Fire Prevention Officer

Job description

Reporting directly to the Fire Chief, the Fire Prevention Officer is responsible for all fire prevention activities including building inspections, occupancy reviews, and preventative community education. In addition the Fire Prevention Officer assists with Emergency Management and responds to events as a fire suppression captain.

Position Responsibilities

• Responsible for enforcing the Fire Protection and Prevention Act and its Regulations, along with relevant municipal by-laws, including but not limited to; conducting, processing and following-up on fire prevention inspections and evaluations of occupancies and properties to ensure compliance.
• Review and evaluate building plans, site plans, fire safety plans, and fire protection system plans for compliance with Ontario Fire Code. Liaise with Township staff to discuss site and building plan submissions, as required.
• Inspect new construction, as required, and ensure testing of fire protection systems for compliance with applicable codes and standards as assigned.
• Maintain detailed notes, compile supporting information, and prepare reports on all inspections and enforcement activities. Ensure detailed tracking within the shared software system.
• Resolve fire code compliance issues promptly with a focus on identifying corrective actions to achieve step-by-step compliance.
• Issue Part I Offence Notices and Part III summons to ensure that all charges laid and legal action taken are successful.
• Assist Municipal law enforcement officers to issue penalty notices, using a system that streamlines the enforcement process and aims to increase compliance with by-laws.
• Conduct fire investigations as assigned, including working with other agencies such as OPP, Office of the Fire Marshal and insurance investigators. The goal should be to determine the cause and origin.
• Develop and deliver fire safety education programs to members of the community, Fire Department, and Township staff.
• Inspect all Township buildings annually to ensure compliance with the Fire Code and ensure the fire protection equipment is fully operational.
• Act as alternate Community Emergency Management Coordinator and assist the Fire Chief with training, emergency plan reviews, updates and developments. Serve on the EOC during emergencies and exercises in assigned positions.
• Develop plans to effectively deal with emerging issues related to emergency management for the Fire Chief/CEMC’s approval.
• Respond to Fire calls throughout the Township when on duty as required, and act primarily as the Incident Safety Officer and Scene Preservation Officer at scenes.
• Attend meetings, seminars and education opportunities to keep current with applicable laws and legislation.
• Recommend to the Fire Chief any procedural changes to maintain/improve fire prevention and public education programs within the Township.
• Other duties related to this position as assigned.

Education, Experience and Qualifications

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent.
• Required: NFPA 1001 l & ll, NFPA 1021 l, NFPA 1031 l & II, NFPA 1035 Fire and Life Safety Educator I, Basic Emergency Management (BEM) and IMS 200, DZ license with satisfactory abstract and Pleasure Craft Operating License, minimum of five (5) years of experience in a fire department.
• Ability to Obtain: NFPA 1033, NFPA 1521, CEMC by Emergency Management Ontario (within one year of hire); JHSC member with level 2 Emergency Services Specific
• Asset: IMS300 through Emergency Management Ontario, Marine Safety duties (SDV-BS, MED A3) and Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) course from Transport Canada, Knowledge of FirePro Software
• Excellent computer skills using Microsoft Office and Records Management Systems.
• Experience and ability to maintain strict confidentiality at all times.
• Working knowledge of the municipal legislative framework, including the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Ontario regulation 213/07 Fire Code and applicable NFPA Standards.