Fire Inspector

Description and Essential Functions

Connected by Amazing Employees

The City of Murrieta is accepting applications for one (1) Full-Time Fire Inspector, currently not funded to exceed three (3) years from the date of hire. The Fire Inspector position is funded by a defensible space clearing grant through the State of California. The eligibility list established may be used to fill positions within this classification for up to one (1) year.

DEFINITION
Under direction, inspects and reviews plans and specifications of industrial, commercial, and residential properties to determine compliance with appropriate fire prevention codes, regulations, and standards; coordinates fire prevention activities; conducts public fire safety education programs, presentations, and demonstration sessions for the public; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from the Fire Marshal or Deputy Fire Marshal. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the fully qualified journey-level classification performing fire inspection duties. Positions at this level perform the full range of duties as assigned, working independently and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Inspects a variety of existing and new commercial, industrial, and residential buildings and facilities for fire hazards, availability and efficiency of fire protective equipment, adequacy of fire exits, and compliance with mandated fire regulations; inspects open areas for compliance with vegetation management regulations
• Conducts inspections to ensure compliance with adopted codes emphasizing defensible space requirements for the wildland urban interface and severity zones designated by the State
• Conducts inspections of new construction and building alterations for compliance with approved plans, including sprinkler systems, heat-activated alarm systems, water supply, exits, and other fire protection resources, devices, and equipment
• Reviews, during the inspection process, development plans, fire protections systems, construction documents, technical reports, and alternative means and methods for compliance with codes, standards, ordinances, and regulations relating to life and fire safety
• Prepares and issues correction notices and citations of code violations; reports violations of laws, ordinances, and safety standards to the Fire Marshal; conducts follow-up inspections to ensure corrections have been made and hazards are eliminated
• Provides technical assistance to fire company personnel regarding code standards; conducts fire prevention education, training, and safety inspection programs for fire suppression personnel
• Develops, presents, and coordinates fire and life safety education programs for the community, including professional and governmental agencies, local schools, community groups, and the public
• Coordinates fire prevention matters and programs with other City departments and outside agencies; confers with and advises architects, engineers, attorneys, developers, and the public regarding fire code-related ordinances, fire prevention, and vegetation management.
• Coordinates, conducts, and inspects special community events
• Investigates complaints pertaining to violations of fire prevention laws, guidelines and codes
• Prepares reports and maintains records of fire inspections and investigations work, including installations of fire protection systems, violations of codes, new construction, business owner changes, and other files, reports, and records
• Performs public information activities, including responding to incidents; develops public information materials such as press releases and public service announcements
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of fire prevention and inspections; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs
• Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Performs related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED), supplemented by college-level coursework in fire science, life/safety plan checking, life /safety inspections, hazardous materials, or a related field
  
• Two (2) years of inspection and enforcement experience in a comprehensive fire prevention program is highly desirable

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License
• Fire Inspector 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months, a PC832 (A) certification
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months, a CA Fire inspector I certification or ICC Fire Inspector I

Highly Desirable

• CSFM Fire Inspector 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D
• CSFM Fire Inspector II
• ICC Fire Inspector II
• CSFM Plans Examiner 1A, 1B and 1C
• CSFM Defensible Space Assessment Training
• CSFM Damage Inspection Specialist (DINS)

Alternative Work Schedule: 4/10

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Concepts and theories of fire science as they relate to fire prevention and code enforcement
• Defensible space requirements to verify compliance with defensible space standards, clearing practices and all applicable laws
• Principles, practices, and techniques of modern fire protection, prevention, and suppression, including fire protection equipment and systems
• Plan check methods and practices as they pertain to fire protection and fire prevention
• Principles and techniques used in the development and implementation of safety education programs
• Fire hazards and the related prevention and abatement methods
• Fire prevention inspection methods and techniques
• Principles of combustion
• Standards used in the storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials, explosives, highly flammable materials, and other toxins used in industrial settings
• Mechanical, chemical, and related characteristics of a wide variety of hazardous materials, chemical reactions, and fire behavior
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various professional, educational, and regulatory organizations
• Principles and procedures of record-keeping
• Local geography, including the location of water mains, hydrants, and related preventive measures
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone

ABILITY TO

• Perform fire safety inspections of buildings fire protection equipment, and defensible space standards to ensure compliance with mandated regulations
• Detect fire hazards and code violations and determine proper mitigation measures
• Read, understand, and examine plans submitted for buildings, improvements, fire protection systems, and other related construction activities pertaining to fire protection
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to assigned areas of responsibility
• Conduct meetings, make presentations, and facilitate communications in a clear, concise, and positive manner
• Represent the department and the City effectively in meetings with other departments, private organizations, and the general public
• Coordinate and deal tactfully with the public to correctly identify safety hazards
• Respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations
• Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Effective use of computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.

When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 40 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases, with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
A City application form must be submitted online. Applicants can apply online at www.murrietaca.gov .

SELECTION PROCESS
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of appraisal interview, performance test and writing exercise to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical, drug screen, and Live Scan background screening.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The City of Murrieta is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, and promotions are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age (over 40), marital or veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, disability, or any other basis that is inconsistent with federal, state or local laws.

THE COMMUNITY
Located just north of San Diego County, the city of Murrieta is home to approximately 116,000 people. Central to all of Southern California, residents of Murrieta live in one of the safest cities in the U.S. With top-ranked schools, 52 parks, and 1,300 acres of trails, it is consistently ranked the top place to live in Southwest Riverside County. Murrieta has a dynamic business environment, an educated population, and a high median income. All of these attributes support the exceptional quality of life residents enjoy and the engaged and connected community that sets Murrieta apart from the rest.

THE DEPARTMENT Murrieta Fire & Rescue (MFR) provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials mitigation, fire prevention, public education, and disaster preparedness to approximately 33.6 square miles of southwestern Riverside County, California. The department delivers emergency services with 60 personnel (20 per shift) from five fire stations. In support of these efforts, MFR is managed administratively by a Fire Chief and a Deputy Chief, employing a Fire Marshal, Emergency Medical Services Coordinator, and Training Officer. MFR has a long tradition of providing excellent customer service to the region's residents and guests. Since the department's inception in 1947, our first responders' expectations have grown to include much more than fire suppression and basic first aid. Progressive, "all-risk" agencies are now expected to deliver advanced paramedic services, public education, hazardous materials, technical rescue, and wildland-urban interface response. MFR is consistently working to achieve and/or maintain the highest level of professionalism and efficiency on behalf of those it serves.

MFR's personnel are expected to be fully engaged with the agency and community, including assignments on committees and project teams. The agency is an active participant in statewide mutual aid and national USAR deployments, which requires long stretches on duty. The agency's shared vision is to become a Fire Department from which other progressive agencies measure themselves.

MURRIETA GENERAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
The following is a summary of the provided benefits to full-time employees in the represented unit. For further information, please refer to the unit's Salary Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding .

• RETIREMENT : The City participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).
  • Tier 1 (Classic Members hired prior to 12/30/2012)
    • Final Compensation: Highest twelve (12) consecutive month period
    • Member Contribution: 8.0% of compensation
    • Formula: 2.7% at 55
  • Tier 2 (Classic Members hired on or after 12/30/2012)
    • Formula: 2.0% at 60
    • Member Contribution: 7.0% of compensation
    • Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period
  • Tier 3 (New Members)
    • Formula: 2.0% at 62
    • Member Contribution: 50% of normal cost (currently 8.0% of compensation)
    • Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period
• MEDICAL INSURANCE : The City contributes up to $1,891.28 per month toward medical insurance for employees and their eligible dependents.
• RETIREE MEDICAL INSURANCE : Please refer to the unit's Memorandum of Understanding for details.
• DENTAL INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.
• VISION INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.
• LIFE INSURANCE : The City pays 100% of the premium for a $50,000 life insurance policy. Additional life insurance is available.
• SHORT-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE: The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee.
• LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE : The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee.
• DEFERRED COMPENSATION : Employees are eligible to participate in a deferred compensation plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions. The City shall contribute a matching amount not to exceed $2,000 per year.
• SPANISH LANGUAGE PAY : 2.5% of base pay for eligible members of the association who are fluent in Spanish. Eligibility is based on business necessity.

Note: The provisions of this summary do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this summary may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract negotiations between the recognized employee association and the City of Murrieta.

Closing Date/Time: 5/20/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of Murrieta

• (951) 461-6087

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