FIRE PROTECTION SPECIALIST1994L1
DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is advanced technical work enforcing fire and life safety codes, regulations and laws. Technical duties include review of fire and life safety components of preliminary and final plans, specifications for varied and complex projects or facilities regulated by the Kansas Fire Prevention Code and may include the inspection of construction activities for compliance with the Kansas Fire Prevention Code; or the performance of staff level work of equivalent scope and complexity. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL E: "Under administrative direction…" At this level, employees are free to plan, develop and organize all phases of the work necessary for its completion within program guidance. Generally, they can develop and utilize any procedures and methods which do not conflict with major policies. Supervision is generally exercised over them through staff conference-type discussions and a review of progress reports. Difficulty - LEVEL C: Considerable… Duties which require a high degree of concentration because of the many factors which must be considered and weighed before a decision can be reached. Usually positions that require planning, developing, and coordinating programs and directing fairly large groups of people fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL D: Work is of a diversified nature that usually involves multiple unrelated steps. Analytical thought is necessary for dealing with complex data and situations. Work often involves a variety of unrelated processes and may require planning or carrying out a sequence of actions or both. Several alternatives usually exist at this level for approaching problems or situations. Workers at this level exercise a considerable amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by occasional review and by reporting to or consultation with supervisors or superiors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually broadly defined or technical requiring careful analysis and interpretation. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL D: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a high degree of confusion. Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating or both and costs due to errors are substantial. Contacts - LEVEL D: The purpose of the contact is to justify, defend, negotiate, persuade or interrogate to settle matters, maintain good will, gain cooperation or reach compromises when the information is controversial or the individuals or groups have strong differences of opinions or diverse viewpoints. Extensive use of communication techniques and well developed communication skills are required for dealing with others. Physical Demands - LEVEL B: The work requires light physical exertion. The employee may be required to perform handling activities with lightweight or easily moved items (e.g. books, file folders, boxes of office supplies, small machine parts, etc.); perform moving activities for brief periods; operate light equipment; perform repetitive motions for brief periods; confined to a work area. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL B: The work environment involves moderate hazards, risks or discomforts. Exposure to minor deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is normal. Minor to serious injuries are possible. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others. Distinguishing Features This class differs from the Fire Prevention Inspector class which requires on-site inspection duties enforcing the Kansas Fire Prevention Code. This class differs from the Chief, Fire Prevention Division in which the work is managerial over the entire Division. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Provides technical consultation on new construction and alterations to existing facilities regarding Kansas Fire Prevention Code fire and life safety requirements including, but not limited to: building construction features, active and passive fire protection, facility egress requirement, fire detection and alarm systems, fire suppression systems including sprinklers, standpipes and fire department access requirements. Interprets plans and specifications to inspectors. Oversees field inspections of projects under construction or makes final fire or life safety evaluations of completed construction. Evaluates and approves the fire and life safety components of plans submitted by facilities regulated by the Kansas Fire Prevention Code. Interprets codes; provides professional appeal testimony in court at appeal cases involving fire and life safety code violations; conducts studies and concludes formal engineering recommendations to the chief of the Fire Prevention Division concerning the need to revise policy, rules, and regulations pertaining to the code compliance equivalencies for fire protection and life safety. Provides liaison between the Division and other professional organizations in fire and life safety matters. Advises in regulatory development and code adoption matters. Confers with the public, other state and local agencies and fire prevention agencies in order to establish good working relations, verification of information, clarification of Kansas fire safety laws, or obtaining plans correcting fire safety deficiencies; provides accurate and timely information regarding the Kansas Fire Prevention Code or fire prevention activities and methods; represents the agency at various meetings and before various groups to present fire and life safety information or perspectives. Administers statewide fire prevention and inspection programs that encompass educational, health care, and correctional facility inspections or other designated programs of fire prevention and inspection. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS Knowledge Knowledge of the Kansas Fire Prevention Statutes, regulations and adopted standards. *Knowledge of building construction materials and modern methods and techniques of building construction and maintenance. *Knowledge of fire and life safety inspection methods and procedures. *Knowledge of adopted state Building Codes including the Uniform Building Code, Southern Building Code and the BOCA Building Code. Abilities *Ability to collect, analyze and write clear and comprehensive reports concerning fire prevention activities, training, education, personnel, and similar data and apply the results of research to administrative and operational problems. *Ability to clearly, concisely, and accurately communicate information through effective expression of ideas, both orally and in writing. *Ability to maintain composure under stressful situations. *Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, consultants, facility officials, and other public officials. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Four years work experience in fire
protection systems, building construction, life safety features and building and
fire codes. Kansas certification as a Fire Inspector I, Fire Protection Specialist and Certified Plans Examiner. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant
by the agency.
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