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 Toronto Fire 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 Marshall 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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 Marshall 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

Please note that at the time of application and throughout the recruitment process, applicants are required to demonstrate they meet all the minimum qualifications for the position of Fire Prevention Inspector.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Post-secondary education in Fire Protection Technology, Building Science, Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice and Legal Studies, Criminology, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required
  • Successful completion of NFPA 1031, Level 1 (Ontario certified)
  • 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 License 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 related legislation and related By-laws
  • Knowledge in powers and duties of OFMEM 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 minimum supervision
  • Initiative
  • Ability to work and positively interact within 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
  • Must provide a Criminal Record with Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) obtained from a police service in Ontario, to the satisfaction of Fire Services.

Assets

  • Experience in Inspections & enforcement of by-laws acts or regulations
  • 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 licensed 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
  • Pass in-house entry level Toronto Fire Services exam on Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Provincial Offences Act, Building Code Act, Ontario Fire Code, Ontario Building Code, related legislation and By-Laws and other related material.
  • Psychometric testing may be required.
  • Prior to applying for a position as a Fire Prevention Inspector, applicants must ensure that they meet every minimum qualification listed for the position. Their resume should accurately demonstrate that they have the knowledge, skills, abilities, traits and competencies for the position.
  • Stay informed of any planned hiring or application periods, by regularly checking the Toronto Fire Services Careers website.
  • Applicants may be asked to provide the originals of any/all credentials referred to in their application at any time through the selection process, therefore it is advisable to ensure all certificates and required documents are readily available. If an applicant cannot produce documents when required, they will not continue in the recruitment & selection process.
  • All credentials must be valid and current as of the application deadline date. Failure to provide original proof of credentials when requested will result in disqualification from the recruitment & selection process.

The City of Toronto 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.