This is a single class series for a class having positions which perform journey level work and function as inspectors of fire protection features in public and private buildings. Positions in this class are located within one of several regional offices within the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Duties typically include total administrative responsibility for enforcement/compliance with various fire/safety codes, rules and regulations for both public and private facilities in specified governmental jurisdictions. The Fire Protection Inspector class is distinguished from the Institutional Fire Safety Inspector’s class by its responsibility for code enforcement in multiple facilities throughout a political subdivision, whereas the Institutional Fire Safety Inspectors are usually responsible for only one facility or complex of facilities. It is further distinguished from the Safety Engineer Supervisor class by its confinement to enforcement/compliance activities within designated political subdivisions, whereas the engineers are responsible for supervising enforcement/compliance activities and have engineering design review responsibility.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty requiring the independent inspection and assessment of a variety of buildings both public and private which are occupied, unoccupied or under construction. The work typically involves analysis of the adequacy of the building’s fire protection features including fire suppression equipment, alarm devices and systems, building use, and evacuation plans. Positions prepare detailed reports concerning the inspections and the results, such as the citation of code violations; and interpret various governmental regulations such as the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Safety Code and the Life Safety Code, as well as standards issued by other testing agencies like Underwriters Laboratory and Factory Mutual. Positions provide on-site investigations of complaints about fire/safety violations and often provide support and instruction to local building maintenance and security personnel who are responsible for fire protection services; serve in a training/consultative capacity in the development of in-service programs presented to enforcement officials, building owners and operators, and the general public; maintain accurate and detailed records of inspections including building characteristics and monitor follow-up activities related to securing necessary compliance; and may use personal computer, word processing equipment and telecommunication networks to create data base from which needed information is retrievable.

Supervision Given: Positions typically do not supervise others although they often serve in a consultative/advisory capacity and assist in the training of various personnel who may be assigned the responsibility of operating and maintaining buildings in compliance with fire/safety codes.

Supervision Received: Works under the direction of a Safety Engineer Supervisor who oversees the activities of several Fire Protection Inspectors within a specified area. Technical direction may be provided to the Fire Protection Inspector by an engineering specialist on the staff of HCD’s Central Office having statewide jurisdiction to ensure uniform code enforcement. If technical direction is unavailable to these positions at their work site, they are expected to function independently without the benefit of such technical supervision. Consultation with the supervisor/engineer is expected only in the most difficult and unusual situations.

Scope: Activities affect the fire/safety code enforcement efforts of those state and local agencies involved in the investigation of code violations and the corrective actions required for compliance.

Impact of Actions: Work facilitates code compliance and ensures investigations of alleged code violations and their eventual correction. Records and reports are generated and circulated so that violations cited are corrected or addressed within the prescribed time frame. The need for technical accuracy and correct judgment is of extreme importance in order to ensure that the information provided is based on fact and is defensible. Inaccurate or incomplete inspections and deficiency citations could result in faulty compliance efforts and jeopardize the integrity and credibility of the District Office and could ultimately contribute to a fire/safety disaster.

Personal Contacts: Positions frequently have contacts with building and fire officials, building design and construction professionals, local government officials, facility administrators, maintenance personnel and the general public. Usually the contact is for the purpose of providing information and interpretations relative to compliance with the various building and safety codes enacted for the protection of the public and insurers. These contacts also often serve to explain the results and implications of inspections and potential violations so that corrective action can be taken to comply with the various codes enforced.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of the technical principles, practices, procedures and techniques used to gain compliance with the various fire safety and life safety codes imposed by state and local government jurisdictions. Some knowledge of building design and construction techniques along with a working knowledge of fire suppression equipment and systems. Fire Protection Inspectors should also have a working knowledge of fire fighting and fire prevention techniques and strategies.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to independently inspect and assess a variety of complex and diversified buildings located within an assigned area. Also, the demonstrated ability to accurately record observations and note violations and present corrective recommendations in an articulate and professional manner; to read blueprints and to create drafts. Must have demonstrated ability to work effectively with building and fire officials, construction and design professionals, and other local governmental officials as well as the general public.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Specialized technical training with course work in principles of building construction and design, blueprint reading and drafting, and fire science or other related course work.

Level and Type of Experience: Sufficient experience as a building or construction inspector to be able to determine compliance with applicable codes and recommend corrective action.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was established in May 1988 as a result of the Statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program. It replaces the State Fire Protection Technician class.

Last updated: 7-1-88