Fire Inspector

St. John’s is a progressive city with a strong connection to the past and a positive outlook on the future. As one of the oldest cities in North America we have a unique history, but we are also a growing city with the needs and opportunities of a modern urban population. The City of St. John’s is committed to recruiting world-class talent and expertise to join our City staff, more than 1200 strong, who provide a vast array of valued services to the residents of St. John’s and the metropolitan area. If you are an innovative thinker with a positive attitude and a commitment to quality, we want you to help us make St. John’s a city where people want to live and feel they belong.

The Opportunity

Under the direction of the Fire Prevention Officer, the Fire Inspector is responsible for conducting fire inspections for the City of St John’s and surrounding areas on all types of construction to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation and City By-Laws. This is a Temporary Full-Time position until April 30, 2025.

Accountabilities

• Inspects existing buildings for compliance with the provincial Fire Protections Services Act and various municipal By-laws; Enters inspection data into computerized system.
• Reviews and interprets construction drawings to ensure compliance with building and fire codes.
• Works in concert with other regulatory staff and agencies to ensure compliance with construction and development standards while enforcing operational guidelines, occupational health and safety standards, and applicable regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Responds to complaints or concerns from the public and internal staff and conducts follow up inspections where violations have been noted.
• Informs building owners of “noncompliant” conditions and takes necessary actions to achieve compliance.
• Reviews and coordinates the development of operational policies and guidelines, and recommends revisions as required.
• Maintains current and thorough technical knowledge of regulatory and technical construction standards, including Building Codes and By-Laws.
• Delivers public education presentations to schools, organizations, and council (ex. fire extinguisher training, Learn not to Burn Program).
• Calculates occupancy capacity of an area, issues capacity cards, and issues permits for pyrotechnics and open air burning.
• Other duties as assigned.

Description disclaimer

The successful applicant will be required to participate in all training programs applicable to this position and other related work. The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be considered a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Qualifications

Education – A diploma in Building Construction, Engineering, Fire Protection Technology, or related field is required. Completion of Firefighter II certification would be considered a definite asset. Preference will be given to candidates with Level 1 Fire Inspector Certification.

Relevant Experience – A minimum of three (3) years relevant experience in building inspection and administering the applicable codes (National Building Code, National Fire Code of Canada and Life Safety Code) is required along with a current working knowledge of these codes. The ideal candidate will also have experience inspecting multi-storey buildings.

Must possess excellent decision making, problem-solving and organizational skills and be highly observant and detail oriented with a working knowledge of Microsoft Word. The ability to exercise good judgement, tact, professionalism, and impartiality when interpreting By-Laws and communicating with building owners, tenants, outside agencies, and other City Departments is also required. Must have the ability to remain calm in stressful situations. Must be able to provide a clear certificate of conduct and a valid Class 5 Driver’s License.

Working Conditions

• Office and outside work in all weather conditions, including regularly working alone.
• Dealing with irate members of the public at times.
• Entering and inspecting properties that may have undesirable conditions.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to visually observe detail/deficiencies up close, or at a distance.
• Read, sit, or walk occasionally for an extended period, enter/exit vehicles frequently.
• Occasionally climbing stairs and ladders and accessing scaffolding.
• Must have finger dexterity/ grasping ability to operate issued equipment/devices, or computer.

Hours of Work

8:00 – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday, 80 hours biweekly

Applicants must be members of the International Association of Firefighters, Local 1075, or should be prepared to join the Union immediately upon appointment.

We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. The City of St. John’s does not accept applications in person, by email, fax or mail. Applications will be received up to 12:00 Midnight (Newfoundland Standard Time) on closing date.

This City of St. John’s is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the

employment of a qualified workforce which reflects the community’s diversity.