Job Specification
06966
FIRE OFFICIAL/ FIRE PROTECTION SUBCODE OFFICIAL
FIRE OFFICIAL
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, and coordinates and supervises activities of any fire
safety specialists or other staff employed by the agency; 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.
If it appears that such an occurrence is of suspicious nature,
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
findings and information as to the cause, origin, and extent of
such fires and the deaths, injuries, and damage caused thereby.
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 a written notice of violations describing the condition
deemed unsafe and specifies the time limit for 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.
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:
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.
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.
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 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 provisions of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code and
regulations.
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 procedures involved in amending technical
requirements and in promulgating needed administrative rules and
regulations.
Ability to apply 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 and interpret 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 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.
CODES: LG-06350 CAH 7/1/96
This job specification is for local government use only.
FIRE PROTECTION SUBCODE OFFICIAL
DEFINITION
Under direction of the Construction Official, is responsible for
administering the fire protection subcode of the State Uniform
Construction Code within the concerned jurisdiction; inspects and/or
supervises the inspection of construction projects under way to ensure
that compliance with plans and specification for fire protection
approved in accord with State Uniform Construction Code is achieved;
does other related duties.
NOTE: The 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:
Reviews and approves plans of proposed structures as provided in the
Uniform Construction Code regulations for conformity with the fire
protection subcode.
Has charge of the fire protection inspection staff and activities
concerned in the inspection of construction projects.
Develops the inspection work program with effective and appropriate
procedures, analyzes fire protection inspection problems, and
establishes appropriate work methods.
Has the final responsibility in the inspection for fire protection
compliance of all new construction and renovation projects.
Plans, organizes, and assigns the work of the organizational unit and
evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective
recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of
subordinates.
Provides appropriate assignments, instruction, and supervision for
fire protection inspectors and clerical employees.
Inspects, evaluates, and supervises the inspection of construction
work in projects under way to ensure that all work installed conforms
to the requirements of the approved plans and the fire protection
subcode and the regulations of the New Jersey Uniform Construction
Code.
Has the responsibility in supervising the code compliance for the fire
protection subcode of all construction and contractors to ensure that
required standards are observed in accord with approved plans and
specifications.
Take the initiative in halting construction work by contractors when
and if reasonable standards of workmanship, safety, plans,
specification, and/or legal requirements are not being observed.
Collects and records permits and other fees, and verifies that
required prior approvals have been obtained and is responsible for the
New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.
Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with
architects, engineers, and construction personnel.
Reviews construction to ensure that all materials, methods, and
assemblies conform to the standards referenced by the code and
manufacturers installation directions as well as other matters not
shown in a set of plans but required for conformity with the code.
Issues on-site warnings, citations, and stop work orders in cases of
serious violations of the adopted subcode or regulations that might
endanger the health, safety, and/or welfare of the public or building
occupants.
Prepares and supervises the preparation of recommendations regarding
both temporary and final certificates of occupancy.
Prepares and supervises the preparation of violation reports.
Testifies in court and in administrative hearings.
Prepares inspection reports showing the progress of work on each
project relative to construction code compliance, weather conditions,
and the percentage of the project completed.
Maintains and supervises the maintenance of records, reports, and
files required to show the details of each project inspected.
Establishes inspection schedules for fire protection inspection staff
and ensures that all buildings being constructed or renovated are
inspected at critical points during the course of construction as
provided for in regulations for the Uniform Construction Code.
Identifies, inspects, and supervises the inspection of the placement
of materials being incorporated in the construction and renovation of
buildings located within the jurisdiction to ensure that they conform
to the approved plans and that they meet the necessary performance
standards established in the regulations for the Uniform Construction
Code and the fire protection subcode.
Serves subpoenas and other legal process notices including notices of
violations of the Uniform Construction Code and fire protection
subcode.
Assists the construction official in the preparation of all reports.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic
and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency,
office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
LICENSE:
Applicants must possess a valid license as a Fire Protection
Subcode Official issued by the New Jersey Department of Community
Affairs.
NOTE: Applicants must also possess a valid license as a Fire
Protection Inspector at the appropriate level, residential and
commercial (RCS), industrial and commercial (ICS), or high-rise and
hazardous (HHS), depending on the class of structure, 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.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
There are two (2) classes of licenses that are cumulative in terms of
knowledge and abilities. The basic license (ICS) comprises the core
knowledge and abilities for this title:
Knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations concerning all types of
fire protection measures.
Knowledge of the organization and content of the Uniform Construction
Code regulations.
Knowledge of the organization and content of the fire protection
subcode and its background, purpose, history, place in local
government structure, and relation to construction code enforcement
programs at other levels of government.
Knowledge of classification of structures into class categories.
Knowledge of systems design and installation practices required by the
uniform construction code and/or its referenced standards for active
and passive fire suppression, fire detection, and fire alarm systems.
Knowledge of basic fire protection requirements.
Knowledge of height and area limitations.
Knowledge of fire resistance ratings of structural components,
arrangement, sizing, and protection means of egress.
Knowledge of flame spread and smoke generated requirements.
Knowledge of combustibility of materials.
Knowledge of requirements for installation of fire detection, alarm,
and suppression systems.
Knowledge of chimneys, flues, and vents.
Knowledge of heating equipment and appliances.
Knowledge of basic plan reading sufficient to perform the duties of
the position.
Knowledge of testing methods, agencies, and test verification
procedures incorporated in the code for combustibility and flame
spread of materials.
Knowledge of the use of basic inspection tools and test methods.
Knowledge of the construction process for smaller buildings and the
points at which inspection must be made.
Knowledge of basic inspection report writing including the preparation
of violation notices and required inspection record keeping.
Knowledge of the material requirements found in the electrical code.
Knowledge of the proper installation methods for all approved
materials.
Knowledge of the relationship of fire prevention codes which regulate
the use and occupancy of industrial and commercial buildings, and fire
protection codes which regulate their construction.
Knowledge of fire prevention code provisions, enforcement procedures,
and objectives including the protection of places of assembly.
Knowledge of the fire prevention code regulatory process which will
ensure an understanding of the manner in which those fire hazards not
regulation by the construction code can be regulated in the interest
of public safety and fire protection.
Knowledge of the information pertaining to structural, architectural,
mechanical, fire protection, and electrical features of buildings
which must be shown on the plans to ensure compliance with
requirements of the code.
Knowledge of analysis methods needed to ensure that fire protection
elements of buildings depicted on plans do in fact conform to code
requirements.
Knowledge of field inspection and controlled inspection techniques
necessary to ensure that the materials installed at the construction
site are of the appropriate strength and quality.
Ability to review plans to determine the adequacy of fire alarm
systems.
Ability to analyze and interpret the Uniform Construction Code, fire
protection subcode, and other laws, rules, regulations, and policies
applicable to fire protection.
Ability to carry out the provisions of the Uniform Construction Code
and fire protection subcode as they relate to residential and small
commercial structures.
Ability to review fire protection provisions of plans and
specifications prepared by others for accuracy and conformity.
Ability to give assignments and instructions to individuals and
groups, provide them with advice and assistance when difficult and
unusual problems arise, and check their work to see that proper
procedures are followed.
Ability to work harmoniously with other municipal unit heads and with
private contractors and architects.
Ability to make thorough investigations, inspections, and
investigations containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Ability to maintain records and files.
Ability to prosecute violations of the fire protection subcode by
appearing in court.
Ability to recognize approved materials found in the electrical code.
Ability to understand the standards and test methods which lead to
approval.
Ability to ensure that all materials are installed in accord with
proper methods.
The highest level license (HHS) incorporates all knowledge and
abilities previously listed, and these following;
Knowledge of fire protection material requirements established by the
code including testing and listed procedures, and an understanding of
test methods.
Knowledge of code requirements related to fire divisions in buildings
exceeding the height and area limitations established in the code.
Knowledge of code requirements related to unlimited area buildings.
Knowledge of design analysis methods needed to ensure that fire
protection elements of buildings depicted on plans do in fact conform
to code requirements.
Ability to read, understand, and interpret test reports for both
active and passive fire protection requirements of systems of the type
required to be incorporated in class I buildings.
Ability 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, and communicate in English
sufficiently to perform 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 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.
CODES: LG - 05013 MCK 04/20/04
This job specification is for local government use only.
DUAL TITLE CODE: LG-06966
This job specification is for local government use only.
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