Fire Prevention Officer

By joining the City of Thorold team, you will be choosing to become part of the fastest growing municipality in the beautiful Niagara Region.

Working with us means a great pension, superb benefits package and a supportive and collaborative team environment. We invest in our people and prioritize creating opportunities for our employees to learn and grow in their roles.

We are proudly home to Canada Games Park, an internationally recognized and certified athletics and wellness facility. Our 300+ acres of parks and trails, two community centers, two arenas and an outdoor pool are what makes Thorold the ideal place to build your career.

Primary Function

This is a specialized technical, investigative and educational position within the enforcement of municipal, provincial and federal fire prevention by-laws, regulations and codes. This Officer 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 judgement and action are exercised in day-to-day activities. Difficult problems and controversial decisions are referred to the Captain of Fire Prevention. Performance will be evaluated on the soundness of approach and judgement, conformance with established procedures and the ability to deal effectively with the public in attaining objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts residential rental license inspections, fire service inspections, fire investigations and public education programs
• Inspects all types of public and private buildings and structures to ensure compliance with regulations; participates in difficult or contentious re-inspections as required; issues orders to require compliance with regulations; lays charges for violations of municipal by-laws or provincial regulations; carries out unscheduled inspections in response to complaints concerning hazardous conditions; advises property owners or operators of safe operating procedures and methods in eliminating fire hazards
• Investigates fires to determine origin in accordance with NFPA 1033 and assists in gathering and presenting evidence in suspected arson cases.  The FPO will be in an on-call rotation for after-hours investigations
• Prepares and delivers effective public education programs on fire prevention and safety to groups and to the general public as required
• Prepares and maintains all required records, reports, statistics, correspondence and other material related to operations of the Fire Prevention Division
• Performs all related work as required, including being in rotation for on call fire investigations

Education/Experience/Skills

• Post-Secondary Graduate of NFPA 1031 Level I, NFPA 1033 and NFPA 1035 Level I
• Valid G classification license for the Province of Ontario is required
• Knowledge of fire prevention, inspection and investigation methods, procedures, bylaws, codes, acts and related regulations governing the work
• Knowledge of the Fire Department rules and regulations, policies and firefighting techniques
• 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
• Ability to read and interpret building plans and specifications, to prepare detailed technical reports and to prepare and maintain a variety of records, reports, statistics and correspondence of an operational and administrative nature, not limited to the following:
  • Fire alarm systems and all ancillary functions
  • Fire detection systems
  • Standpipe and hose systems and water supplies for fire protection equipment
  • Sprinkler systems
  • Portable fire extinguishers
  • Voice communication systems
  • Systems for the ventilation and fire protection of commercial cooking operations
  • Access for fire department vehicles
  • Structural components damaged by fire or other unapproved use

• Conduct inspections on buildings being constructed under permit to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Code
• Investigates fires to determine origin and cause, assists in gathering and presenting evidence in suspected arson cases
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with assigned staff, divisional staff, municipal departments, the construction industry and the general public
• Typing and computer skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Fire Code Division B – Part 2 & 6, Courtroom Procedures
• Advanced Fire Code Division B – Part 3 & 5
• Advanced Fire Code Division B Part 9
• Fire Code Division B – Part 4, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator
• Building Code Identification Number (BCIN)
• Successfully completed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) courses and obtained the qualifications of:
  • General Legal/Process for Inspectors
  • Fire Protection Systems
• Familiarity with Bluebeam software
• Completion of a college course/program related to the field of fire protection
• Basic firefighting training and experience would be an asset with experience within a Municipal Fire Prevention Division
• Valid certificates in First Aid and CPR
• Familiarity with FirePro2 software

Conditions of Employment

Required to work under the direction of the Fire Chief and/or Deputy Fire Chief. Work performed in a typical office environment. Considerable mental attention and visual concentration with frequent interruptions. Must be able to deal effectively with the public and staff. This position requires the ability to manage multiple priorities and quickly respond to changing priorities. The above statement reflects the principal functions and duties as required for proper evaluation of the job. Other related duties can only be considered part of the job if they directly relate to the primary function contained herein.