JOB SUMMARY:
Under general direction of the Fire Chief, the incumbent plans, coordinates, schedules and supervises all activities, practices, procedures and personnel performing the duties of the Fire Prevention Division. Oversees the activities related to Fire Prevention, Fire and Arson Investigation, and Fire Safety Education. The assigned tasks require considerable personal judgment and decision-making. Deadlines and priorities for meeting stated objectives are, for the most part, set by the incumbent.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. Coordinate and perform the fire prevention duties of the department including specialized fire inspections, testing of fire protection systems, and in-service fire inspections by the fire operations division to ensure compliance with all City, State, and Federal, laws, regulations and ordinances.
2. Consult with developers and other City departments regarding fire safety requirements for new construction and redevelopment.
3. Review construction plans for fire code compliance for local, State, and Federal requirements as a member of the City Development Review Committee.
4. Plan, develop and supervise the administration of Public Fire Safety Education programs for the city.
5. Coordinate with schools and other groups to present educational curricula on ways that may reduce personal risks from fire and other hazards. Plan and conduct fire drills as needed.
6. Investigate all fires in the city to determine the origin and cause. Identify and prosecute arsonists and perpetrators. Maintain fire loss records and file reports for State and Federal agencies. Monitor and report on fire trend research and analysis. Answer complaints regarding fires and fire code enforcement.
7. Enforce local fire code and other applicable State laws and ordinances.
8. Provide centralized support in budgeting, policy and procedure development, administration, and coordination with other city departments.
9. Ensure any and all responsibilities as directed by the City of Keller Emergency Operations Plan are carried out effectively in accordance with all local, county, regional, state, and federal mandates. Comply with all National Incident Management System (NIMS) training guidelines.
10. Monitor and Review 3rd party plans review and inspections providing details to city leadership on projects.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. Develop and participate in ongoing fire prevention training and other continuing education requirements for fire fighters.
2. Review and analyze work of subordinates to ensure proper performance. Issue written and oral instructions as required.
3. Represent the department at meetings and conferences.
4. Testify in judicial matters, civil and criminal, related to the operations of the fire department.
5. Perform other duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Associate’s degree in a directly related field from an accredited college or university required.
2. Five (5) years’ experience in a related field required. Municipal fire inspector or code enforcement experience preferred.
3. Fire Inspector certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection required.
4. Fire Investigator certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection required.
5. Fire Instructor I certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection preferred.
6. Arson Investigator certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection preferred.
7. Peace Officer certification through Texas Commission on Law Enforcement preferred.
8. Requires knowledge of conducting fire safety programs and a working knowledge of methods of fire prevention, fire protection systems, and building construction.
9. Requires knowledge of conducting fire investigations, evidence collection, and courtroom testimony.
10. Requires effective verbal and written communication skills.
11. Requires attention to detail, effective organization skills, and successful time and project management ability.
12. Valid Texas Driver's License and a safe driving record in accordance with the current policy in effect with the City of Keller.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to read a computer screen or documents, grasp, handle, feel, type, listen, hear, reach, see, speak, stand, walk, and sit for long periods. The employee is frequently required to bend, stoop, crouch, carry, and lift up to 65lbs. Employee may occasionally be required to grasp, handle, lift, carry and/or drag in excess of 200 pounds. Work usually performed in a controlled environment; however, incumbent may be exposed to extreme weather conditions and danger in fire suppression activities. Conditions are usually hot for an extended period of time due to bunker gear raising the internal body temperature, heavy physical activity, and heat in summer weather conditions. Incumbent may work under very stressful conditions requiring mental alertness and concentration, and good reasoning skills. Duties require that employee wear and use prescribed safety gear and follow department safety regulations and policies.
