Fire Inspector Technician

The purpose of this classification is to assist Firefighter Inspectors in enforcing the fire prevention and life safety codes of the State of Georgia and DeKalb County by conducting routine building inspections in the County.          

Essential Functions: 

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Conducts field inspections to ensure compliance with all adopted codes and ordinances of the County including standard building, Life Safety, and National Fire Codes; conducts inspections of buildings, alarms, detection and suppression systems, electrical framing, heating ventilation, air conditioning, gas/fuel, water availability, ADA compliance and other inspections as required or requested; and maintains related documentation.

Assists Firefighter Inspectors in conducting final inspections of new/existing commercial and industrial buildings, multi-family housing units, residential plats, churches, pubic assemblies, etc.; ensures compliance with applicable codes and ordinances; and maintains related documentation.

Conducts code enforcement activities; investigates complaints of unsafe construction, unsafe conditions of construction or occupancy and other complaints; identifies code violations and initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations; determines compliance or non-compliance with codes; meets with property, business owners and other individuals to discuss violations; prepares and issues code compliance notices, warnings, court citations and official correction notices to inform violators of discrepancies and compliance deadlines; testifies in court as needed; and performs follow-up site inspections as needed.

Reviews and analyzes building/site plans submitted for permit to determine compliance with appropriate Life Safety codes and ordinances of the County; reviews and analyzes code compliance of mechanical systems, fire alarm systems, fire suppression systems, Fire Life Safety systems and gas/fuel installations submitted for permit; receives applications and coordinates plan reviews for small additions, minor alterations, and repairs or existing structures; and maintains related documentation.

Monitors public assemblies and events for fire safety practices; attends and observes assembly events; identifies compliance or noncompliance with Life Safety codes and ordinances, such as overcrowding, lighting, and behavior patterns; meets with organizers and event sponsors to discuss violations and concerns; and maintains related documentation.

Attends meetings, training sessions and seminars as required to remain knowledgeable of departmental operations, to promote improved job performance, and to stay current with changing policies, procedures, codes, and criminal case law; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; and assists with public education duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED required, supplemented by vocational or technical training in fire science, building trades or a related field; and two years of experience in fire inspections, plan review or code enforcement; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.  

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license or equivalent license from state of residence; and Fire Inspector I and Life Safety Code certifications.  May be required to obtain and maintain additional certifications as deemed necessary.