Fire Building Inspector

CITY OF KALISPELL

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

JOB VACANCY

Class Title: Fire Building Inspector

Department: Development Services

Division: Building Department

Salary: $30.36 hr

Union: AFSCME, American Federation of State, County, & Municipal Employees

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Date: July 8, 2025

1. GENERAL CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Performs a variety of routine and complex technical work in building/fire inspection to ensure that Building/Fire Codes and other related codes and standards are met.

1. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (85%)

a. Enforces building/fire related codes, including International Building Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Existing Building Code, International Fire Code, National Electrical Code, NFPA 13, NFPA 72 and other locally adopted codes. Issues correction notices, and stop work orders and prepares requests for citations.

b. Performs on-site inspections of fire suppression systems, fire alarm and notification systems, building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, access, egress etc.

c. Examines buildings to ensure that construction complies with various codes and approved plans. Inspects and ensures that existing buildings and sites comply with building/fire codes as required for fire/life-safety items such as exiting, storage, emergency illumination, fire sprinklers and emergency notification systems. Checks to see that requirements imposed by an Operational Permit, Conditional Use Permit, or Planned Unit Development are in compliance. Documents inspection results. Posts files. Conducts follow up activities to gain code compliance.

d. Maintains records of building/fire and inspection activity and completes related reports. Issues certificates and permits as appropriate.

e. Assists in researching problems and complaints regarding commercial and residential buildings, building construction and code compliance. Responds to complex and sensitive building/fire issues.

f. Assists in resolving complex and sensitive customer service issues, either personally, by telephone or in writing. Maintains records and documents of customer service issues and resolutions.

g. Examines plans to ensure proposed construction complies with applicable codes.

h. Attends meetings of City Council, Site Review, and Board of Adjustment, Architectural Review or professional organizations as directed.

i. Travels to other places to attend training.

j. Performs other duties as assigned.

1. PERIPHERAL DUTIES: (15%)

a. Assists in coordinating the office operations for the Planning & Building Departments. Receives the public and accepts building permit and planning applications and the required fees; answers telephones, responds to inquiries from citizens, contractors, developers, and city employees and refers, when necessary, to appropriate person/department.

b. Explains, interprets, and provides guidance regarding all applicable codes within area of responsibility to architects, engineers, contractors, developers, and other interested parties.

c. Assists the Board of Appeals as needed, and provides required information.

1. SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general supervision of the Building Official.

1. SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

None generally, but may exercise supervision over part-time, temporary or other staff as assigned.

1. DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience):

a. Graduation from a standard senior high school or GED equivalent, and;

b. Four (4) years of experience in general construction and related fields, or

c. Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

d. Current I.C.C. certification as a fire inspector, or fire plans examiner

e. Current I.C.C. certification as a commercial building inspector

f. Preference given to those with ICC certification Fire Inspector I or II.

1. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSAs):

a. Knowledge of the equipment, materials, methods, facilities and procedures used in building/fire and construction inspections.

b. Thorough knowledge related to the following codes:

i. Building, Fire and general construction

c. Skilled in:

i. Applying knowledge of adopted building/fire codes, zoning and land use applications.

ii. Skilled in basic computer operation and programs;

iii. Skilled in the safe and efficient operation of the tools and equipment related to the position;

iv. Skill in the operation of the equipment and tools needed to complete inspections:

d. Ability to:

i. Work effectively and professionally with the public contractors;

ii. Read and understand complicated plans and blueprints;

iii. Communicate effectively orally and in writing;

iv. Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions;

v. Work safely by themselves and around others;

vi. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments and the public, including contractors and builders;

1. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

a. A valid state driver's license or ability to obtain by start of employment.

b. Must be able to obtain ICC Certification as a Fire Inspector I within six (6) months from date of hire.

1. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Personal computer, including word processing and permitting software; motor vehicle, 10-key calculator, portable radio, phone, ladder or scaffolding, tape measure, level, camera, copy machine, fax machine, drafting equipment and test equipment.

1. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

a. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

b. Work is performed both in office and outdoor settings. Outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments and construction sites. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.

c. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; see, talk and hear.

d. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

e. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

1. WORK ENVIRONMENT:

a. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

b. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works in cramped spaces, near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, or airborne particles, temperature extremes.

c. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderate to loud in the field.

d. The shift schedule is normally between the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m., with a one (1) hour lunch. However, this is subject to change based on business needs and overtime and weekend work may be required.

1. SELECTION GUIDELINES:

a. Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.

b. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

c. Kalispell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

d. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Posting Date: July 8, 2025

Closing Date: Open until filled

NOTICE!

ONLY CANDIDATES SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED.

A CITY APPLICATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM:

• The Human Resources Department with the City of Kalispell, 201 1st Ave East, Kalispell, Montana, Phone: ... or ... or

• The Kalispell Job Service, 427 1st Avenue East, Kalispell, Montana, Phone ... or

• Online at the City of Kalispells website at:

  Approval: ___________________________________ Date: ____________________________

  Department Head/Supervisor

  Approved: __________________________________ Date: ____________________________

  Human Resources Director

  Approval: ___________________________________ Date: ____________________________

  City Manager/Hiring Authority

  Revised: July 8, 2025