Fire Inspector

Job Purpose

The purpose of this classification is to ensure fire and life safety compliance within commercial, residential, and multi‑residential buildings in accordance with State and local regulations. This role also investigates the cause and origin of fires and assists with ensuring corrections of violations noted by the Fire Marshal or Assistant Fire Marshals.

• Conduct fire and life safety re‑inspections and photograph fire scenes and violations.
• Provide follow‑up information to the Operations division based on conditions observed during re‑inspections.
• Investigate fire origin and cause, and prepare investigation reports.
• Audit work activities of contracted workers, including contracted building inspectors, and monitor compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.
• Coordinate the scheduling of field inspections by contract inspectors and ensure uniformity of inspection procedures and code interpretation.
• Provide guidance and training to community service workers, interns, and other personnel.
• Review building plans, specifications, and related documents for site inspections.
• Perform daily inspections of residential and commercial buildings, including fire safety, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and structural systems for compliance with relevant codes and ordinances.
• Interpret and enforce adopted building, fire prevention, and life safety codes.
• Receive inspection requests, plan inspection schedules, and ensure timely completion.
• Investigate complaints regarding defective construction or unsafe buildings.
• Prepare reports and maintain accurate records of inspection activities.
• Communicate inspection results, corrective actions, and recommendations to contractors, owners, and other stakeholders.
• Operate various inspection tools, including digital cameras, meters, and testing equipment.
• Participate in public education events, presenting information on fire prevention and safety.
• Assist with the implementation of policies and procedures related to fire inspections and enforcement.
• Provide direction, guidance, and assistance to contracted workers, construction interns, co‑workers, community service workers, and other workers.
• Troubleshoot problem situations and provide technical expertise on difficult/unusual situations.
• Plan daily inspection schedules and travel routes to achieve maximum efficiency.
• Perform administrative tasks, including providing budgetary input, forecasting future projects, and assisting with the development and adoption of model codes.
• Implement policies and procedures on behalf of the Building Official and Chief Building Inspector and assist with the development and implementation of policies/procedures related to contracted inspector programs.
• Coordinate inspection activities with other departments, inspectors, plan reviewers, contractors, and utility companies to resolve problems and ensure compliance.
• Provide information and technical assistance concerning inspection activities, code requirements, and code interpretation; respond to questions or complaints concerning code violations.
• Monitor and track the status of failed inspections and conduct follow‑up inspections as appropriate.
• Conduct research of codes, laws, policies, and other resources to support inspection activities.
• Prepare and complete various forms, reports, and correspondence related to inspection activities, including correction notices, stop work orders, and damage assessment reports.
• Utilize computer systems to enter, retrieve, and review data related to inspection activities and maintain documentation.
• Operate various equipment and tools associated with inspection activities, ensuring safety protocols are followed.
• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate work activities and resolve issues.
• Attend job site construction meetings, staff meetings, and other meetings as necessary.
• Maintain a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable codes, regulations, and standards through professional development and continuing education.

• Perform general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, typing documents, entering data into computer, making copies,…