Fire Prevention Officer (Temporary, Approx. 3 month contract)

About the City of Welland

At the City of Welland, we're continuously rewriting our story. Not because we don't know where we're going, but because we are constantly reaching for new heights, engaging in new approaches, and pursuing what many believe to be unattainable or too ambitious. At the City of Welland, we're not satisfied with the status quo. And we're certainly not satisfied with doing things simply because that's how they were done in the past.

We expect our population to increase to over 80,000 in the next 20 years, and serving a diverse, growing community requires strategic thinkers, norm breakers, and passionate civil servants. In Niagara, Welland's growth leads every other municipality, and the City is becoming the region's heartbeat. So, we invite you to author your chapter and contribute to the overall body of work the City of Welland is creating. At the City of Welland, your ideas are nurtured, your input is invited, a healthy work-life balance is available, and most importantly, your voice will make a difference. So, if that sounds like something you want to be a part of, we want to hear from you. We're ready when you are.

About the Position

Are you passionate about fire safety? Do you have experience in conducting fire safety inspections, building plans examinations, and fire and life safety education? Do you have knowledge of fire and life safety systems, and interpreting and applying the Ontario Fire Code? If so, Welland Fire and Emergency Services may be the right fit for you. As a key member of our department, the Fire Prevention Officer will take part in improving fire and life safety in our city.

We need an enthusiastic and engaged fire service professional to join our fire prevention division on a temporary basis as a Fire Prevention Officer.

Under the direction of the Chief Fire Prevention Officer, the Fire Prevention Officer will be responsible for reducing the incident of fire throughout the community through the delivery of public education programs, conducting fire safety inspections, and providing fire and safety code enforcement.

Duties & Responsibilities

The duties listed are not meant to provide a description of each and every job performed, but only those which represent the core functions of the job.

• Conduct fire safety inspections to achieve compliance with the Ontario Fire and Building Codes and other related standards, bylaws and applicable legislation.
• Review planning and development applications and conduct reviews of building permit applications and plans for compliance with the Ontario Building Code.
• Generate activity reports, time sheets, logs, detailed inspection reports and various other documents related to inspection and enforcement activities.
• Interact with partner agencies and individuals to provide advice and assistance or other measures, as directed and as required, to achieve compliance with fire safety requirements.
• Develop, implement and evaluate public education programs, including school programs, seniors, property owner groups, and various other agencies and groups as required.
• Initiate, develop, and maintain complete and accurate documentation of all activities that may result in prosecution, file appropriate information with prosecutors, and provide testimony in Court as required.
• Review fire safety plans for approval as directed by the Chief Fire Official.
• Fulfill the responsibilities of an assistant to the Fire Marshal, as prescribed by the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, as amended.
• Maintain competency in the design and operation of fire protection systems and oversee tests performed on these systems, ensuring proper installation and operation.
• Investigate fire safety complaints and/or requests and follow up on all identified deficiencies to ensure compliance.
• Conduct fire scene investigations in order to establish the origin and cause of fires.
• Provide technical support and training to other Fire Services personnel.
• Liaise with a broad range of fire safety professionals, government ministries, agencies and individuals as required.
• Attend approved inhouse and/or external training sessions/courses or programs to obtain or to maintain the required qualifications as may be required for job performance, competence, and effectiveness.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you need to Succeed...

• Certified as an Inspector by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH), in the category of Fire Protection (ability to obtain within 5 years of hire).
• NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector Level II (or ability to obtain)
• NFPA 1035 Public Educator Level II (ability to obtain within 5 years of hire).
• NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator (or ability to obtain)
• Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI), meeting NFPA 921, would be considered an asset.
• Two (2) years full time experience in Fire Prevention, for a Municipal Fire Department, or equivalent experience within the duties outlined above.
• Experience laying charges, tickets, and working with prosecution teams as a witness or expert under the Ontario Building Code Act or the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.
• Possess strong presentation and communication skills (both oral and written).
• Knowledge of modern firefighting practices and techniques.
• Possess strong leadership skills along with well-developed analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Proficient in Windows based operating systems and specifically Microsoft Office Suite with the ability to adapt quickly to applicable software.
• Experience with records management systems (RMS) as it relates to inspection activities. Experience with “Emergency Reporting” and “Cityview” systems would be considered an asset.

Salary and Benefit Information

Salary: $115,914 (2023 rate) plus OMERS pension is available.