Department: Code Enforcement Union: AFSCME 2859
Grade/Number: B
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
GENERAL PURPOSE
Under direction, reviews plans and performs fire protection inspection work as well as inspections in any disciplines which applicant is licensed, involving enforcement of the State Uniform Construction Code, the fire protection subcode, and relevant UCC regulations within the concerned jurisdictions; does other related duties.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the general supervision of the Construction Code Official and Fire Subcode Official.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
None.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Examines and approves plans to see that they comply with the regulations of the Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
• Inspects and evaluates work in construction projects to ensure that all work and materials installed conform to approved plans and the UCC a laws/regulations.
• When violations of the UCC are found, determines the cause and takes corrective action.
• Gives testimony in court cases.
• Prepares recommendations regarding both temporary and final certificates of occupancy.
• Prepares reports.
• Establishes and maintains records and files.
• 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.
• Other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Ability to communicate and cooperate with the public and other employees.
• Knowledge of the organization and content of Uniform Construction Code regulations.
• Knowledge of the UCC 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 UCC and/or its referenced standards for active/passive fire suppression, fire detection, and fire alarm systems sufficient to permit the review of plans to determine adequacy of the systems.
• Knowledge of basic fire protection requirements.
• Knowledge of height and area limitations.
• Knowledge of fire resistance ratings of structural components.
• Knowledge of arrangement, sizing, and protection of 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 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 preparation of violation notices and required inspection record keeping.
• Knowledge of the material requirements found in the electrical code.
• Knowledge of proper installation methods for all approved materials.
• Knowledge of the relationship of fire prevention codes which regulate use/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 materials installed at the construction site are of appropriate strength and quality.
• Ability to analyze and interpret the Uniform Construction Code.
• Ability to examine and approve plans for residential and small commercial structures.
• Ability to carry out field inspection activities for structures in classes I,II and III. Ability to organize assigned fire protection field inspections and investigative work and to make the required field visits/inspections/investigations.
• Ability to prepare detailed and technical correspondence.
• Ability to maintain records and files.
• Ability to compile factual fire safety data relating to a particular structure and prepare clear, sound, accurate, and detailed reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations for approval or disapproval.
• Ability to recognize approved materials found in the electrical code.
• Ability to understand 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 the 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/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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
License:
• Possession of a valid license as a Fire Protection Inspector (HHS). Additional UCC license(s) issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs preferred.
• Possession of a valid driver's license valid in New Jersey.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this 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 occasionally required to stand; walk; talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Work is performed mostly in field settings. Considerable outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land uses and other matters.
• The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high in the field and low to occasionally moderate in the office setting.
Applications accepted via Township website:www.franklintwpnj.org
THE TOWNSHIP OF FRANKLIN DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, RELIGION, GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, SEXUAL PREFERENCE, AGE OR HANDICAP.
THE TOWNSHIP OF FRANKLIN IS A DRUG FREE WORK PLACE
Effective September 1, 2011, all employees of NJ State, County and Local government must reside in the State of New Jersey unless exempted under law.
