CITY OF SALISBURY

 

FIRE CAPTAIN / HOUSING/INSPECTION/INVESTIGATION/SPECIALIST

 

DEFINITION

 

This is skilled and supervisory work in a major functional assignment area in the fire department. Performs complex work involving responsibility for the supervision, discipline, and training of a fire company, the total operation of a fire station on an assigned shift, the instruction of recruit and in-service training courses, or work of comparable departmental rules and regulations, and under the general supervision of a superior officer. Employees of this class are expected to use resourcefulness and initiative in meeting and resolving emergencies without immediate, on-site supervision. Performs inspections of residential and businesses occupancies regarding minimum housing code within the City, to ensure compliance with minimum code and fire safety regulations; and to conduct fire scene investigations to determine their origin and cause; and to provide the public with fire prevention education services.

 

 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

 

Receives direction from assigned Battalion Chief.

 

Exercises technical/functional supervision over assigned fire companies.

 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES - Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

Responds to fire alarms and other emergency calls; makes decisions as to methods and requirements for combating fires; directs firefighting activities until relieved by a superior officer; sees that all station equipment is returned to proper place and is in functioning condition after a fire has been extinguished.

 

Supervises and participates in laying hose lines, directing water streams, placing ladders, ventilating buildings, rescuing persons, and conducting salvage operations.

 

Supervises and participates in providing medical assistance to injured persons until arrival of county medical unit.

 

Supervises and participates in inspection and maintenance of fire hydrants, and related programs.

 

Supervises and participates in inspection work securing compliance with the Minimum Housing Code:  assists the legal staff in bringing formal action against property owners for non-compliance; completes inspections of work in progress to ensure compliance with contract; re-inspects as necessary; interprets housing code requirements to the public; works with contractors with regard to demolition projects and administers all phases of the program; handles complaints with regard to housing conditions; maintains necessary records and reports on inspections; performs other duties as required.

 

CITY OF SALISBURY

Fire Captain/Housing/Inspection/Investigation/Specialist (continued)

 

 

Conduct fire safety inspections of all businesses with the city to ensure compliance with safety standards; conduct quarterly inspections of schools, hospitals, and City-owned property; conduct yearly inspections for day care, foster care, adult day care, and Veteran’s Administration group homes.

 

Supervises the care and cleaning of quarters, equipment and apparatus at fire station; inspects personnel, and maintains discipline.

 

Conducts recruit and in-service training courses, prepares curriculum materials; evaluates results and recommends modifications to courses as indicated.

 

Performs supervisory and office management duties and providing administrative assistance to the Chief.

 

Prepares reports on inspections, fires, training and related activities.

 

Develops in conjunction with other fire command personnel, the training philosophy, policies, goals, and objectives; supervises staff and participates in the identification of training needs, the location and development of training resources, the preparation and conduct of programs, and the evaluation and follow-up of results.

 

Develops, plans, and supervises the use of Fire Training facilities and materials, and helps prepare division budget as needed

 

Prepare employee performance reviews; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures as needed.

 

Investigate fires to determine their origin and cause;

 

Investigate hazardous chemical releases and material spills;

 

Perform on-site inspections for burning permits and issue same if appropriate;

 

Conduct fire safety classes for public and private organizations;

 

Prepare reports related to fire investigations;

 

Assist other local agencies and city departments as required;

 

Assist with water flow tests;

 

CITY OF SALISBURY

Fire Captain/Housing/Inspection/Investigation/Specialist (continued)

 

 

Conduct residential chimney inspections upon request;

 

Assume the duties of the Fire Investigation/Inspection Officer as needed;

 

Obtain and preserve evidence at a fire scene.

 

Pre-plan target hazards.

 

Make recommendations for replacement/repair of equipment.

 

Install smoke detectors as part of a community service program.

 

Participate in the departmental wellness program;

 

Respond to job call back after working hours and/or on weekends.

 

Performs related work as required.

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

 

Knowledge of:

 

Principles and practices of supervision and training.

 

Fire Department rules, regulations and operational procedures.

 

Local streets, buildings, water main and hydrant locations and proper response routes.

 

Principles, practices and procedures of firefighting.

 

Principles, practices, and procedures of fire protection;

 

Principles of fire behavior and spread;

 

Thorough knowledge of Minimum Housing Code requirements; knowledge of federal                                             laws and guidelines concerning inspections which relate to the relocation and rehabilitation programs.

 

Methods and techniques of fire scene investigation;

 

Pertinent Federal, State and local fire laws, codes and regulations including Life

CITY OF SALISBURY

Fire Captain/Housing/Inspection/Investigation/Specialist (continued)

 

 

Safety Codes;

 

Local and state burning laws and permit system;

 

Hazardous materials and their safe handling;

 

Methods and techniques of water flow calculations;

 

Chimney construction;

 

Radio communications procedures;

 

English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation;

 

Possession of a valid Class C North Carolina driver’s license; possession of the appropriate inspection certificates as required by North Carolina by law.

 

Budget preparation process.

 

Ability to:

 

Maintain physical condition as required.

 

Instruct and lead fire training courses.

 

Supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.

 

Interpret and apply applicable Federal, State, and local fire laws, codes and

regulations.

 

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

 

Gather, compile, and document information for reports;

 

Maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of

work;

 

Conduct a fire scene investigation and determine the fire’s origin and cause;

 

Operate fire scene investigation and related equipment;

 

Determine fire spread;

CITY OF SALISBURY

Fire Captain/Housing/Inspection/Investigation/Specialist (continued)

 

 

Conduct fire safety classes;

 

Coordinate fire control personnel for the investigation of fire scenes;

 

Coordinate and administer effectively the various processes and inspectional requirements of the job;

 

Maintain effective working relations with the public, building owners, contractors, and other employees;

 

Use a computer, and to compose letters, memos and reports.

 

Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.

 

Recognize subordinates’ strengths and weaknesses.

 

Operate firefighting equipment and apparatus.

 

Operate emergency medical equipment.

 

Use sound judgment in stressful situations.

 

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

 

Respond to job call back.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.

 

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

 

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

 

CITY OF SALISBURY

Fire Captain/Housing/Inspection/Investigation/Specialist (continued)

 

Education:

 

Equivalent of the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level coursework in fire science or a related field, preferably with an Associate degree.

 

Additional specialized training in fire scene investigation or a related field is desirable.

 

Considerable experience in the building trades and contracting field; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Experience:

 

Three years of responsible Fire fighting experience. One year of lead supervisory experience is highly desirable.

 

Training:

 

Preferably supplemented with technical school training and advanced courses in the building trades industry;

 

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

 

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate and valid North Carolina driver’s license.

 

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate and valid Emergency Medical Technician Certificate.

 

N. C. Fire Service instructor certification is required.

 

Possession of Fire Inspection Level I standard certificate within 12 months after receiving Level I probationary certificate.

 

Level II standard certification within 2 years after receiving Level II probationary certificate.

 

Level III standard certification within 18 months after acquiring Level III probationary certificate.

 

Possession of residential telephone service required.

 

 

 

 

Updated:  March 2005