Fire Inspector - Frederick, United States - Frederick County , Inc.

Description

Salary: $26.97 Hourly

Location : 30 North Market Street - Frederick, MD

Job Type: Full-time Regular

Job Number: FY

Department: Division of Planning and Permitting

Opening Date: 03/11/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

JOB INFORMATION

Non-exempt; full time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; full benefits

This technical position is responsible for the application and implementation of fire protection and life safety codes and other applicable codes and standards. Supervision is received from the Manager, Office of Life Safety & Plan Review Services.

NOTE: An employee of the Department of Permits and Inspections may not (1) hold an active Appraisers, Appraisal Management, Home Inspector, Electrical, Elevator Safety, HVACR, Home Improvement, Plumbing, or other contractor related license issued by the Maryland Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing's office; (2) hold an active Home Builder license issued by the Maryland Home Builder Registration Unit, Maryland Attorney General's Office; (3) have any interest, directly or indirectly, with a business corporation that does business in Frederick County.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid scheduled holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County HSA contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D benefit
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Vesting after 5 years of service (effective 7/1/2024)
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.

Other employee paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, etc.

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Enforce County and State Fire Codes and the fire laws of Maryland as they pertain to new permits
• Perform on-site inspections at in-progress construction sites to assure full compliance with fire and life safety codes in the construction and/or renovation of businesses and multi-family residences
• Participate in training sessions related to fire prevention and safety in order to keep abreast of current practices
• Witness initial functional performance tests of fire protection, extinguishing and alarm systems
• Compile and prepare formal inspection reports, memos, letters and other technical documents
• Review and utilize applicable codes, ordinances, etc. published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other recognized standards
• Assist and interact with architects, engineers, developers, contractors, building owners, tenants and the general public
• Perform permit review functions for suppression systems, alarms, pumps, etc. as needed
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Associate's degree in Fire Science or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of work experience performing life safety code inspections of fire systems including sprinklers, alarms and pumps
• Ability to successfully complete NFPA training for certification as Fire Inspector I (NFPA #1031) within 12 months after hire, and Fire Inspector II (NFPA #1032) within 24 months after hire
• Possession of a valid automobile operator's license

- OR -

• High school graduation or the equivalent
• Minimum 2 years of work experience performing life safety code inspections of fire systems including sprinklers, alarms and pumps
• Minimum 3 years work experience as a career Firefighter
• Current NFPA certifications as Fire Inspector I (NFPA #1031) and Fire Inspector II (NFPA #1032)
• Possession of a valid automobile operator's license

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
• Extensive knowledge of applicable fire codes, life safety codes, ordinances, etc. with ability to effectively interpret and apply appropriate regulations (including state, local, NFPA and IBC)
• Ability to effectively read and interpret architectural drawings, plans, specifications and site plans quickly and accurately, and compare them to construction in process
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present clear and concise reports, investigative findings, correspondence, etc.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, contractors, other business professionals and the general public

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently sit, walk, climb, stoop, reach, perform repetitive motions and drive; and rarely crawl and lift up to 20 pounds
• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently work indoors and outdoors, walk on uneven grounds, and work in dirty, dusty and noisy environments; and occasionally work at heights and below ground level, and works in hot temperatures (above 100 degrees) and cold temperatures (below 32 degrees)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Available for varied working hours as needed
• This position is subject to random drug testing
• All required certifications/licenses must be maintained current throughout employment

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):

1) An evaluation of training and experience

2) A job-related written examination

3) One or more interviews

4) A pre-employment physical examination and drug test

Retirement Plan:
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.

Health Insurance:
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.

Dental Insurance:
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment

NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts:
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $2,700 per year for Health Care Spending and $5,000 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.

Life Insurance:
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Voluntary Life Insurance Program is offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, spouses and dependents.

Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.

Educational Reimbursement Program:
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may take up to two job-related courses per semester at any accredited educational institution. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.

Employee Assistance Program:
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related problem.

Leave
Annual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 - 2 years 11 days
2 - 10 years 17 days
10 + years 24 days

Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.

Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.

NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.

Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, Military.

Holidays:
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.

For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefit package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at

All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.

01

Which one of the following items indicates your current level of education?

• Less than high school graduation
• High school graduation, GED or equivalent
• Some college credits
• Associate's degree received
• Advanced degree received

02

Do you have a valid automobile operator's license?

• Yes
• No

03

Which of the following best describes your work experience performing life safety code inspections of fire systems including sprinklers, alarms and pumps?

• I have less than 2 years of work experience
• I have 2 years of work experience
• I have 3 years of work experience
• I have 4 years of work experience
• I have 5 or more years of work experience

04

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the requirement.

05

Do you have at least 3 years of career firefighter work experience?

• Yes
• No

06

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the requirement.

07

Which best describes your current certification as a Fire Inspector I NFPA #1031?

• I do not have this certification
• I am currently certified as a Fire Inspector I (NFPA #1031)
• I have the ability to complete NFPA training as a certified Fire Inspector I within 12 months of hire

08

Which best describes your current certification as a Fire Inspector II NFPA #1032?

• I do not have this certification
• I am currently certified as a Fire Inspector II (NFPA #1032)
• I have the ability to complete the NFPA training for a certified Fire Inspector II within 24 months of hire

Required Question