Fire and Safety Inspector

Fire and Life Safety Inspector

The Orange County Emergency Services Department is recruiting a Fire and Life Safety Inspector. The role involves enforcing the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code, conducting inspections, performing testing of fire protection equipment, seizing hazardous materials, reviewing construction plans, and participating in county and municipal review processes.

Work may require evenings, weekends, holidays, and activation of the Emergency Operations Center during hazardous weather events, power outages, disasters, building emergencies, or at the directive of the County Manager or Director of Emergency Services.

The position operates under the general direction of the Fire Marshal and requires independent judgment within local, state, and federal regulations. The role prioritizes multiple assignments, planning projects, and addressing customer needs. No supervision of others is required, although the position may act as a team leader when necessary.

• Safety‑sensitive position: participation in the Drug and Alcohol Screening program is required.
• SBI Background Check is required.

For full job specifications, see:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate degree in Fire Science, Fire Technology, Emergency Management, or a related field AND at least two (2) years of fire service experience and demonstrated ability to solve issues in a team environment, OR an equivalent combination of training and experience as defined above. A higher degree does not substitute for work experience.

• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina for the vehicle or equipment operated.
• Possession of North Carolina certification as a NC Probationary Fire Inspector II or NC Certified Fire Inspector II required at hire.
• Possession of NC Certified Fire and Life Safety Educator I required at hire.
• Possession of NC Certified Fire Fighter II preferred.
• Ability to obtain Probationary NC Fire Inspector Level III certification within five (5) years of hire.
• May be required to possess additional certification(s) as deemed necessary by the Fire Marshal.
• All offers of employment are conditional upon successful clearance of pre‑employment drug testing and background check. Employment cannot commence until the employee has been cleared.
• Participation in the County Drug and Alcohol Screening program is required.
• Must be available for immediate call‑in due to any natural or man‑made disaster, or any event deemed necessary, and be able to work outside of regular business hours.

Orange County is an Equal Opportunity and affirmative Action Employer. The county is a civil rights employer under the federal, state, and local laws of North Carolina.