Job Specification
FIRE OFFICIAL, UFD
DEFINITION
Under direction administers and directs the enforcement of
provisions of relevant fire safety codes and related regulations,
establishes day-to-day operating routines of the code enforcement
agency, coordinates and supervises activities of any fire safety
specialists or other staff employed by the agency, and responds to
fire alarms and participates in extinguishing fires; does related
work as required.
NOTE: The definition and examples of work for this title are for
illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title
may not perform all duties listed in this job specification.
Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Inspects or directs the inspection of various structures and
premises for the purpose of ascertaining and causing to be corrected
any conditions liable to cause fire, contribute to the spread of
fire, interfere with fire operations, endanger life, or for any
violations of the provisions or intent of the New Jersey Uniform Fire
Code or any other law, rules, or regulations affecting fire safety.
Investigates or causes to be investigated every reported fire
or explosion occurring within the jurisdiction that involves loss of
life or injury or causes destruction or damage to property.
Takes charge immediately of physical evidence, and, to preserve
any physical evidence relating to the cause or origin of such fire or
explosion, takes the steps necessary to prevent access by any person
or persons to such building, structure, or premises until such
persons designated by law to pursue investigations into such matters
become involved, and cooperates with such authorities in the
collection of evidence and prosecution of the case.
Keeps a record of all reported fires in life hazard use
structures and all facts concerning same including investigation of
findings and information as to the cause, origin, and extent of such
fires and the deaths, injuries, and damage caused.
Whenever the following dangerous or hazardous conditions or
materials are found in any structure or on any premises, orders such
conditions or materials to be removed or remedied in accord with
provisions of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code or any other law,
rules, or regulations affecting fire safety:
1. Dangerous conditions which are liable to cause or contribute
to the spread of fire in or on said premises, building, or structure,
or endanger occupants thereof.
2. Conditions which would interfere with efficiency and use of
any fire protection equipment.
3. Obstructions to or on fire escapes, stairs, passageways,
doors, or windows, liable to interfere with egress of occupants or
operation of the fire department in case of fire.
4. Accumulations of dust or waste material in air conditioning
or ventilating systems or grease in kitchen or other exhaust ducts.
5. Accumulations of grease on kitchen cooking equipment or oil,
grease, or dirt on, under, or around any mechanical equipment.
6. Accumulations of rubbish, waste, paper, boxes, shavings, or
other combustible materials, or excessive storage of any combustible
material.
7. Hazardous conditions arising from defective or improperly
used or installed electrical wiring, equipment, or appliances.
8. Hazardous conditions arising from defective or improperly
installed equipment for handling or use of combustible, explosive, or
otherwise hazardous materials.
9. Dangerous or unlawful amounts of combustible, explosive, or
otherwise hazardous materials.
10. All equipment, materials, processes, or operations which are
in violation of provisions and intent of the Code.
Prepares written notice of violations describing the condition
deemed unsafe and specifies the time limit for the required repairs
or improvements to be made to render the building, structure, or
premises safe and secure.
May grant extensions of time when it is determined that,
despite diligent effort, compliance cannot be accomplished within the
time specified in the notice.
If the notice of violation is not complied with within time
periods specified, institutes appropriate enforcement proceedings to
restrain, correct, or abate such violation or to require removal or
termination of the unlawful use of the building or structure in
violation of provisions of the Code or other related directive or
regulation.
Conducts hearings, assesses penalties, and sets and collects
fines for violations of fire regulations.
Ensures that all life hazard use structures are inspected in
accord with the schedule established by the Code.
Ensures that notices of violations are served whenever
inspections reveal violations.
Ensures that permit applications are available and assists the
public in preparing them when necessary.
Reviews all permit applications for completeness as to form.
Ensures that the inspection required for issuance of a permit
is performed in a timely manner.
Ensures that no activity or use which requires a permit is
carried out without one.
Ensures that all life hazard use structures are registered.
Assists the state when requested with any registration survey.
Coordinates activities with the fire subcode official where the
work to be performed, to comply with the fire safety code, requires
a construction permit.
Collects all fees and penalties due the local enforcing agency
and ensures that they are properly accounted for.
Ensures that all requests for variances are properly prepared,
documented, and approved or denied in a timely manner.
Ensures that all appeals are promptly referred to the
Construction Code Board of Appeals.
Records all notices of violation and determines the amount of
all penalties for noncompliance.
Ensures that a report of every inspection is completed and
properly filed.
Takes reasonable measure to determine when imminent hazards
exist and enforce the law as provided for by the Code.
Files such reports as the state may from time to time require.
Supervises the work of any assigned enforcement personnel to
ensure completeness and accuracy.
Ensures that any agency staff members requiring certification
possess such certification.
Ensures that procedures of the local enforcing agency conform
to requirements of the Code and regulations.
Prepares and obtains reports required by regulations.
Attends meetings and hearings as required by the Code and
regulations.
Coordinates activities of the local enforcing agency with other
code enforcement agencies and state agencies having a related
interest or responsibility.
Responds to and causes to be investigated any complaints
brought under the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code.
May confer with and speak before civic, school, and community
organizations and groups concerning fire prevention methods.
May plan and direct a public relations program to present the
need for and encourage the use of fire prevention methods among
community residents.
May direct a public information and education program designed
to improve fire safety measures in the home, office buildings,
industrial and commercial structures, and other locations.
May confer with public officials or civic representatives to
improve fire safety education programs.
May give talks and demonstrations before adults and/or children
on methods for ensuring proper use of fire safety procedures in the
home, school, or other buildings.
Participates in fire drills and other training courses.
Responds to fire alarms, drives or accompanies fire apparatus,
and assists other uniformed personnel in extinguishing fires.
Operates and uses fire hoses and other firefighting equipment
and apparatus.
Performs special duty at theaters, schools, and other public
gatherings to help maintain proper fire precautionary measures.
Responds to calls concerning bomb threats and conducts bomb
searches.
Inspects the condition of fire protection apparatus in public
and private buildings.
Inspects fire hydrants.
Performs rescue work.
Pumps out cellars.
Receives fire alarms and notifies proper fire company.
Keeps needed records.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of
electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information
systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: Positions in this class may be filled through promotional
examination procedures only. Candidates must meet those requirements
and qualifications for promotion specified in Civil Service law,
rules, and regulations.
EDUCATION:
Graduation from high school, vocational high school, or
possession of an approved high school equivalency certificate.
LICENSE: AND CERTIFICATE
Possession of a current and valid fire official
certificate issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license
valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than
employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of
the position.
EXPERIENCE:
Five (5) years of experience in one or more of the areas
indicated below or some combination thereof: (1) as a firefighter in
a paid or volunteer fire company, and/or (2) in the inspection of
buildings to detect fire hazards and to enforce fire safety codes and
regulations, and/or (3) in the investigation of fires to determine
their cause, and/or (4) in the inspection of the construction of
buildings and the review of building construction plans and
specifications to ensure compliance with fire protection codes and
regulations, and/or (5) in the installation of fire protection
equipment.
AGE:
Not less than 18 years of age.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
As a prerequisite for appointment, appointees may be required
to pass a thorough medical and psychiatric examination to be
administered by the appointing authority. Any psychological, medical,
or physical condition or defect which would prevent efficient
performance of duties of the position, cause appointees to be a
hazard to themselves or others, or become aggravated as a result of
performance of these duties will be cause for rejection.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of fire prevention measures required in
residential, commercial, industrial, and public buildings.
Knowledge of administration and enforcement of fire codes.
Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations concerning all
types of fire prevention measures.
Knowledge of provisions of the New Jersey Uniform Fire
Code and regulations.
Knowledge of the fire safety system of buildings and uses
including but not limited to means of egress, fire suppression
systems, fire alarm systems, and methods for limiting the flame
spread, flammability, or combustibility of materials.
Knowledge of safe use and maintenance of facilities,
buildings, and uses of such structures which are subject to the New
Jersey Uniform Fire Code.
Knowledge of safe handling, storage, and use of materials
which pose a fire hazard.
Knowledge of supervision and management techniques needed
to effectively manage a large staff of field personnel.
Knowledge of operation and maintenance of smoke detectors
and types of smoke detectors and alarms available.
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures used in
organizational analyses and program management.
Knowledge of principles and practices of fire safety and
protection systems including limitations, types, operation,
maintenance, and installation.
Knowledge of methods for handling and storing hazardous
materials.
Knowledge of means of egress requirements including exit
access, exit discharge, and exit signs.
Knowledge of methods and administrative and operational
procedures applied to ensure the timely inspection and reinspection
of life hazard use structures and highrise buildings required by the
New Jersey Uniform Fire Code and regulations.
Knowledge of methods of preparing inspection reports.
Knowledge of problems, procedures, and equipment involved
in the installation, repair, and maintenance of various signal
systems.
Knowledge of laws and ordinances which are significant
from the firefighting point of view.
Knowledge of methods likely to be effective in fighting
various types of fires.
Knowledge of varied kinds of firefighting equipment and
apparatus.
Knowledge of the location of schools, large buildings,
streets, and fire alarm boxes in the municipality.
Knowledge of types of fire alarm communications that are
useful and feasible in the fire department.
Knowledge of procedures likely to be effective in
enlisting support of citizens and others in taking fire precautionary
measures.
Knowledge of procedures involved in amending technical
requirements and in promulgating needed administrative rules and
regulations.
Knowledge of provisions under the Uniform Construction
Code Act, Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law, and Rooming and Boarding
House Act, and their relation to the Uniform Fire Safety Act.
Ability to organize assigned fire prevention and safety
field inspections and investigative work.
Ability to make required field visits, inspections, and
investigations.
Ability to conduct hearings and assess penalties.
Ability to maintain essential records and files.
Ability to give appropriate assignments, instructions, and
supervision to employees.
Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply basic laws and
regulations pertaining to fire safety, protection, and prevention.
Ability to recognize existing and potential fire safety
hazards, call these to the attention of the persons concerned, and
prepare detailed reports.
Ability to establish cooperative work relationships with
tenants, owners, municipal officials, and others interested in or
concerned with enforcement of laws relating to fire safety.
Ability to estimate time required to abate violations and
establish realistic deadlines by which owners must complete abatement
of violations.
Ability to supervise the establishment and maintenance of
essential records and files.
Ability to prepare extensive, detailed, and technical
correspondence in the course of official duties.
Ability to prepare or supervise preparation of detailed
narrative and statistical reports containing findings, conclusions,
and recommendations.
Ability to act as a witness in hearings and court
procedures and give testimony under oath.
Ability to perform strenuous physical activities such as
lifting heavy firefighting equipment, climbing standard and aerial
ladders, and lifting and carrying people and equipment for rescue and
salvage.
Ability to work under conditions of heavy physical
exertion in extreme heat and dust, in high and confined areas and
smoke filled spaces, and in all kinds of weather and to maintain
physical activity for prolonged periods of time.
Ability to understand and carry out written and oral
instructions.
Ability to record information in written form.
Ability to function independently and without direct
supervision.
Ability to think clearly and to apply knowledge under
stressful conditions and to handle more than one task at a time.
Ability to work closely with people including functioning
as a team member, to exercise tact or diplomacy, and display
compassion, understanding, and patience.
Ability to use and maintain firefighting equipment and to
apply the theory necessary for effective firefighting and equipment
operation.
Ability to apply basic techniques of fighting fires and
rendering first aid.
Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic
and/or manual recording and information systems used by the
agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate
in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.
American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as
acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible
as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after
reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the
accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer
undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code: | | Job
Spec
Code | Variant | State,
Local or
Common | Class of
Service | Work
Week | State
Class
Code | Local
Class
Code | Salary
Range | Note | | 06351 | | L | C | | N/A | 17 | | - |
This job specification is for local government use only.
Salary range is only applicable to state government.
Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions.
7/01/1996 |
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