Fire Inspector

Position Summary

Under general supervision performs work of moderate difficulty in the inspection of public occupancies to ensure compliance with the Fire Prevention Codes of the State of Ohio and/or City of Toledo; performs related work as required.

• Interprets and enforces the Fire Prevention Codes, Ohio Basic Building Code, and related regulations of the State of Ohio and/or City of Toledo to ensure the safety, health and welfare of the citizens of Toledo in conducting general fire safety inspections, final occupancy and a variety of fee‑permit inspections to determine compliance with appropriate code.
• Conducts field investigations of commercial and four‑family or greater residential properties for sprinklers, standpipe and alarm systems and possible fire code violations on routine or complaint basis.
• Conducts final occupancy acceptance tests to determine proper installation and operation of fire suppression and detection systems.
• Issues written orders to responsible parties and advises of time frame for correction of all violations.
• Prepares and maintains files, records, worksheets, reports and correspondence documenting testing, inspections and related activities.
• Reviews plans and specifications to verify if installations are according to Code.
• Re‑inspects properties after time frame expires to determine code compliance, extension of time or court action.
• Discusses code violations with property owners, occupants and/or complainants.
• Coordinates efforts with building owners and occupants to improve fire and safety conditions and assists in establishing emergency evacuation programs.
• Testifies in court and before Fire Prevention Boards of Appeals and Building Board of Appeals concerning code violations.
• Prepares letters and reports as needed related to fire safety and inspection issues and cases.
• Takes pictures and measurements to document code violations.
• Performs and coordinates building inspections with other building inspection officials as needed.
• Participates in City‑wide task forces to investigate complaints and code violations.
• Attends meetings with neighborhood and civic groups to answer questions about code enforcement or fire safety programs.
• Prepares and presents programs on fire code provisions.
• Attends continuing education programs to maintain required licenses and certifications.
• Obtains necessary documentation to justify search warrants and makes recommendations regarding same to supervisors.
• Appears before Judge to provide information regarding need for search warrant.
• Researches County Auditor property records to determine ownership as needed.

• State of Ohio and Toledo Fire Prevention Codes and related laws, codes and standards pertaining to fire prevention.
• Building materials, practices and methods of construction.
• Fire and Rescue Department policies and procedures related to fire safety enforcement.
• Portable fire extinguishers.
• Legal procedures for code enforcement.
• First aid and CPR.

• Interpreting and enforcing fire codes and related regulations in a fair and objective manner.
• Verbal and written communications.
• Maintaining records and preparing reports.
• Reading blueprints, plans and maps.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others.
• Operating a computer.
• Operating a camera.

• Graduation from high school or General Educational Development (GED) Tests equivalency.
• Five (5) years of experience as a full‑time fire fighter, or three (3) years of experience as a certified fire safety inspector or three (3) years of experience in the installation of automatic sprinkler systems subject to inspection for buildings and structures within the scope of use groups regulated by the Ohio Basic Building Code or nationally recognized building code.
• An Associate's Degree in Fire Science may be substituted for one (1) year of experience in any of the three listed areas.
• Must possess a State of Ohio Fire Safety Inspector (FSI) Certification and a State of Ohio Fire Protection Inspector Certification. Individuals not certified as a State of Ohio Fire Protection Inspector…