Fire Prevention Inspector

The Town of Cobourg, along with Northumberland County, is committed to providing efficient and comprehensive emergency services to everyone in the community. The Cobourg Fire Department has been proudly serving the citizens of Cobourg since 1832 and consists of a Fire Chief, a Chief Fire Prevention Officer, an Administrative Assistant, 16 full-time firefighters and, at full complement, 20 volunteer firefighters. The Cobourg Fire Department provides 24-hour emergency services including fire suppression, emergency medical care with defibrillation, awareness level hazardous materials response, entry level ice/ water rescue, vehicle extrication, and response to any other natural or accidental emergency.

The Town of Cobourg is seeking a Fire Prevention Inspector. Under the general direction of the Chief Fire Prevention Officer, the incumbent is responsible and accountable for promoting, administering, interpreting, and enforcing Fire Prevention Regulations of the Town and of the Province of Ontario to ensure consistency of application and conformity with applicable laws. This is accomplished by conducting and/or reviewing comprehensive fire prevention inspections and surveys of various buildings, properties, and occupancy classifications, investigating and determining the cause of fires, and overseeing fire safety and prevention programs. This will include understanding and following the Chain of Command at all times.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Administers prevailing legislation and related codes in consideration of applicable rulings or guidelines to ensure compliance and consistency.
• Conducts detailed inspections to ensure compliance with pertinent and applicable fire safety codes and standards.
• Coordinates the evaluation and assessment of development proposals such as site plans, subdivision plans, zoning and official plans for compliance with relevant codes and standards, in consultation with other Town staff.
• Prosecutes offenders of fire safety legislation by reviewing relevant acts, regulations and municipal by-laws by establishing ownership, preparing and serving information and presenting relevant evidence in Court.
• Conducts fire inspections pursuant to the limitations set out in the delegation of the Fire Chief and pursuant to the powers prescribed in the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.
• Issues orders pursuant to the Fire Protection and Prevention Act and/or prepares and swears Information’s and Summonses pursuant to the Provincial Offences Act.
• Completes detailed notes, prepares written information and provides evidence in Provincial Offences Court, Fire Safety Commission, Coroner’s Inquests and tribunals, criminal/civil proceedings etc.
• Reviews and recommends for the approval of alternative compliance solutions pursuant to Division C of the Ontario Fire Code.
• Performs administrative duties.
• Demonstrates a commitment to personal and professional development.

PUBLIC EDUCATION:

• Utilizes fire loss data in the development and design of appropriate fire safety education programs.
• Utilizes analytics and data in the development of targeted public education messages.
• Designs and delivers public safety education presentations and seminars to a variety of audiences including community groups, dwelling unit owners/residents, elementary school students, seniors, and workplace employees.
• Designs and delivers special events, media campaigns and other activities to promote and provide education on fire prevention and safety awareness.
• Provides fire safety materials to support program delivery, including lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations, and brochures.
• Performs education functions as specified within the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, and guidelines issued by the Fire Marshal and the Town of Cobourg Fire Department.
• Supports fire services operations staff in the delivery of “Alarmed for Life” and school fire drill programs, station tours, and community events.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

• Must possess a minimum 5 years in the fire service, 2 years of which have been in Fire Prevention or a related background.
• Post-secondary education in Fire Protection or a related discipline is required.
• NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector I is required.
• NFPA 1035 Fire and Life Safety Educator I is required.
• NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator or equivalent is required.
• Building Code Qualifications – General Legal and Fire Protection is an asset.
• NFPA 1041 Fire Instructor I is an asset.
• NFPA 1021 Fire Officer I is an asset.
• Must possess valid Standard First Aid and a minimum Level C, CPR Certificate.
• Must pass in-house entry level exam on Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Provincial Offences Act, Building Code Act, Ontario Fire Code, Ontario Building Code, related legislation and By-Laws and other related material as part of the recruitment process.
• Considerable knowledge of relevant legislation, statutes, regulations, Municipal By-Laws as well as Divisional Standard Operating Guidelines respecting fire safety and fire prevention.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, including report-writing, policy development skills, and presentation/facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of building construction and the ability to read and interpret building profiles.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of personal computers with an advanced knowledge of Windows based computer applications including Microsoft Office. Experience with Fire Pro would be an asset.
• This position will work a straight day schedule. The shifts will be four (4), ten and a half (10.5) hour days.
• A valid Class “G” Driver’s License in good standing. Must obtain a Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check and Level 4 Check upon hiring.

WAGE:

This position is part of the Cobourg Professional Fire Fighters Association (CPFFA). Qualifications and experience will be assessed to determine placement on the appropriate salary level.

Please note that the recruitment process will include:

• Written Exam
• Interview