Fire Prevention Officer

Resumes are being accepted for the position of Fire Prevention Officer within the Guelph Fire Department. Reporting to the Assistant Chief Fire Prevention Officer (ACFPO), the successful candidate is responsible for conducting fire safety inspections, fire cause and origin investigations, fire code enforcement and coordinating, planning and delivering public fire and life safety education programs, with a focus on quality customer service and continuous improvement. Guided by the goals and objectives of the City of Guelph Corporate Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the successful candidate will contribute to the Community Vision for an inclusive, connected, and prosperous city.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Conduct fire code inspections of new and existing buildings to ensure compliance with applicable legislation.
• Conduct fire origin and cause investigations as assigned or as part of the on-call system.
• Create detailed notes and maintain accurate records of inspections, investigations, enforcement activities, and public education initiatives.
• Input and record all pertinent inspection and investigation data into appropriate information management systems.
• Investigate and enforce compliance with by-laws, codes, regulations, and standards.
• Collect evidence, obtain witness statements, prepare all required court documentation, affidavits, subpoenas, and summonses, and provide service of the same.
• Testify as a witness for the City at court, hearings, or appeals.
• Coordinate, develop, deliver, and support public fire and life safety education programs and community risk reduction initiatives.
• Prepare and present public information sessions to promote fire safety in the community.
• Respond to public inquiries and provide guidance to residents, businesses, and stakeholders regarding fire-life safety requirements and compliance measures.
• Review Fire Safety Plans and conduct follow-up inspections to ensure compliance with the Ontario Fire Code.
• Participate in fire prevention and public fire-life safety educational programs and courses.
• Follow up on investigations within established standards, issue tickets, summonses, and lay charges in accordance with the Provincial Offences Act.
• Participate in the on-call system.
• Be responsible for working in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and established industry guidelines.
• Successfully complete identified courses in accordance with the Fire Prevention, Promotion to Assistant Chief Fire Prevention and Chief Fire Prevention Program to progress within the division.
• Participate and work effectively in a team environment.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships while serving as a professional representative of the Fire Department and the City.
• Support the achievement of departmental objectives, community risk reduction priorities, and the City's strategic goals.
• Promote a culture of customer service, safety, continuous improvement, wellness, learning, accountability, and inclusion.
• Follow the directions of a senior officer.
• May be required to mentor others by familiarizing new employees with work areas, procedures, and processes.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Mandatory Qualifications:
Post-secondary education in discipline(s) relevant to fire prevention, fire investigations, public education, fire protection systems, fire safety inspections, safety plans review, fire code enforcement, and the interpretation and application of Ontario legislation, regulations, and standards, including the Ontario Fire Code and related to fire protection and life safety is required. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Successful completion/certification in:

• NFPA 1031 – Fire Inspector I and II (Ontario certified/OFM recognized), including:
  • OFC Div. B Parts 2 & 6 – Fire Safety and Fire Protection Equipment
  • OFC Div. B Parts 3 & 5 – Outdoor and Indoor Storage & Hazardous Materials
  • OFC Div. B Part 4 – Flammable and Combustible Liquids
  • OFC Div. B Part 9 – Retrofit
  • Legislation for Ontario Fire Service
  • NFPA 472 or 1072 – Hazardous Materials Awareness
  • Courtroom Procedures
• NFPA 1035 – Public Educator I.
• Valid Class G driver's licence with a satisfactory driving record.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of two (2) years' full-time Fire Prevention experience within an Ontario municipal fire department, or equivalent experience related to the duties and responsibilities of the position.
• NFPA 1033 – Fire Investigator.
• NFPA 1035 – Fire and Life Public Educator II.
• NFPA 921 – Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigation.
• Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) designation would be considered an asset.
• Experience conducting inspections and reviewing Fire Safety Plans in accordance with applicable legislation and regulations.
• PSHSA Vulnerable Occupancy Inspector Certification is considered an asset.
• Education, training, or experience related to the interpretation and application of the Ontario Building Code is considered an asset.