Fire Inspector III

As a Fire Inspector III, you'll play a critical role in protecting lives, property, and the safety of our community by helping prevent fires before they occur. Through advanced fire inspections, plan reviews, code enforcement, and fire investigations, you'll ensure homes, businesses, and public facilities meet essential fire safety standards. Your expertise helps reduce risk, strengthen public safety, and support the County's commitment to creating a safer community for everyone.

Beyond technical expertise, this position serves as a leader within the Fire Prevention Division by mentoring inspectors, guiding complex projects, and supporting the development of future fire prevention professionals. Whether responding to emergencies, investigating fires, or providing leadership and technical guidance, your work directly contributes to a stronger, more prepared Fire & EMS organization and helps ensure the highest level of service for the citizens of Charlotte County.

• Serves as a lead worker for Fire Inspector I and II personnel; helps coordinate daily work assignments; provides technical guidance, advice, and expertise; reviews work in progress and completed work for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with applicable codes, policies, and procedures; assists with training and safety practices; and provides input for hiring and performance evaluation processes as requested.
• Inspects buildings and areas of public assembly to check for fire hazards, efficiency of fire protection equipment, adequacy of fire exits, and for general compliance with fire prevention laws; performs re-inspections if necessary; and completes inspection reports.
• Inspects and tests installation and maintenance of fire protection and alarm systems for compliance with approved plans.
• Receives and responds to complaints/questions from other agencies and/or the general public regarding fire/safety violations and recommends necessary adjustments; and interprets and/or explains fire safety codes and other related ordinances.
• Issues notices of code violations and consults with and advises occupants regarding appropriate corrective action.
• Reviews building and construction plans for compliance with fire safety codes and ordinances; approves or rejects plans; and maintains related documentation and files.
• Consults with and advises architects, engineers, developers, contractors, homeowners, crafts/trades workers, and citizen groups regarding fire safety codes and other related ordinances.
• Conducts research of property records in preparation of code violation cases.
• Compiles data, prepares reports outlining findings and recommendations, and presents cases to Code Enforcement Board.
• Provides exceptional customer assistance, problem-solving, and/or complaint resolution by all forms of communication.
• Responds to and investigates fires and explosions to determine the cause and origin.
• Solicits information from and interviews suspects, witnesses, owners, and occupants.
• Responds to all fire alarms for fire investigation, as directed.
• Maintains all fire investigation equipment to ensure its readiness.
• Conducts latent fire investigations, as required.
• Serves as the acting Fire Marshal in his/her absence.

An equivalent combination of relevant training, education and experience:

• Associate’s Degree:
• Fire Science
• Experience in building and construction inspection, plan review and fire science.
• Three (3) years of experience as a fire inspector, to include lead worker experience.

• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must possess and maintain the following certifications:
• Florida Municipal Fire Safety Inspector I and II
• Florida Fire Investigator
• Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance

• Ability to obtain within six (6) month of position assignment:
• ICS 100, 200. 300, 400 and 800

• Knowledge of departmental policies, plans, and procedures.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, plans, and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other job-related computer programs and software applications.
• Knowledge of all fire safety laws, rules, and regulations…