Fire Protection Technician

City of Gainesville•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

Advanced technical and analytical work providing reviews and designs related to fire protection systems, features, devices, and issues. The single position allocated to this class reports to a designated supervisor and works under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its managerial and professional accounting duties.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma, and a Minimum of 4 years working in a business, technical service, or regulatory environment, or an equivalent combination of training, education and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Valid Florida Driver's License required.
Florida State Municipal Fire Safety Inspector certification required. Conditional employment may be based on entering the required educational program within three months and obtaining this certification within one-year (12) months of initial hire.
Knowledge of computers and relevant software.
Ability to read and interpret fire codes, ordinances, building codes, plans, specifications, and systems descriptions.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, and legal documents.
Ability to interpret a wide variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, and members of the business community.
Ability to effectively represent the department and its programs in various public situations.
Ability to work effectively with co-workers, representatives of other agencies, and the general public.
Ability to take the teamwork approach to the job by cooperating with others, offering to help when needed, and considering larger organization or team goals rather than individual concerns.

Responsibilities

Reviews and evaluates site and construction plans for developments, and engineered fire protection system plans, shop drawings and specifications (suppression, detection and alarm, smoke and fire control) to determine compliance with national standards, Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Code, fire and building safety codes and standards, fire department policies, and procedures, and recognized fire protection principles and practices as determined to be consistent with the level of experience and training.
Reviews Zoning Verification Forms subject to general supervision and provides documentation to the applicant as to additional information and/or permits that may be required.
Assists with the review and evaluation of existing structures, facilities, and subdivisions for fire protection needs.
Accompanies inspectors on the inspection of construction sites and assists with the inspection and testing of complex systems and/or devices required for fire and life safety within buildings or at specialized facilities as requested.
Works closely with other city, county, state departments or bureaus, and federal agencies to ensure proper coordination and timely completion of plans, to review tasks, and to maintain uniformity of code interpretations and policies between the Fire Department and those departments and bureaus.
Provides technical consultative assistance to architects, engineers, builders, developers, and owners, addressing code-related needs or deficiencies pertaining to fire prevention and protection, as determined to be consistent with the level of experience and training, and under direct supervision.
Provides technical assistance and advice relating to the application, enforcement, and interpretation of codes and standards relating to fire protection to Fire Department members and other codes enforcement personnel as determined to be consistent with the level of experience and training and under direct supervision.
Assists with studies to evaluate new building methods and materials to recommend methods for improving fire protection through promulgation and adoption of codes, changing procedures and practices, acquisition of reference materials, and fire equipment to be used by the department in prevention, protection, suppression, and incident control.
Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.
Stays current with technological advances related to fire protection and life safety.
May observe the first step review process when requested, May only act in the absence of a supervisor under direct supervision by the Department Head or Chief Inspector.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Performs other related duties as assigned.