Job Description

Important Notice: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Arlington County Fire Department is seeking a Fire Code Inspector for their Community Risk Reduction Division, Office of the Fire Marshal The Office of the Fire Marshal is responsible for ensuring compliance with fire and life safety codes across residential and commercial properties within Arlington County and, when applicable, the City of Falls Church. This Inspector will conduct fire and life safety inspections, identify hazards and code violations, perform follow-up inspections, and provide technical guidance to support compliance with applicable fire codes and standards.

Specific duties include:

• Conducting fire and life safety inspections of residential and commercial properties to evaluate compliance with applicable codes and standards;
• Identifying hazards and code violations, documenting deficiencies, and issuing notices of violation including providing corrective actions and timelines;
• Performing follow-up inspections to verify compliance and ensure corrective actions have been completed;
• Providing guidance to property owners, contractors, and the public on fire code requirements and fire protection systems;
• Performing witness testing of fire alarm, suppression, and detection systems to ensure compliance with applicable standards;
• Maintaining accurate and complete inspection records and reports utilizing the department’s records management system;
• Issuing permits in accordance with applicable fire prevention codes and local ordinances;
• Supporting Fire Marshal operations, including inspections for special events and community risk reduction initiatives; and
• Performing other job-related duties aligned with departmental needs.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interpret and enforce legal and technical standards;
• Knowledge of fire codes and standards as well as building construction methods and materials related to fire safety; and
• Proficiency with computer usage in creating reports and maintaining/tracking data.

Minimum Qualifications: This position may be filled at the trainee or full performance level.

Full Performance:

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent; and
• Two (2) years of experience in the private or public sector, involving the design, installation, repair, maintenance, inspection, testing, or code enforcement of fire protection systems.

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Virginia Fire Inspector Certification (National Fire Protection Association 1030/1031 Certification); plus
• General Certification (Virginia DHCD - CORE); and
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Must possess or obtain the following within the first twelve months of employment:

• Virginia DHCD certification in Fire Protection Systems Inspection.

Trainee level:

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent; and
• Six (6) months of experience in the private or public sector, involving the design, installation, repair, maintenance, inspection, testing, or code enforcement of fire protection systems.

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license;

Plus, at least one of the following certifications:

• Virginia Fire Inspector Certification (National Fire Protection Association 1030/1031 Certification);
• General Certification (Virginia DHCD - CORE);
• Virginia DHCD certification in Fire Protection Systems Inspection;
• Virginia Certification in Fire Protection 3B - General and Fire Protection (Building Officials and Code Administrators Association);
• National Pro Board Certified 1031 Certification;
• NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level II Certification; and/or
• NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level III Certification.

Must possess or obtain the following certifications within the first 6 months of employment, with the ability to extend 6 months at the Fire Marshal’s discretion:

• Virginia Fire Inspector Certification (National Fire Protection Association 1030/1031 Certification); and
• General Certification (Virginia DHCD - CORE); and
• Virginia DHCD certification in Fire Protection Systems Inspection.

Substitution(s): National Pro Board Fire Inspector certification or NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level II or III certification may substitute for required experience. Candidates qualifying under substitution must obtain all required Virginia certifications within 12 months of employment.

Desirable Qualifications: Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following:

• Conducting fire and life safety inspections in residential or commercial occupancies;
• Independently managing inspection caseloads and enforcement actions including interpreting and enforcing fire codes and issuing notices of violation;
• Utilizing computer system(s) to maintain data and create reports to document code compliance;
• Evaluating or witnessing testing of fire alarm, sprinkler, or suppression systems; and/or
• Certification in fire protection systems inspection or related field.

Special Requirements

• Resume Requirement: A complete application includes a resume. Please attach your resume to the application and verify that the details of your application provide further evidence of your experience and qualifications as displayed on your resume.
• Background Check A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It will include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.
• Trainee Level If an employee is hired at the trainee level, a training period will be established to last no longer than the equivalent of 12 months. At the end of the training period, the employee must meet experience, training, and proficiency requirements for the full performance level before probationary period begins.

Working Conditions:

• Must be available to work after hours and respond to emergency situations as needed.
• Exposed to a range of physical hazards, including moving equipment and vehicles, electrical systems, elevated work areas, high temperatures, and hazardous materials.
• May work in environments with exposure to fumes, odors, dust, gases, poor ventilation, and industrial fluids.
• May be required to work in restricted spaces, such as small rooms and narrow passageways.

Physical Requirements:

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of force greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Additional Information

Work Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. May be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency incidents and/or be subject to call-back based on operational needs.

The official title for this position is Fire Inspector.

Arlington County offers a competitive salary and a great benefits package including a Defined Benefit (pension) plan. For more information on Arlington's family friendly benefits click here.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

Please complete each section of the application including the supplemental questions. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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