Fire Department Code Inspector III

(non-union position)

The City of Alexandria is in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 160,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place with approximately one-quarter of the City’s square miles designated as a national or local historic district. Several buildings in these districts are monuments to the past, while being actively used by residents for homes, businesses, and museums. If you’re interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we have an opportunity as a Code Inspector III.

An Overview
As our Code Inspector III, you will perform inspection work and testing on new and existing fire protection systems, for compliance with Virginia’s Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), appropriate laws, ordinances, regulations, and standards. You will test and inspect fire alarm and detection systems, sprinkler and commercial hood suppression systems, access control systems, and fire hydrants and water distributions and access control systems. This position requires advanced code and industry knowledge in the code inspector's primary discipline, plus good code knowledge of residential construction in all other disciplines - electrical, building, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, energy, and property maintenance; provides guidance on solutions for usual problems, less complex features and other non-routine assignments.

What You Should Bring
Thorough knowledge of code requirements adopted by the Commonwealth of Virginia, and referenced standards of the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code pertaining to fire protection systems published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Factory Mutual {FM) and Underwriters Laboratory (UL); thorough knowledge of Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code and Uniform Statewide Building Code; strong knowledge of previously-adopted codes and how previous codes relate to existing conditions and code requirements to effectively evaluate each structure to apply the correct code requirements; skill in operating a laptop computer for the purpose of entering, retrieving and revising data; skill in dealing with property owners, managers, contractors and maintenance personnel to effectively address non-compliance issues with fire protection systems; ability to analyze construction design, methods, materials and system plans applicable to fire protection systems; ability to evaluate the condition of complex fire protection systems to determine if the system is compliant with requirements at the time of installation.

The Opportunity

• Assists staff by researching specific code provisions, ordinances, and related city policies;
• Assists in the development of technical training concerning applicable codes, ordinances, policies, and regulatory requirements;
• Performs testing and inspection work on fire protection systems as required by State law and City Code to ensure that all installations and the maintenance of the installations are in conformance, and the fire protection systems and emergency systems and devices are properly installed and operative;
• Meets and deals with property owners to maintain their existing fire protection systems and expend funds, if necessary to meet requirements;
• Interprets and applies current and past building and fire codes to determine whether fire protection systems conform to code requirements;
• Performs on-site inspections of problems arising during installation and maintenance of fire protection systems;
• Identifies and documents illegal construction and prepares violation notification and corrective direction;
• Refers significant non-compliant system issues to the supervisor for determination as to what subsequent action may be required;
• Inspects materials and equipment required for special-occupancy use to insure suitability for intended use;
• Attends training to maintain continuous education and certification requirements as required by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and the Department of Code Administration;
• Maintains a current knowledge of City and department policies, procedures and guidelines;
• Analyzes structures and assesses existing fire protection systems to determine compliance with codes;
• Performs related work as required.

About the Department
The Alexandria Fire Department provides fire, and emergency medical services with capabilities for responding to a wide range of occurrences, including fire protection to a 15 square mile city. We employ more than 300 professionals, which include firefighters, paramedics, fire prevention staff and administrative support. A network of ten stations protects 15 square miles. Among the department's specialized teams are the Northern Virginia Regional Hazardous Materials Team, Technical Rescue, Marine Operations, Special Operations Team and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM).

Minimum & Additional Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent

Five years of work experience in the private or public sector involving the design, installation, repair, maintenance, inspection, testing, and/or code enforcement of fire protection systems.

Required Certifications:
Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Code Inspector III
Virginia Fire Inspector Certification (National Fire Protection Association 1031 Certification)
Virginia Certification in Fire Protection 3B - General and Fire Protection (Building Officials and Code Administrators Association)
Virginia Fire Protection - Plans Review Certification (Building Officials and Code Administrators Association)
Virginia Fire Protection - General Certification (DHCD); Virginia Fire Protection

Employees must possess a valid driver's license issued by the state of their residence.

Preferred Qualifications

Fire Protection Engineering Degree

Notes

Successful completion of the following within the employee's probationary period of twelve (12)months after their original appointment:

City of Alexandria Fire Department Training Program.

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to driving record check, previous education and employment verification, and criminal background check.