Fire Inspector I, II or III (DOQ)

Job Description

Whatcom County Planning and Development Services (PDS) is looking for individuals with fire plan review, fire inspection and/or fire service experience to fill two(2) Fire Inspector positions.  This opportunity is in our Building Services Division in the Fire Marshal’s Office and requires a customer focused perspective on the management and completion of Fire plan review and inspections on residential and commercial projects, Life Safety Occupancy Inspections, Open Burning and Fire investigation.

Fire Inspector duties range from routine to complex, requiring incumbent to take initiative, make judgment calls and decisions, based on codes and policies, for the projects/processes for which they are assigned. This position performs specialized tasks related to residential and light commercial plans examination and inspections for buildings and life safety features.   This position provides customer service in person, by phone and email answering routine and somewhat complex questions pertaining to departmental functions, technical matters providing technical assistance and information as authorized. Customer Service, effective communication, technical writing skills and problem-solving skills are essential for this position.

Job duties include:

·        Examining residential and commercial building plans, sprinkler plans, and site plans for compliance to the International Fire Code including fire flow requirements and access for emergency response vehicles.
·        Inspecting local businesses on an annual basis to verify or identify any code violations.
·        Examining and recommending correction to building plans/construction to comply with the International Fire Code.
·        Conducting fire origin and cause investigations and preparing investigation reports.
·        Issuing outdoor burning permits and conducting site inspections of those permits.
·        Assisting with fire/arson investigations as assigned, dependent on level of training and certification.
·        Providing customer service and technical assistance to groups and individuals both inside and outside the department.  Answering phone, email and counter questions for Fire Code and perform pre-screening of plans and project proposals.
·        Carrying a rotational pager cell phone and being promptly available for emergency service after hours.

Supervisor:  Building Services Division Manager

For more information please review:

·        Fire Inspector I job description
·        Fire Inspector II job description
·        Fire Inspector III job description

·        Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s website

Apply early for first consideration! First review of applications scheduled for December 4, 2024!

Qualifications
Fire Inspector I: Requires an Associate’s degree AND two years continuous part-time volunteer fire service or law enforcement experience OR six years part-time volunteer fire service or law enforcement experience, of which at least two years must be continuous.

• Must obtain an International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector I certification within 18 months of employment and maintain throughout employment.
• Must complete International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Basic Fire Investigation course, or equivalent, within 18 months of employment.

Fire Inspector II:  Requires an Associate’s degree AND two years continuous part-time volunteer fire service or law enforcement experience OR six years part-time volunteer fire service or law enforcement experience, of which at least two years must be continuous AND 18 months of fire inspection experience.

• Must possess an International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector II certification and maintain throughout employment.
• Successful completion the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Basic Fire Investigation course, or accredited equivalent required.
• Requires completion of NFPA compliant classes related to fire sprinklers, fire pumps, water tanks, private water mains, fire alarm systems, and other automatic and manual fire protection systems.

Fire Inspector III:  Requires an Associate’s degree, one year of fire service experience AND three years of fire inspection experience OR five years of fire service experience AND three years of fire inspection experience.
**Must possess an International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector II certification and maintain throughout employment.

• Must possess ICC Fire Plans Examiner certification or complete the National Fire Academy Fire Investigation Essentials course.
• Must possess certification as a Washington State Certified Fire Investigator, International Association of Arson Investigators Fire Investigation Technician (IAAI-FIT).
• Requires completion of NFPA compliant classes related to fire sprinklers, fire pumps, water tanks, private water mains, fire alarm systems, and other automatic and manual fire protection systems.

Special Requirements:

• Background check, including a pre-employment polygraph examination, must meet County criteria for law enforcement positions. Failure to satisfactorily pass required background check during probationary period is grounds for termination from this position.
• Must be eligible to cross the border between the United States and Canada.
• Must be able to meet one-hour response time within unincorporated Whatcom County, excluding Point Roberts, Lummi Island and Newhalem.

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Supplemental Information
Salary Range: 

Fire Inspector I:     MCBA – Range 140.0 or 140.3
Anticipated Hiring Range:  $28.24 –  $32.52 per hour
Fire Inspector II:    MCBA – Range 150.3
Anticipated Hiring Range:  $31.45 – $33.80 per hour
Fire Inspector III:  MCBA – Range 170.1
Anticipated Hiring Range:  $33.94 – $48.14 per hour
See link for full Salary Range. Hiring rate depends on qualifications.  Hiring rate typically is limited to entry to mid of the posted salary range (posted above), subject to required approvals. This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

PDS seeks employees who are self-managing high performers, accountable for their actions, and dedicated to providing superior customer service. Ideal candidate will be passionate about Building and Fire Services, community and public service, as well as innovative, organized, exceptionally customer-service oriented.  The County offers competitive compensation, great benefits, and an amazing quality of life.