an Assistant Inspector/Investigator. 

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 I Certificate.

During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.