Job Specification
FIRE OFFICIAL / HOUSING INSPECTOR
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
other related duties as required.
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:
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 CERTIFICATION
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
HOUSING INSPECTOR
DEFINITION
Under direction, performs inspection work involved in eliminating
blight and restoring and/or eliminating subnormal housing
accommodations; does other related duties as required.
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:
Inspects buildings for health and safety violations.
Confers with individual property owners relevant to service of
notices and violations.
Reinspects houses after completion of repairs to ensure
compliance with regulations.
Inspects dwellings that present difficult and unusual problems.
May coordinate agency functions with other concerned agencies.
Attends meetings.
Prepares reports.
May give advice and guidance to other staff.
Maintains records and files.
Presents inspection findings in court cases.
May inspect hotels and/or multiple dwellings to detect and
eliminate fire hazards and to enforce provisions of relevant fire
safety codes and related regulations.
May 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:
EXPERIENCE:
One (1) year of experience in building inspection, building
repair, building maintenance, construction, construction
inspection, and/or other work concerned with building structures
and/or building repair.
NOTE: Successful completion of a course in Principles of
Housing Inspection may be substituted for six months of the work
experience.
NOTE: Possession of a current, valid Fire Inspector
Certification issued by the NJ Department of Community Affairs
may be required.
NOTE: Appointees will be required to possess a license as an
Inspector Multiple Dwellings, issued by the New Jersey Department of
Community Affairs, when assigned to a municipality approved to conduct
cyclical inspections of multiple dwellings in conjunction with the State
Local Cooperative Housing Inspection Program (SLCHIP).
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of approved inspection methods involved in preventing
and eliminating blight and restoring and/or eliminating subnormal
housing accommodations.
Knowledge of state and municipal housing codes and zoning
ordinances.
Ability to perform inspection work involved in preventing and
eliminating blight and/or substandard housing accommodations.
Ability to meet with people and deal effectively with their
housing inspection problems.
Ability to participate in community affairs.
Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative
reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Ability to give guidance and assignments to assigned employees.
Ability to maintain records and files.
Ability to present inspection findings in court cases.
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.
CODE: 02071 10/08/2013
DUAL TITLE CODE: 06555
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