FIRE PREVENTION INSPECTOR I - McLean County

Position Overview

The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is accepting applications to fill the position of Fire Prevention Inspector I. The candidate will conduct detailed on-site inspections and re-inspections of buildings and facilities, LPG tanks, and buildings and structures associated with self-service gas stations following procedures established by the agency for the purpose of discovering and eliminating existing or potential fire hazards or dangerous conditions. If you have a positive attitude, solid communication skills, and enjoy professional interaction with the fire service, governmental authorities, and the public, we encourage you to apply! As the Fire Prevention Inspector I for the Fire Prevention Division and employee of the State of Illinois, the selected candidate will have access to state healthcare, benefits, and a pension plan. We invite all qualified applicants to apply to join the OSFM team.

Essential Functions

• Conducts on-site inspections and re-inspections of prescribed buildings and facilities, LPG tanks, and buildings and structures associated with self-service gas stations following procedures established by the agency for the purpose of discovering and eliminating existing or potential fire hazards or dangerous conditions.
• Ensures compliance with applicable state standards and codes related to fire and safety hazards by obtaining on-the-spot corrections or by writing enforcement orders.
• Serves as a contact person for questions and inquiries from outside the agency pertaining to State standards and codes related to fire and safety hazards.
• Maintains comprehensive system of recording and reporting inspection and compliance data and activities in accordance with procedures established by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
• Receives classroom and on-the-job training in fire prevention and code enforcement.
• Assists in the presentation of fire service and public prevention educational programs to the public.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of two (2) years of college.
• Requires at least six (6) months of experience as a Fire Prevention Inspector Trainee and successful completion of training with certification as a Fire Prevention Inspector I by the national fire safety standards organization that has been adopted by the State as the State’s fire safety standard; OR 
  Requires three (3) years professional work experience performing building inspections, plan reviews, or enforcement activities for a public or private entity whose primary function is the administration of fire, building or life safety codes, and with either certification as a Fire Prevention Inspector I or II by the appropriate national fire safety standards organization or with Office of the State Fire Marshal certification as a Fire Inspector I or a Fire Prevention Officer; OR 
  Requires six (6) years of professional work experience performing building inspections, plan reviews or enforcement activities for a public or private entity whose primary function is the administration of fire, building, or life safety codes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers possession of a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Prefers current certification as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certified Fire Inspector I.
• Prefers current certification as NFPA Certified Fire Inspector II.
• Prefers Office of the State Fire Marshal certification as a Fire Inspector I or equivalent.
• Prefers Office of the State Fire Marshal certification as a Fire Inspector II or equivalent.
• Prefers Office of the State Fire Marshal certification as an Advanced Fire Prevention Officer or equivalent.
• Prefers Office of the State Fire Marshal certification as a Basic Fire Prevention Officer or equivalent.
• Prefers current certification as Certified Fire Inspector I from another organization, i.e. Illinois Code Council.
• Prefers current certification as Certified Fire Inspector II from another organization, i.e. Illinois Code Council.
• Prefers two (2) or more years of experience utilizing Microsoft Office Suite programs; such as, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.

Conditions of Employment

1. Requires a valid and current driver's license.
2. Requires the ability to pass a background check.
3. Requires the ability to travel statewide with overnight stays as appropriate.
4. Requires the ability to pass drug screening.
5. Requires the ability to climb stairs and/or ladders.
6. Must obtain NFPA certification as a Certified Fire Inspector I within 12 months of hire and maintain certification throughout employment with OSFM.
7. Overtime is a condition of employment and you may be requested to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime.
8. This position is considered medium work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(c)). Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
9. The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.