Fire Prevention Inspector

Milton Fire & Rescue Services is currently accepting applications for the full-time unionized position of Fire Prevention Inspector.  

This is a specialized technical, investigative and educational position in the enforcement of Municipal, Provincial and Federal fire prevention Bylaws, Regulations and Codes. The position reports to the Division Chief, Fire Prevention and involves inspection of all types of public and private buildings and structures to ensure compliance with fire prevention regulations. This position is involved in informational and educational life safety and fire prevention programs for public, commercial and industrial occupancies. Duties are carried out within defined procedures, but independence of judgment and actions are exercised in day-to-day activities. Difficult problems and controversial decisions are referred to the Division Chief, Fire Prevention.  Performance is evaluated on the soundness of approach and judgment, conformance with established procedures, ability to deal effectively with the public in attaining objectives. 

Major Job Responsibilities

Conducts Regular Fire Safety Inspections

• Conducts a search of files for information that is available on a property prior to attending the location to conduct an inspection
• Conducts fire and life safety inspections to determine that the premises being inspected complies with the applicable legislation, by-laws, codes and standards
• Documents observations and findings during an inspection, advises owner of items requiring attention to achieve compliance and prepares and issues inspection orders for compliance enforcement
• Monitors status of orders, performs follow-up/recall inspections to ensure compliance is achieved
• Prepares “Information” for the prosecution of violations, where appropriate, and provides an accurate and complete document as a summary of evidence and testifies at legal proceedings
• Provides technical expertise for the development of public service announcements, media advisories, news releases, and information for interviews in cooperation with other municipal divisions
• Conducting fire safety inspections of residential properties with additional residential units, ensuring compliance with fire codes and safety regulations as outlined in Bill 23
• Assessing the impact of new residential developments and additional units on fire safety systems and advising property owners or developers on necessary adjustments
• Collaborating with local bylaw officials to verify proper licensing of ARUs and ensuring they meet safety requirements before occupancy

Fire Safety Plans

• Evaluates fire safety plans so that all required measures are addressed, required resources are provided and the plan complies with applicable legislation, codes and standards
• Tours the property to ensure that the fire safety plan accurately reflects the site conditions
• Recommends to the Chief Fire Official (Division Chief, Fire Prevention), a fire safety plan for approval once all the requirements of legislation, codes, standards and the fire department are met
• Verifies the implementation of fire safety plans

Provides Technical Support and Training to Fire Department Personnel

• Provides support and training to fire department personnel to ensure the delivery of effective programs
• Prepares materials and delivers instructional sessions to fire department personnel to enhance their knowledge of fire protection and life safety systems, by-laws, codes and standards so that fire department staff can identify defects and operational impairments of those systems and potential deficiencies to compliance
• Demonstrates fire investigation techniques to fire department personnel so that evidence is preserved and scene security maintained
• Reviews and/or demonstrates the operation of fire protection and life safety systems in buildings so that fire department personnel are familiar with the operation of the systems/equipment and can identify operational impairments

Fire Investigations

• Attends incident scenes for the purpose of determining the origin, cause, and circumstances of a fire or explosion 
• Examines and documents the scene using a scientific approach and recognized methods and best practices
• Interviews fire department personnel, witnesses, owners, and occupants so the detailed relevant information is obtained and documented
• Requests appropriate expert support as required and consults with external agencies as appropriate
• Prepares a report so that all relevant information is documented and maintained

Administrative Activities

• Assesses fire and life safety complaints to determine if a fire safety inspection is advisable and coordinates an inspection as appropriate
• Establishes and maintains files and records of Fire Prevention and Inspection activities and prepares reports so that accurate records and data is collected and analyzed
• Participates in development of annual budget proposals for Fire Prevention Division
• Maintains and submits records of expenditures and revenues so that financial records are current, accurate and within approved budget

Professional Development and Training

• Represents the Milton Fire and Rescue Services on various Town of Milton and community partner committees where knowledge and expertise is required
• Researches products and technologies so that the most current resources are identified, and informed decisions can be made to support public education programs

Education and Experience 

Education

• Ontario Secondary School Graduation Diploma
• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Fire Protection Technology, Emergency Services, or a related discipline, is preferred

 Experience

• Five (5) years’ experience as a Fire Prevention Inspector or related field
• Proven experience conducting fire safety inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial properties to assess compliance with fire safety regulations and building codes
• Experience in reviewing plans, including site plans and fire safety plans, to ensure they meet legal requirements and industry best practices
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting fire investigations to determine the origin and cause of fires, preparing reports, and taking necessary follow-up actions
• Demonstrated experience in the design, function, installation, maintenance and operation of the following systems: sprinkler systems, standpipe and hose systems, fire alarm and voice communication systems, commercial cooking equipment ventilation and various fire protection systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Ontario Fire Code and Ontario Building Code

Certifications and Designations

• NFPA 1031 - Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner; Fire Inspector I; Fire Inspector II
• NFPA 1033 – Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator
• NFPA 472 or NFPA 1072 Hazardous Material Awareness (OFC Online self-directed course)
• NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector I Legislation (Online self directed)
• Fire Code Div. B Part 2 and 6 Fire Safety and Fire Protection Equipment
• Courtroom Procedures
• Fire Code Div. B Part 9 Retrofit
• Fire Code Div. B Part 3 and 5 Industrial, Commercial, Hazardous Materials, Processes and Operations
• Fire Code Div. B Part 4 Flammable Liquids and Combustible Liquids
• Current CPR and First Aid
• Valid “G” Driver’s License with a driving record that demonstrates responsible and safe driving habits
• Plans Examiner O.F.M.E.M (P.S.H.S.A. Course), is preferred
• Ontario Building Code courses (General Legal Process and Powers and Duties 2012, and Fire Protection), is preferred
• NFPA 1041 - Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor Professional Qualifications; Fire and Emergency Services Instructor I, is preferred
• NFPA 921 – Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations; Certified Fire and Explosive Investigator (C.F.E.I), is preferred

Additional Skills

• Knowledge of fire prevention, inspection and investigation methods, procedures, bylaws, codes, acts and related regulations governing the work
• Knowledge of building construction, wiring, heating systems, industrial processes including chemical reactions and the dangers of flammable and combustible materials and liquids
• Ability to meet and deal effectively with a variety of contacts, to stimulate interest and cooperation in fire prevention and safety programs through public presentations, demonstrations and related activities
• Excellent written and verbal communication/presentation skills.
• Excellent organizational skills (e.g., tracking and planning) and ability to work effectively in a team-based environment as well as independently
• Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), , and meeting applications such as Zoom,  Microsoft Teams or similar
• Able to develop and maintain records, and to write accurate, concise reports to provide information and conclusions that can be understood and acted upon
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision. Initiates research and analysis to maintain and improve delivery of mechanical servicing
• Promotes a respectful, safe and supportive work environment that embraces diversity.
• Multilingual skills preferred, including sign language
• Thorough understanding of NFPA 1300 - Standard on Community Risk Assessment and Community Risk Reduction Plan Development, is preferred
• Familiarity with FDM records management computer software, is preferred
• Ability to collaborate with bylaw officials ensuring that new and existing residential units comply with fire safety standards and licensing regulations, is preferred

General Information

• Salary Range: $66,392.00 - $120,712.00 – effective March 1^st, 2024 as per the current Collective Agreement
• 40-hour work week, as scheduled by the Fire Chief or designate in accordance with the Collective Agreement
• In accordance with the Corporate Criminal Record Check Policy, the position requires the incumbent to submit a Criminal Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening upon employment

Candidates selected for the interview stage will be required to provide confirmation of the minimum qualifications as set out in this job posting