Fire Safety Specialist

Fire Safety Specialist

The Fire Safety Specialist plays a key role within the Department's Fire Prevention Bureau through inspection and enforcement work on commercial, industrial, residential, state‑regulated and public assembly buildings to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local codes and regulations governing fire and life safety.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about providing exceptional service to the community; have the ability to operate with independence and initiative; demonstrate excellent organizational and time‑management skills; and possess outstanding interpersonal and communication skills enabling them to effectively work with the public in giving direction and options to resolve violations.

Technical training and/or experience in fire prevention, related codes and ordinances, fire protection systems, and specialized fire protection equipment is desirable. Additionally, the candidate should be a true team player who exemplifies the Five Tool Player qualities—Leader, Thinker, Communicator, Operator, and Public Servant—and adheres to the City’s Customer Service Philosophy of Empathy, Respect, and Problem Solving.

• The Eligibility List will consist of internal and external applicants who meet the qualifications and successfully complete any required selection processes.
• The hiring department may consider internal applicants on the Eligibility List prior to external candidates.
• The City of Ontario reserves the right to accept only the first one hundred (100) applications that meet the qualification guidelines.
• Only qualified applicants whose qualifications best meet or exceed the requirements of the position and the City’s needs will be invited to proceed further in the selection process.

The Ontario Fire Department is a team committed to professional and compassionate public service. The Department responds to more than 23,000 calls per year, serving and protecting a population of over 180,000 residents across nearly 50 square miles. It operates eleven fire stations that house ten engine companies and four truck companies, with two battalion chiefs.

Ontario is a full‑service department providing fire/rescue, medical paramedic services, safety education, fire inspections, plan review, and specialty teams (SWAT, bomb squad, hazmat, urban search and rescue). The department prides itself on upholding core values:
Integrity, Accountability, Service, Respect, and Honor.

• Inspect commercial, industrial, residential, state‑regulated, and public assembly buildings for fire hazards, efficiency of fire protection equipment, adequacy of fire escapes and exits, and compliance with fire prevention codes, laws, and regulations.
• Prepare and maintain records and reports.
• Investigate complaints concerning alleged code violations.
• Operate a City vehicle while performing job duties.
• Research and respond to technical fire and life safety questions from the public.
• Present public education on fire and life safety to schools, factories, and businesses.
• Provide instruction on the use of fire extinguishers, alarm systems, proper fire and chemical storage safety precautions, and other fire protection equipment requirements.
• Issue notices of violation and citations; assist in the legal process to gain code compliance.
• Interview juvenile fire setters and their families; educate them on the dangers of playing with fire.
• Keep up‑to‑date with current knowledge of developments in the field, maintain contact with professional and trade associations, and perform related research.
• Act as liaison to federal, state, and local agencies to secure abatement of nuisances and other outdoor fire and life safety hazards.
• Design and/or maintain public educational information materials.
• Interpret and explain codes, regulations, permit programs, code enforcement rules, hazardous materials, high‑pile storage, and other requirements to developers, contractors, property owners, and the public.
• Stand by for special events as needed, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Perform after‑hours inspections at public assemblies; visit sites and…