FIRE INSPECTOR/CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

Grade: 19
Full time, non-exempt
Effective TBD
GENERAL DEFINITION AND CONDITIONS OF WORK:

Performs intermediate skilled technical work enforcing fire, building, property maintenance, and various Town
codes; does related work as required. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Building Official and
Fire Marshal.

This is medium work requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force
frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work requires climbing, balancing, stooping,
kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication
is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive
information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, preparing
and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of
measuring devices, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and
thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside
environmental conditions, and atmospheric conditions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:

1. Performing field inspections to ensure compliance with fire, building, property maintenance and related
zoning ordinances; providing technical assistance to the public; preparing and maintaining files and
records; preparing reports.
2. Conducts fire inspections on public buildings to ensure compliance with Virginia State Fire Prevention
Code.
3. Performs field inspections and reinspections of residential, commercial, industrial, and public facilities for
compliance with fire codes, building codes and property maintenance codes for code compliance.
4. Answers questions from private citizens, contractors, and builders; does basic plan checking to determine
compliance with codes.
5. Receives complaints in regard to fire safety issues, defective construction and handles enforcement
problems; inspects existing buildings for hazardous conditions, fire safety, structural failures, or improper
uses; meets with citizens, interprets and explains code requirements.
6. Researches and analyzes codes and building standards.
7. Performs zoning and Town code violation inspections.
8. Where construction is not being made in compliance with regulations as to methods and/or materials, issues
warnings and stop-work order if necessary.
9. Processes all related results/information from paperwork to computer data for inspections, complaints and
office correspondences; responds to complaints issuing properly documented Notice of Violation, Notice of
Hearing, Notice to Comply, etc.
10. Works at the counter as needed; receives and routes phone calls, receives and processes permit applications
and fees; schedules inspections.
11. Performs related tasks as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of the Uniform State-wide Building Code and its components, Virginia Statewide Fire
Prevention Code, Virginia Property Maintenance Code, zoning ordinances and various municipal codes; ability to
read and interpret blueprints, site plans and designs and to ensure compliance with appropriate ordinances and
codes; general knowledge of legal procedures related to the enforcement of ordinances and codes; ability to prepare
factual reports and present same to appropriate board or commission; ability to communicate effectively both orally
and in writing; ability to enforce ordinances and regulations with firmness, tact and impartiality; and ability to

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establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, public officials, associates and the general
public.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and moderate experience in
fire safety enforcement, code enforcement or building construction.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia; Possession of or ability to
obtain the Virginia Property Maintenance Inspector Certification within one year; Fire Prevention Inspector
Certification within three years from date of appointment.

DISCLAIMER:

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work
performance by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a
comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications as required of employees assigned to this
job

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