JOB SUMMARY
The Fire Protection Specialist, under the general supervision of the Deputy Fire Marshal, works hand and hand with development service staff and other Town staff to ensure a coordinated and seamless development, plan review and inspection process. The FPS ensures that development/building projects comply with the adopted fire code and to facilitate firefighter and emergency operation. The FPS also conducts various code compliance inspections on public, commercial and residential structures; fire protection systems, and regulated processes, providing corrective actions where required.
 
The Fire Protection Specialist will have an opportunity to work in a community that is one of the fastest growing and most exciting suburbs in the USA. The candidate must be highly motivated and strive for success by demonstrating Little Elm’s Core Values of Integrity, Customer Service, Efficiency, and Innovation.
 
The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this position. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description and incumbent(s) may be required to perform position-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description.
 
 
EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of Associates degree in Fire Protection Technology or related discipline with two (2) years of experience in a related field; or a combination of formal training and closely related job experience equivalent to two-years of college and two years of related experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology or equivalent (preferred).

 
LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES

• Current possession of Texas Commission on Fire Protection certification as Fire Inspector.
• Certification(s) through ICC or NFPA as an inspector or plans examiner is (are) desirable.
• Must have a valid Texas Driver's License and driving record must be in compliance with town policy.

 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Position requires a working knowledge of fire and building codes and laws; basic knowledge of the principles, techniques, and design of fixed fire suppression and detection systems; the ability to read and interpret plans and blueprints.
• Position requires thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of modern suppression systems and fire prevention practices and must also possess the ability to apply this knowledge to fire prevention laws and ordinances; principles of public administration with reference to code development and enforcement.
• Position requires the ability to plan, initiate, and carry out long-term programs in the division and relate the division’s programs with other jurisdictional programs, goals, and objectives; speak and deal tactfully and effectively with the people with whom he or she comes in contact; communicate orally and in writing to analyze the concepts necessary for accomplishment of required written and oral records and reports; and exhibit an ability to positively represent the department and jurisdiction in the community at large.

• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently with excellent communicative skills, both oral and written, to include spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. 
• Ability to be work in a team environment or alone where required, being self-motivated, establishing and meeting deadlines, and simultaneously managing multiple projects and/or assignments.
  • Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheets, database, and word processing software; including technical software used in the review of plans and data analysis. Ability to learn applicable programs and software.
  • Knowledge of town and department policies and operating procedures.

• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished by management in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• To perform essential functions of the job, must be able to type; understand and carry out oral and written directives; work well under pressure and stress; handle multiple task; prioritize and organize work assignments; maintain a pleasant and friendly demeanor at all times.

 
ENVIROMENTAL FACTORS / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
 
The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
 
This position is subject to work activities both in the indoor and outdoor environments. Position may encounter dangerous environments including, but not limited to, atmospheres containing extreme heat and driving under stressful situations.  Position requires work indoors, underground, outdoors, in confined spaces, in trenches, on level, slippery, sloping, and unstable and muddy terrain; and work in adverse environmental conditions to include inclement weather, hazardous conditions including mechanical, electrical, fume odor, dust/mist, chemical, and toxic waste hazards and other solid waste substances and exposure to insects, noxious plants, snakes, etc.
 
The worker must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pulling, lifting, talking, hearing and perform repetitive motions; Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
 
The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines (including inspection); and/or using measurement devices.
 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS                
 

• Ability to be punctual and attend work regularly during normal business hours. The position may require working outside of normal business hours in order to provide superior customer service.
• Respond to fire code, law, and life safety inquiries from citizens.
• Review and evaluates routine and detailed building plans, site plans, and fire protection system plans in terms of fire code and building code life safety criteria.
• Receives and responds to request for information and technical assistance from architects, engineers, and developers on design criteria for various occupancies and industry processes.
• Attends meetings with architects, developers, and Town staff to discuss plan review requirements and procedures.
• Continuously reviews model fire and building codes providing recommendation for the adoption of and modifications to the codes. Participates in regional meetings related to code development.
• Works with other jurisdictions of authority where Town jurisdictional authority overlaps to ensure consistent code standards and fire department operational procedures are meet during development.
• Inspects and evaluates public, commercial, and residential structures to ensure compliance with fire codes and ordinances.
• Identifies corrective actions that must be made to bring properties into compliance with applicable fire codes, laws, regulations, and standards.
• Maintain record of plan reviews, inspections and other task conducted and actions taken; informing supervisor of all work-related activities; and identifying and collecting data to measure with key performance indicators.
• Perform other functions as assigned as it relates to Town and department needs.

 
E.O.E.  The Town of Little Elm does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or military service in employment or the provision of services.