Fire Inspector

The Fire Prevention section of the Community Risk Reduction Division of Toronto Fire Services (TFS) meets the day-to-day challenges of providing fire inspection services, building plan approvals, building retrofit, fire code compliance and complaint inspections across the City of Toronto.

Fire Prevention Inspectors are committed to ensuring the safety of the public as their primary focus, by reducing the potential of fire in the built environment. The work carried out by our fire protection engineer and fire plans examinations staff, as well as our inspections staff, is vital in ensuring that all structures built in the city are in compliance with the Ontario Building and Ontario Fire Codes.

Toronto Fire Services is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City of Toronto’s commitment to employment equity.

The City of Toronto strives to be a model of public service excellence and is looking for people who share our values. Find out more about the Toronto Public Service.

The City of Toronto is committed to fostering a positive and progressive workforce reflecting the residents we serve and promoting diversity at all levels in a dynamic and inclusive environment. We provide equitable treatment and accommodation to ensure barrier-free employment in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the City of Toronto’s Accommodation Policy. You can request accommodation related to the protected grounds at any stage of the City’s hiring process, i.e., application, assessment and placement.

Reporting to an Inspections and Enforcement Captain within the Community Risk Reduction Division of the TorontoFire Services, the Inspector’s duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Major Responsibilities

  • Conducts fire and life safety inspections, pursuant to the powers prescribed in the Fire Protection and Prevention Act on all types of building
  • Address Fire Code contraventions and fire and life safety hazards within the authority of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act and applicable regulations and Fire Marshal directives
  • Complies with all directives issued by the Ontario Fire Marshal
  • Conducts fire inspections pursuant to the limitations set out in the delegation of the Fire Chief and pursuant to the powers prescribed in the Fire Protection and Prevention Act
  • Issues Orders pursuant to the Fire Protection and Prevention Act
  • Prepares and swears Information’s and Summonses pursuant to the Provincial Offences Act
  • Completes detailed notes, prepares written information, and provides evidence in Provincial Offences Court, Fire Safety Commission, Coroner’s Inquests and tribunals, criminal/civil proceedings etc.
  • Reads and interprets building plans, blueprints, installation guides, site plans, construction plans and specifications
  • Receives complaints and inspects and tests fire protection equipment and systems
  • Prepares reports and maintains records detailing information about the property, contraventions observed and actions to be taken
  • Performs public relations activities. Presents seminars on fire prevention and life safety to groups and members of the public
  • Delivers education programs related to fire safety and life when required
  • Reviews and recommends for the approval of Fire Safety Plans
  • Reviews and recommends for the approval of alternative compliance solutions pursuant to Division C of the Ontario Fire Code
  • Performs delegated duties for Chief Fire Official. Exercises all powers as an assistant to the Fire Marshal prescribed in the Fire Protection and Prevention Act
  • Exercises all powers as a Provincial Offences Officer prescribed in the Provincial Offences Act
  • Participates in pre-incident planning
  • Performs administrative activities
  • Demonstrates a commitment to personal and professional development
  • Must be able to follow direction of a senior officer

In addition to the above duties the successful candidates are required to:

  • Continually maintain a high standard of professionalism, integrity, reliability, and credibility, which are fundamental requirements for this position
  • Function as an integral member of the City of Toronto workforce to support corporate vision and mission statements
  • Function as an integral member of the Toronto Fire Service workforce to deliver and support Division specific vision and mission statements
  • Function as an integral member of the Toronto Fire Service emergency response team to deliver and support Division specific goals of emergency response and preparedness
  • Successfully complete all prescribed training.

Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to the following:

Must possess:

  • Post-secondary education in Fire Protection Technology, Building Science, Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice and Legal Studies, Police Foundations, Criminology, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required
  • Enrolment in or successful completion of NFPA 1031, Level 1
  • Possession of a current and valid minimum Level C, CPR Certificate issued prior to the date of application submission
  • Possession of a current and valid minimum level Standard First Aid Certificate issued by a WSIB approved First Aid Trainer issued no more than 1 year prior to the date of application submission
  • Must possess a valid Ontario Driver’s Licence Class “G” and meet the requirements necessary to receive a City Equipment Operator’s license.
  • Willingness to work a compressed work week
  • Must possess the ability to walk long distances, wear personal protective equipment (including but not limited to SCBA and/or respirators), bend, crawl and climb ladders/scaffolding while conducting inspections
  • Ability to work effectively under stressful conditions, including death investigations
  • Willingness and ability to work in adverse conditions, including inclement weather
  • Knowledge of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Ontario Fire Code, Provincial Offences Act and relatedlegislation and related By-laws
  • Knowledge in powers and duties of Office of the Fire Marshal Directives, Fire Protection and Prevention Act,  OFM Technical and Public Fire Safety Guidelines and related standards and legislation
  • Must be familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the regulations that apply to this work

Must also possess:

  • Oral and written communication skills
  • Report writing ability
  • Problem solving/analytical skills
  • Interpersonal/Interaction skills when dealing with the public, Fire Services staff, and all other levels of city personnel
  • Ability to effectively prioritize tasks/demands
  • Ability to work within a team environment
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Ability to work and positively interact within a diverse work environment
  • Customer service skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Demonstrated experience or knowledge of the installation or maintenance/design of sprinkler and fire alarm systems
  • Ability to lift/move objects when required
  • Ability and willingness to actively participate in professional development

Note:

  • Successful candidates selected for this position must successfully complete all prescribed training including but not limited to the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Provincial Offences Act, Building CodeAct, Ontario Fire Code, Ontario Building Code, related legislation and By-Laws and other related material

Assets

  • Previous experience in inspections and the enforcement of municipal bylaws, provincial or federal statutes.
  • Expertise or expert knowledge in reading blueprints, installation guidelines, etc.
  • Expertise or expert knowledge in the installation or maintenance/design of sprinkler and fire alarm systems  
  • Experience preparing and providing evidence in judicial and quasi-judicial proceedings
  • Expertise or expert knowledge in Public Education
  • Post-Secondary education in Fire Protection Technology
  • Demonstrated experience or knowledge of delivering public education
  • Professional Engineer licenced by Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO)
  • NFPA 1031, Level 2 – Ontario certified
  • NFPA 1035 level 1
  • NFPA 1033
  • Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) for Fire Protection
  • Fall Prevention training
  • NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist
  • Multilingual skills preferred, including sign language
  • Commitment to personal and professional development and in continuing education through ongoing learning
  • IMS 100

Assessment of Candidates

  • Psychometric testing may be required
  • Must provide a Criminal Record with Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) obtained from a police service in Ontario, to the satisfaction of Fire Services.
  • Must provide proof of a valid Ontario Driver’s Licence Class “G” and a certified driver’s abstract from the Ministry of Transportation.
  • May include any one of the following: the pre-screening of candidates, resume reviews, interviews, presentations, tests, or exercises, which may be in addition to any listed in this document or in the job posting.
  • Candidates must pass an entry level examination on the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Provincial Offences Act, Building Code Act, Ontario Building Code, related legislation and By-laws and other related materials.

Additional Requirements

Medical Clearance

Prior to being hired or transferred, the successful candidate may be required to participate in the following:

(a) Participate in a comprehensive medical examination, and

(b) Receive medical clearance by TFS Chief Medical Officer.

Employee Reference Check Clearance

Prior to being hired, the successful candidate must:

(a) Provide at least three employment references, and (b) Receive employment reference clearance from TFS.

Prior to being transferred, the successful candidate may require: 

(a) Reference /records check clearance from TFS.(Note: For TFS employees this applies to only candidates requesting transfer to a division in which they were notpreviously qualified)

Criminal Reference with Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) Clearance

Prior to being hired or transferred the successful candidate must:

a. Provide a criminal record check with judicial matters check (CRJMC), from a Police Service in Ontario

b. Receive criminal reference check with Judicial Matters check clearance from TFS.

Post Transfer Training and Assessment

TFS employees who successfully transfer to another division must:

a. Successfully complete his/her assigned training, and

b. Successfully complete the assessment period.

Transferees who fail to achieve either (a) or (b) shall be considered to be unqualified for the position to which they transferred. In such cases, transferees shall be transferred back to their previous division with no impact on service or seniority within that division.

Notes

Priority will be given to applicants covered by the Local 3888 collective agreement

Applicants are required to demonstrate in their resume that their qualifications match those specified in the job posting. Additional information submitted after the job posting closing date will not be accepted.

For purposes of OMERS pension, this position is a Normal Retirement Age 60 position. If you are currently enrolled in OMERS under the Normal Retirement Age 65 program, your service established under the NRA60 provisions will be reduced by one quarter unless you establish this credit in the fund by paying into OMERS the additional cost as established by the OMERS board

Information in preparing for City job competitions is available on the Job Opportunities website

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed toproviding barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.