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City of Twin Falls
Class Specification
Fire Inspector
Class Code Number: 423-10 Pay Grade: 10
FLSA Designation: Non-exempt Effective Date: June 2015
Department: Fire Revision Date: July 22, 2021
Supervisor: Fire Marshall
General Statement of Duties
Reviews commercial and some residential plans submitted for building permits for code
compliance; responds to information requests regarding International Fire Code requirements;
reviews fire alarm plans for commercial and some residential applications; works closely with
Building Department in issuance of commercial building permits and necessary inspections;
performs necessary inspections; performs related work as required.
Classification Summary
The principal function of an employee in this class is to review plans, perform a variety of
inspection and code enforcement duties to ensure compliance with adopted fire codes for new
and existing construction and commercial or industrial activities; performs related work as
assigned. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the Fire Marshall but
considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. The
position requires a working knowledge of building and fire codes for explanation to both internal
and external customers. The principal duties of this class are performed in an unconditioned
environment that may include uncomfortable temperatures.
Examples of Work (Illustrative Only)
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Reviews all new commercial blueprints submitted to building permits to ensure code
compliance with adopted fire codes and other applicable local codes;
Reviews fire alarm/sprinkler system plans for commercial projects requiring such systems;
Reviews subdivision plans for compliance to fire truck access and road depth and water
supply;
Reviews some new residential plans for homes in Fire District to ensure there is an adequate
water supply, fire truck access, and road depth;
Confers and communicates with developers, architects, engineers, building, owners, etc.
regarding questions/corrections on submitted plans on projects, and also on proposed
projects;
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Resolves problems, interprets and explains codes and laws and develops viable solutions
with guidelines;
Does some inspections in the field as needed;
Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning
work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or
improved ways of addressing such problems;
Responds to citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner;
Communicates with Engine Company Officers to address concerns they may have on
inspections they have performed;
Communicates with Battalion Chiefs/Engine Company Officers regarding problems with fire
alarm systems;
Communicates and coordinates regularly with other city departments and with state
inspectors to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of permit activities;
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships within the Fire Department, other
City employees, agencies and the public;
Other Duties and Responsibilities
Performs related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of:
The geography of the Twin Falls Fire Department’s response area, including the layout and
location of public utilities and potentially hazardous situations and materials;
Principles and practices of fire codes and ordinances and their administration;
Principles and methods used in residential, commercial and industrial construction;
Personal computers and related software;
Conflict resolution in both verbal and written communications;
Local city and state codes, primarily the adopted fire codes.
Ability to:
Conduct research on code applications;
Communicate complex and technical code requirements to the general public;
Decipher complex code language and learn quickly;
Read blueprints;
Respond to citizens’ requests in a courteous manner;
Read, interpret and enforce laws, resolutions, ordinances, codes and contracts;
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical
language;
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with property owners, contractors,
developers, consultants, permit applicants, and the public;
Operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate
to assigned tasks;
Make sound and reasonable decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations and
established procedures;
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Use initiative and independent judgment within general procedural guidelines;
Demonstrate integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks;
Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with city policies, procedures and safety
practices.
Acceptable Experience and Training
High school diploma or general educational development (GED) certification;
Training in general office skills;
Any equivalent combination of education and experience such as firefighting, residential
and/or commercial inspections or plan examination;
Five (5) years’ experience in building construction trade or fire-related profession;
Special Qualifications
Certified State of Idaho Fire Inspector;
Valid State of Idaho Driver’s License.
Essential Physical Abilities
Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing and other communication capabilities, with or
without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate
effectively, including during emergency situations which may involve a high degree of
noise;
Sufficient vision and other powers of observation, with or without reasonable
accommodation, which permits the employee to observe and supervise a fire or related
emergency scene;
Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable
accommodation, which permits the employee to drive to various locations and move
around construction sites for inspection purposes, including climbing ladders and
scaffolding, walking on roofs, maneuvering over walls, crawling in confined spaces, etc.