Description
Under the direction of the Assistant Chief – Fire Prevention, the Fire Prevention Officer performs specialized technical, investigative, and educational duties in the application and enforcement of Municipal, Provincial, and Federal fire prevention Bylaws, Regulations, and Codes. This position inspects all types of public and private buildings and structures and delivers fire safety and fire prevention programs for the public.
As a Fire Prevention Officer, you will inspect and test fire protection and/or fire detection systems to ensure compliance with appropriate laws, codes, regulations, and standards. You will also investigate fires and explosions to determine the origin, cause, and extent of damage, and gather evidence to liaise with various agencies. The Fire Prevention Officer is also responsible for preparing accurate fire loss data, investigation, and inspection reports and delivering education and training for the public.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Ensures compliance with the BC Fire Code, Building Code, municipal by-laws, regulation and standards by responding to requests and/or initiating inspection of commercial, industrial, residential, public buildings and contents, and reviewing fire safety/building plans
- Inspects and tests fire protection and/or fire detection systems to verify that such systems are installed in accordance with appropriate laws, codes, regulations and standards
- Investigates fires/explosions, determines origin/cause/damage estimates, collect evidence, interacts with law enforcement and other agencies, and provides testimony and evidence in court as required
- Supports fire pre-plan preparation for each new and existing businesses and buildings
- Maintains current knowledge of new/amended legislation, regulations, bylaws and standards
- Prepares fire loss data, investigation, and inspection reports, and accurately completes and securely manages all reports, documents, and records related to the work
- Processes various permit applications and issues approvals and/or written orders as required
- Participates in the development of fire prevention and fire investigation standards and specifications, and supports the development and implementation of new policies, procedures, and bylaws relating to fire prevention and fire investigation
- Delivers current and engaging prevention education and training for the public, including preparing and delivering talks, seminars, and demonstrations to groups, the public, or the media
- Provides public education, inspection, and fire prevention training to firefighters
- Represents Langford Fire Rescue at trade shows, displays, and schools, as required
- Safely operates fire department vehicles
- May be requested to work outside office hours in support of department-related events, including in support of local emergencies
- May assist Chief Officers at incidents or in the Department Operations Center or the Emergency Operations Center as required
- Participates in continuous fire investigation education to maintain NFPA 1033 & NFPA 921 skills
- Performs other related duties as required
Minimum Qualifications
- Completion of the 12th grade, supplemented by training and/or education in the building or mechanical trades, and a minimum of three (3) years’ related experience in the Fire Service, preferably with a focus in Fire Prevention (or an equivalent combination of training and experience)
- Completion of the following certificates or equivalent:
- NFPA 1031
- NFPA 1033
- NFPA 1035
- Valid BC Class 5 Drivers’ Licence
- Knowledge of fire prevention, inspection, and investigative methods, procedures, practices, by-laws, codes, statutes, and regulations
- Strong understanding of federal and provincial legislation referenced codes, standards, documents, and municipal bylaws relating to fire prevention and safety
- In-depth knowledge of building construction, mechanical and structural components, wiring, and industrial processes, including chemical reactions, and flammable and combustible materials and liquids
- Thorough understanding of, and ability to apply, conflict resolution practices
- Strong verbal and written communications skills including dealing with other government agencies, developers, residents and the general public
- Ability to read and interpret building plans and specifications
- Ability to work independently and exercise sound decision-making and problem solving
- Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external contacts at all levels of the organization
- Intermediate skills in word processing, spreadsheets, and data entry
- Excellent organizational and interpersonal skill sets with demonstrated strong work ethic
- A commitment to excellent customer service, continuous improvement, and life-long learning
- A team player with a strong work ethicA sense of humour, with the ability to take your work seriously but not yourse
Preferred Qualifications
- The following courses are considered assets:
-
- Fire Prevention Officer Certificate
- ICS200
- Commercial kitchen inspection course (NFPA 96)
- Information Officer
Additional Information
To apply, please submit your cover letter, resume, and supporting certifications, (NFPA 1031, NFPA 1033, NFPA 1035, or equivalent). If you are currently enrolled and actively completing or awaiting certification for any of these courses, please indicate this clearly in your application.
Please email your application to careers@langford.ca (identify the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email). Applications will be accepted until noon on June 6, 2025.