​Qualifications Fire Prevention Officer Trainee

Fire Prevention Officer Trainee Qualifications

 

Fire Prevention Officer Trainee

Essential Functions

 

1.     Attends a four-month recruit training course providing classroom and field instructions to learn to make a wide variety of inspections of commercial, industrial, and residential buildings to enforce the Fire Code and related codes, ordinances, and laws relative to control and elimination of fire hazards.

2.     As assigned may assist in presenting public fire safety educational programs at civic and school meetings to give demonstration and instruction in fire prevention and elimination of fire hazards.

3.     Performs related duties as assigned.

4.     Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is an essential function of the job.

 

Minimum Qualifications (update on 8/31/24 per civil service changes)

  • (1) be at least 18 years of age on the date the civil service examination is given; and
  • (2) have demonstrated safe driving habits and be qualified to drive a motor vehicle in Texas;
  • (3) for any completed military service, a designation of honorable or uncharacterized discharge as indicated on separation documents provided by the military; and
  • (4) meet one of the following qualifications:
    • (A) have at least 45 semester hours college credit with a C average or better from an accredited college or university;
    • (B) completed a minimum of 36 months active service in the Armed Forces of the United States with an honorable discharge or an uncharacterized discharge as indicated on separation documents provided by the military (applicants whose military service is no more than 10 calendar days less than 36 months are acceptable; more than 10 days less than the full 36 months requires approval from the Fire Chief);
    • (C) have received a passing score on the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA) within the previous 12 months; or
    • (D) have an active, valid Texas Commission on Fire Protection Plans Examiner I certification and Basic Fire Inspector certification. 


Examples of Qualifying Documents

·        College Transcripts/Unofficial Transcript (including required number of hours and overall GPA of 2.0 - Diplomas are not considered a qualified document) (DO NOT attach your degree certification)

·        Military DD214 and/or Statement of Service

 

Additional Requirements

·        NO FELONY CONVICTIONS.

·        Must have valid driver's license with good driving record.

·        Must possess the physical/medical health to adequately perform the duties of a Fire Prevention Officer.  Duties involve walking, climbing and descending stairs while performing inspections.

Exam Description: Industrial measurement, reading comprehension, proofreading, word use and vocabulary, and map reading
Time Limit: Two (2) hours and thirty (30) minutes. 

 

 

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required to Perform Work

·        Must have general knowledge of building construction.

·        Must have ability required to learn technical details of fire prevention and inspection work.

·        Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a wide variety of people.

·        Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with all levels of management, city officials, vendors, other government agencies, other employees, and the general public.

·        Must have knowledge of basic principles of public relations. Ability to deal effectively with the public in regulatory work.

·        Must pass state required fire inspector examination during training period.

·        Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with all levels of management, city officials, vendors, other government agencies, other employees, and the general public.

 

Working Conditions and Hazards

·        Normal office conditions; accident and health hazards negligible while in classroom instructional period.

·        Requires frequent walking, standing, climbing and descending stairs while observing field inspection activities.

·        Subjected to possible minor injuries when observing inspections of commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.


Disqualifying Factors for all positions (Not all inclusive)

  • Must not have been convicted, plead guilty or nolo contendere, placed on probation or deferred adjudication for any felony (civilian or military).
  • Must not have committed or have been convicted of the commission of a Class “A” misdemeanor within the last five (5) years or “B” misdemeanor with the last two (2) years.
  • Must not have committed or admit to nor have been convicted of four (4) or more Class “C” misdemeanors within the last ten (10) years, or since the 17th birthday.
  • Must not have committed or have been convicted of DWI within five (5) years preceding the date of application.
  • Must not be on probation for any crime at the time of application.
  • Must not be under criminal investigation (civilian or military) during the application process for conduct which could result in the following:
    • Probation and/or deferred adjudication
    • Fine
    • Jail time
    • Prison time
  • Must not have engaged in unacceptable conduct that calls into question the applicant’s:
    • Integrity
    • Discipline
    • Commitment
    • Reliability
  • Must not falsify the application by omission or deception in the areas of
    • Employment information
    • Academic record
    • Criminal activity; misdemeanor and felony
    • Theft from employers
    • Drug usage
    • Driving history
    • Military history
  • Must not make any false statement concerning a “material fact” in the application process. A “material fact” is any detail concerning the applicant, which, if brought to the attention of the department, would likely result in the candidate being withdrawn or rejected from the selection process.
  • Must have a satisfactory previous employment record, if applicable.
  • Driving Record
    • Must not have been convicted of three (3) or more moving traffic violations within 24 months (2 years) preceding the date of application. Violations dismissed with deferred adjudication or defensive driving shall not be regarded as moving traffic violations. Camera enforced red light violations shall not be considered as moving violations.
    • Must not have any outstanding traffic warrants or pending citations.
    • Must not currently be on probation for DWI or other traffic offenses.
    • Must not have committed or have been convicted of Failure to Stop and Render Aid (FSRA) within the last five (5) years.
    • Must not have committed or have been convicted of driving with a suspended license within the last 12 months.

Expungements. Under Texas law expungements are not accepted on convictions, even if the sentence was probation. Expungements from another state must meet the same standards as Texas law.