Fire Protection Inspector

Description

FIRE PROTECTION INSPECTOR
Regular Full-Time Employment Opportunity

Come join Sunnyvale's cutting edge Fire Prevention Division! We are looking to fully staff our Fire Engineering Team that oversees new construction and plan review. This exciting position includes access to latest plan review technology and databases, and the unique opportunity to provide the highest level of fire protection services to the international and local communities of Silicon Valley.

The Fire Protection Inspector is required to have sufficient knowledge of the building industry to perform fire inspections and minor plan checks relating to new and remodeled construction, the level of knowledge related to design, installation, and maintenance of fire protection systems, including, but not limited to alarm systems and sprinkler systems.

To view the full job description, please click here .

Essential Job Functions

(May include, but are not limited to, the following):

• Makes independent surveys and analyze data to determine the adequacy and safety of designs.
• Provides interpretations and answers questions from City officials, contractors, and other interested parties regarding fire and fire safety requirements and in the application of various codes and requirements. Reads, correctly interprets, applies, and uses various codes, ordinances, and other related laws, regulations, and policies.
• Makes recommendations regarding issuance of permits and makes field inspections.
• Issues instructions and makes recommendations for corrective action.
• Receives and responds to customer questions.
• Advises building inspectors on fire and life safety code issues arising in the field during construction.
• Communicates with owners, contractors, and others regarding local and State codes; explains requirements and ensures compliance with plans and codes and gives final sign-off approval.
• Provides information to the public regarding city codes relating to fire protection; assists architects, designers, engineers, contractors, and property owners in interpreting and meeting code requirements.
• Inspects and tests fire protection equipment to verify that such equipment is installed in accordance with appropriate laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards.
• Completes basic plan reviews.
• Prepares, clear, concise, and comprehensive reports, correspondence, and other required documents; maintains forms, records, and field reports relative to fire protection engineering activities.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. The position also requires near and far vision when performing tasks such as field inspections, in reading and writing reports and work related documents and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and in-person service. The ability to lift, carry and push equipment, tools and supplies up to 25 pounds is also required. Additionally, when performing field inspections, the incumbent may be exposed to biohazards and work in a variety of working conditions, including mechanical and electrical hazards, loud noise, and inclement weather conditions, such as wet, heat and cold. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders and steep slopes, and walk around construction worksites. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience
The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

An Associate's degree or 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university in fire science/technology, building design, construction, fire protection, engineering, architecture, or related field, AND
Two years of experience related to inspection of fire protection and life safety systems in new construction.

OR

Graduation from high school or tested equivalent, AND
Five years of experience related to inspection of fire protection and life safety systems in new construction.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Fire code requirements pertaining to fire protection and life safety systems.
• Proper inspection methods, procedures, and materials.
• Basic construction materials and methods.

Skill in:

• Reading and interpreting site plans, building plans, fire protection system and equipment plans, specifications and codes.
• Coordinating the flow of assigned work.
• Expressing ideas and answering questions clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.
• Maintaining records and preparing reports.
• Dealing tactfully with others.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other City staff, public officials, construction professionals, engineers, architects, developers, outside agencies, and the public.

Ability to:

• Travel to various and remote sites within the City to conduct field inspections.
• Follow complex written and verbal instructions and procedures.
• Analyze complex issues and evaluate alternatives to reach sound conclusions.
• Operate motor vehicle or motorized equipment.
• Read, understand and interpret approved plans, specifications and construction plans accurately.
• Perform basic plan checking.
• Demonstrate initiative and exercise good judgment in the performance of duties.
• Learn the operation, policy and procedures of the Department of Public Safety.
• Work independently and as a member of a team.
• Recognize and set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City staff, public officials, construction professionals, engineers, architects, developers, outside agencies and the public.
• Communicate over the telephone or two-way radio.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.

Willingness to:

• Work irregular hours or shifts, and on nights, weekends, holidays, or in emergency situations when needed.
• Work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Wear a Department-issued uniform.

Certificates/Licenses/Other Requirements
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license and a safe driving record.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Previous experience working for a municipality.

Application and Selection Process

APPLICATION PROCESS
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources by 5:00 pm on Thursday, October 17, 2024 (postmarks or faxes are not accepted).

Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted on-line through the City's employment page at Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on Jobs. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

EXAM PROCESS
Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process, which may consist of an oral examination scheduled for Wednesday, October 30, 2024.(Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources).
SELECTION PROCESS
Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview with the department. Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION
Please note: Any successful candidate, selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e. original copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Positions in this job classification are represented by the Sunnyvale Employees Association (SEA).

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Sunnyvale not to discriminate against all qualified applicants or employees on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion (including religious dress or grooming practice), color, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding), gender identity and/or gender expression, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, family relationship, age, cancer or HIV/AIDS related medical condition, genetic characteristics and/or genetic information, and physical or mental disability. Applicants needing special accommodations for testing should submit a request to the Department of Human Resources at time of application.

Summary of Sunnyvale's Employees Association SEA

Notice of CFRA (California Family Rights Act) Rights and Obligations

Closing Date/Time: 10/17/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

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