GUILFORD COUNTY GOVERNMENT
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Description
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Performs specialized inspection work for the Fire Service Division of Emergency Services in the prevention and detection of fire hazards, and in the investigation of suspicious or major fires. All employees of the Fire Service Division must be a resident of Guilford County or live within five (5) road miles or 10 minutes of the Guilford County line.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
Employees in this class are responsible for inspecting buildings for fire hazards and compliance with North Carolina State Fire Prevention Codes, promoting fire prevention, fire and safety awareness, and investigating fires involving death, or personal - injury, or those having a questionable origin. Work requires considerable knowledge and interpersonal skills in enforcing pertinent laws and codes. Employees must exercise independent judgment and initiative in applying modern fire principles and practices. Employees are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations while conducting fire and safety inspections and during fire scene investigations. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Fire Inspections Chief, and performance is evaluated by conferences, review of reports, and annual performance appraisals.
Examples of Duties
Duties And Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Tasks
- Interprets, explains, and applies county, state, and national fire prevention codes related to building safety and processes.
- Conducts on-site inspections of buildings under construction.
- Meets and discusses code interpretations with customers, engineers, Building Trades Inspectors and design professionals to ensure that all applicable codes are met during the construction process.
- Conduct new construction inspections as necessary until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
- Conducts fire and life safety prevention inspections of existing commercial buildings, throughout the County of Guilford including mercantile, institutional, industrial, storage facilities etc. as well new construction project.
- Recommends required corrective action where code violations are found.
- Writes technical reports listing all fire and life safety code violations found during inspections, and makes follow-up visits to ensure that violations have been corrected.
- Pursues appropriate judicial actions to ensure code compliance as necessary.
- Investigates the origin, cause and circumstances of any fire occurring in the county which is of a suspicious nature, or which involves loss of life or injury to persons.
- Conducts fire scene examination, collects and documents evidence, conducts interviews, and examines statements made by witnesses, suspects, or others.
- Works with law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, and District Attorney's office in the investigation of both accidental and incendiary fires.
- Assist as needed with hazardous materials incidents in conjunction with other local agencies such as Environmental Health, Emergency Management, and Emergency Services Hazardous Material Response Team.
- Assists local fire departments with pre-fire planning activities, emergency response and hazard mitigation.
- Assists with special projects such as fire prevention activities, fire department training programs, safety programs, etc.
- Participates in an On-Call rotation which allows for 24-hour response throughout the County for fire investigation services. This position is also subject to call after normal working hours at the discretion of the supervisor.
- This position shall advance through the NC Fire Prevention Inspector process to obtain a NC Standard Fire Inspector Level III Certification.
RECRUITMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Thorough knowledge of methods, techniques, and best engineering practices of fire and life safety codes, fire investigation, techniques and applicable laws, prevention, and safety.
- Thorough knowledge of national, state, and local codes related to fire prevention.
- Working knowledge of the geographical layout of the county.
- Ability to recognize and define fire hazards and to recommend remedial action.
- Ability to operate a variety of equipment and instruments, such as computer, architectural and engineer scale, calculator, two-way radio, volt/ohm meter, digital SLR camera, fire extinguisher, first aid kits, various hand tools, multiple gas indicator, self-contained breathing apparatus, half face respirator, portable generator, light unit, mobile command unit, oil spill- containment equipment, pitot gauge, etc.
- Ability to interpret, apply, and explain complex fire prevention codes.
- Ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive inspection reports.
- Ability to function independently and exercise sound judgment.
- Ability to perform long hours of extremely hard physical labor under adverse and sometimes hazardous conditions, including climbing, crawling, walking, using fire investigation tools, etc.
Typical Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Associate Degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Science or related field
and three years in fire service
OR
High School diploma or GED
and five years' experience in Fire Service.
Employee must be a resident of Guilford County or live within five (5) road miles or 10 minutes of the Guilford County line.
3 years of volunteer fire experience is equal to 1 year of fulltime firefighter experience.
Special Requirements
Must possess a valid NC Class B driver's license within 12 months of employment. Must possess current NC Standard Fire Inspector Level I. Must possess current NC Firefighter certification. Ability to obtain NC Medical Responder Certification, and NC Haz-Mat Operations Certification within one year. Shall progress to a NC Standard Level III Fire Inspector as well as obtain a NC Certified Fire Investigator Certificate.
Preferred Qualification
NC Fire Instructor certification.
Supplemental Information
Physical Demands and Work Conditions
An employee in this position must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. The employee must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pound of force constantly to move objects. Must have visual acuity, faculty of both hands and ability to wear respirator and other personal protective equipment.
Driving Is Essential
Driving is an essential requirement of this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria.
If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy.
Special Note
This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions, and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job questionnaire with a physical abilities checklist which can give further details about that one specific position. Those documents should be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal and defensible personnel decisions.
Guilford County is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to employees and applicants for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation or political affiliation. The County is committed to complying with all applicable federal, state and local laws that pertain to employment, and to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination of any kind. If you need an auxiliary aide, make the request forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the time the accommodation is needed by calling 336-641-3324.
We are excited about the opportunity of having you as a prospective new employee!
You probably already know our county is a wonderful county to live in, but did you know it is also a wonderful place to work?
Below are a few of the reasons why we love working for Guilford County.
We offer Health Insurance (
UnitedHealthCare) to all benefitted employees working a minimum of 20 hours per week. The shared cost of the premium is based on scheduled/budgeted hours. If you are a full-time employee working 40 hours a week you can expect to pay less than $35 a month for medical coverage, dental coverage for $4 a month and vision coverage for $5 a month. That's less than $45 a month for medical, dental & vision coverage; that's unheard of.
Telehealth UHC Virtual Visits are available to you with no copay or out of pocket expense.
We are excited to inform you Guilford County has an
Employee Wellness Center (24/7 access) with strength training equipment, cardio machines and a group exercise room with virtual or in person coaching from our Wellness Specialist!
Employee Assistance Program, 100% funded by the county. A superb benefit for you and your family absolutely free. Confidential help with personal or work-related issues.
13 paid holidays, 12 sick days, and 12 vacation days a year. That's 37 paid days a year, totaling almost 2 months of paid time off.
Employer contributes
5% into your 401(k) - no match required.
Enrollment in the
State Retirement Plan by contributing 6%.
Longevity pay beginning at five years of service.
We provide a $10,000
Life and AD&D benefit to eligible employees.
Flexible spending accounts (FSA) allow you to set aside tax-free dollars for health care and dependent care.
Voluntary Life, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability.
01
Please select the highest level of education you have achieved:
- No high school
- High school or GED
- Some college
- Associate's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree or higher
02
How many years of experience do you have in Fire Service? (Must be detailed in application.)
- Less than 3 year
- 3 to less than 4 years
- 4 to less than 5 years
- 5 or more years
03
Are you a resident of Guilford County or live within (5) miles or 10 travel minutes of the Guilford County line?
04
Do you have a valid NC driver's license?
05
Are you certified as a Level I NC State Fire Prevention Inspector?
06
Are you certified as a NC Firefighter?
07
Are you certified as a NC Medical Responder and NC Haz-Mat Operator?
08
Are you a certified NC Fire Instructor?
09
By submitting this application, you acknowledge that you have attached a conferred degree or unofficial transcript to your application. Please note that an official transcript will be required no later than the date of hire. Failure to include the required documentation may result in delays to your application process.
10
Have you thoroughly reviewed your application before submitting? Please ensure all required documents are attached, and all information provided is accurate and complete.
- Yes, I have reviewed my application and confirm that all information is accurate.
- Required Question
