Fire Prevention Specialist

Job Description

Under the general direction of the Fire Marshal, conducts code compliance inspections and plan review documents for buildings and property to ensure compliance with applicable city, state, fire, and life safety codes and serves as a resource to contractors, engineers, etc. on applicable city, state, fire, and life safety codes. Works with department line personnel on prevention programs including the company inspection program and pre-incident planning program. Field inspection work is expected along with collaborative efforts with the City of Urbandale Building Department. Conducts fire investigations and coordinates shift investigators to support round the clock coverage.

Routine Job Duties/Responsibilities

Conducts field investigations and responds to alleged violations of various fire codes issuing city citations or summons for uncorrected violations. Prepares documents for submission to the City Attorney to file a complaint for non-compliance; testifies in court on behalf of the City of Urbandale. Participates in hearings and makes appropriate recommendations.
Conducts inspections of new and remodeled buildings, ensuring correct interpretation and enforcement of established fire codes, ordinances, and regulations.
Conducts and manages the department’s preplan program, including updating all records accordingly.
Conducts acceptance tests/inspections on fire protection equipment, automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, and other similar devices.
Maintain detailed inspection reports and maintains accurate, up to date records by using the appropriate software and/or department’s record management system.
Follows-up on alleged code violations, documents progress on responding to code violations, providing code compliance direction and explanation. If necessary, forward violations to the Fire Marshal for fines or other legal action by the city
Coordinates the department’s company fire inspection program as part of Prevention Operations.
Manages the department’s preplan program, including updating all records and ensuring updates are uploaded to the communications center and firefighter-accessible systems.
Provides education and training to department personnel on issues related to the company fire inspection program.
Provides technical advice and explains/interprets technical information for contractors, architects, engineers, developers, property owners/managers on life safety systems, hazardous materials, and other issues related to the city, state, fire and life safety codes.
Communicates on fire prevention and code enforcement-related issues with other units/departments of the City of Urbandale and other fire departments.
Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Periodic Job Duties/Responsibilities
As needed, attends classes, seminars, and conferences on topics related to fire prevention operations.
As needed, delivers presentations and demonstrations on fire prevention/safety to community groups, schools, etc.
If requested, responds to emergencies, and performs emergency scene duties based on qualifications, typically in a support role or as part of the incident management division
As needed, assists the command staff on routine and special projects.
Performs special assignments and duties which may involve working beyond normal schedule.




See Fire Prevention Specialist I and II job description for full details