Fire Inspector

Fire Prevention personnel are responsible for conducting fire code inspections and enforcement within the Town of Chapel Hill and its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). In addition to ensuring code compliance, this position plays a key role in advancing Community Risk Reduction (CRR) efforts and promoting life safety education throughout the community. The Fire Inspector provides technical support to Town employees, property owners, and developers, and serves as a critical resource in helping to improve fire safety, reduce risks, and protect lives and property across Chapel Hill.

Candidates who exceed the minimum qualifications may be considered for appointment at the Fire Inspector II level or up to Assistant Fire Marshal, based on experience, certifications, and the needs of the department.

A successful candidate will have:

• Commitment to public safety and meaningful community engagement
• Strong experience with fire code enforcement, fire investigations, and emergency services
• Passion for advancing fire safety education and Community Risk Reduction
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills

The Town of Chapel Hill is committed to talent development and will provide professional development opportunities to help employees build the portfolio of technical skills and experiences needed to advance their careers. Chapel Hill is a multicultural university town where a dynamic downtown and networked community inspire connections, innovation, technology, discovery, learning, and the arts.

Work hours will sometimes need to be adjusted to accommodate service demands including evenings and weekends. This position is considered an essential driver and subject to the Town's Safe Driving and Accident procedures.

• Conduct inspections, prepare reports, citations, and enter data
• Interpret and apply local, state, and federal fire codes and regulations
• Perform technical construction plan reviews
• Investigate fire scenes, determine origin and cause, maintain documentation and evidence, and testify in court
• Coordinate and conduct fire and life safety education and outreach/engagement initiatives
• Develop and oversee Community Risk Reduction
• Maintain high levels of professionalism and customer service
• Other duties as assigned

None

The work requires intermittent standing or stooping. The employee uses equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.

Occasional evenings and weekends required. Work in varied and challenging environments: high heat, difficult terrain, confined spaces, and emergency scenes.

Standing, stooping, and handling equipment requiring dexterity.

• Fire/life safety codes, fire protection systems, fire suppression techniques
• Community Risk Reduction and public education strategies
• Fire investigation principles and scene management
• Conflict resolution, public engagement, and complaint handling
• Technical report writing and public presentation
• Strong organizational, communication, and technology skills
• Ability to work under pressure and independently
• Operate within IC; provide emergency care if needed

High School Diploma or equivalent (required) Preferred:
Certificate or degree in Fire Protection Technology, Fire Science, or related field

Minimum of 5 years in the Fire Service. Preferred: 3–5 years in Fire Prevention

• Class B NC Driver’s License
• Standard Fire Inspector Level I
• NC Firefighter II
• NC EMT
• NIMS 100, 200, 700, 800

• Child Passenger Safety Technician
• NC Fire Investigation Technician
• Fire Officer I or higher preferred
• Fire Instructor I or higher preferred
• Fire & Life Safety Educator I or higher preferred