SUMMARY – Entry level position responsible for enforcement of fire laws and applicable fire prevention codes through inspections and fire origin/cause investigations while training to develop the requisite training, knowledge and experience to promote to, and function as, a Deputy Fire Marshal.
Conducts fire safety inspections of new and existing structures and properties for construction, occupancy, fire protection and exposures. Includes preparing correspondence, inspection and investigative supplemental reports, handling of complaints/referrals, and maintenance of records. Assists Deputy Fire Marshals with fire origin/cause investigations. Regularly on-call and required to be available to respond to calls 24 hours per day 7 days a week, as necessary.
The Ocean City Fire Department: Office of the Fire Marshal is responsible for proactive fire code enforcement, fire/explosive investigations and hazardous device response for the Town of Ocean City. The work of Fire Safety Inspectors and Deputy Fire Marshals assigned to the division varies widely and may involve plans review and inspections for new and existing buildings, origin and cause investigations, courtroom testimony, bomb and hazmat response, and special projects/events assistance.
The Fire Safety Inspector is the entry-level/trainee position in the Fire Marshal’s Office and will be responsible for code enforcement and origin/cause fire investigation assistance while obtaining the necessary education, training, and experience for required promotion to a sworn law enforcement position (Deputy Fire Marshal II). Duties and responsibilities commensurate with training, experience, and Departmental needs will be assigned as the team member prepares for promotion.
Schedule is predominantly day work (M-F) with rotating on-call status and is subject to periodic evening/weekend assignments related to investigations and the Town’s various special events.
Uniforms, equipment and training are provided at no cost to the employee; on-call Deputy Fire Marshals living in proximity to the Town of Ocean City are also provided with a take-home response vehicle.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
-Schedules and performs fire inspections related to new construction, existing buildings, renovations, and additions for code compliance, so that available time is used effectively.
-Understands and describes permit requirements and plan review policies, such that required permits are issued and submitted plans are processed in accordance with appropriate policies.
-Prepares reports and written correspondence to appropriately document inspections, complaints/referrals, and investigative tasks so that reports are clear, concise, and accurately reflect the findings of the inspection/investigation in accordance with applicable codes and standards and are appropriate for the intended audience.
-Maintains files, given inspection reports, complaint investigations, and related documents.
-Identifies the occupancy classification of a structure, so that an accurate classification is made according to the applicable codes and standards.
-Computes the allowable occupant load of a building or portion thereof.
-Inspects and verifies code compliance of fire and life safety features of new/existing buildings, so that the features are installed and maintained in compliance with applicable codes and standards.
-Determines the operational readiness of new and existing fire protection systems and equipment, so that the system (s) or equipment is in an operational state, maintenance is documented, and all deficiencies are discovered, noted, and communicated.
-Verifies emergency vehicle access for sites.
-Verifies code compliance for storage, handling and use of flammable/combustible liquids and other hazardous substances, in accordance with the applicable codes and standards.
-Compares approved plans to installed fire protection systems, so that any changes or modifications to the systems are identified and communicated in accordance with the applicable codes and standards.
-Assists with origin and cause investigations under close supervision.
-Enters buildings and other structures, which contain immediate hazardous conditions to life and safety in order to identify, collect, and submit physical evidence of origin and cause of a fire.
-Assists with questioning witnesses and suspects.
-Prepares and presents evidence and testimony in criminal and civil court.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Candidate must possess excellent customer service skills, strong organizational and communication skills and a high level of proficiency in oral, written, and digital communications.
Entry-level candidates must have a valid driver’s license and some fire service/law enforcement/fire protection education or experience.
Successful candidate should be capable of obtaining necessary certifications (Fire Inspector I/II, Fire Investigator, HazMat Technician, Police Officer) for promotion to Deputy Fire Marshal I/II, pending training availability and Departmental priorities.
To apply, submit the following:
1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae w/ Complete Certification Documentation
2.Application
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent, and to draw and interpret bar graphs and charts. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Valid driver's license. Completion of basic firefighting course and/or equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating general understanding of fire science principles and fire department operations. MFSPQB Fire Inspector I or equivalent.
Successful candidate should be capable of obtaining necessary certifications (Fire Inspector I/II, Fire Investigator, HazMat Technician, Police Officer) for promotion to Deputy Fire Marshal I/II, pending training availability and Departmental priorities.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
-Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook), with the ability to integrate information across the programs as required.
-Knowledge in the structure, function, and operational procedures of the organization and methods/procedures for interaction with other agencies.
-Knowledgeable in occupancy classification types and related applicable codes and standards, regulations, operational features, occupant loads, and fire hazards presented by various occupancies.
-Knowledge in means of egress elements, maintenance requirements of egress elements, types of construction, occupancy egress requirements, and the relationship of fixed fire protection systems of egress elements.
-Knowledge in types of construction classification, rated construction components, typical building construction methods and materials.
-Have a basic understanding of portable and fixed fire protection systems and equipment (fire extinguishers, fixed fire extinguishing systems, automatic fire sprinkler system, standpipe and hose systems, automatic and manual fire alarm systems and devices).
-Knowledge in emergency access and accessibility requirements.
-Knowledge in classifying, labeling, transporting, handling and the proper use of flammable and combustible liquids, fireworks and explosives, compressed and liquefied gases and other regulated materials.
-Ability to read and comprehend plans for buildings and fire protection systems.
-Knowledge in basic origin and cause investigative methods, including evidence collection/preservation.
-Ability to maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with property owners, managers, public officials, fellow employees, and the general public.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and sit. The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals, explosives, risk of radiation, and vibration; outside weather conditions; and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may occasionally be loud.