Deputy Fire Marshal: Lateral

Fire Prevention Inspector

Performs technical inspection work in a specialized field in the promotion and enforcement of effective fire prevention standards and methods.

• Prevents, controls, and mitigates dangerous conditions related to storage, use, and handling of hazardous materials; provides information to emergency response personnel in accordance with the fire code. May be required to respond to multiple alarm fires to observe and report any unusual fire hazards near the burning building, may serve in the Department's Incident Command System. May respond to incidents if other fire department resources are not available or to assist the incident commander.
• Ensures that all special events requiring Fire Department approval are safe and conducted in accordance with applicable codes, laws, and ordinances. Acts as Fire Department liaison for major events taking place in the city.
• Inspects occupancies such as hospitals, nursing homes, foster homes, day care centers, and schools as prescribed by code; acts as liaison between Spokane Fire Department and State Fire Marshal's office; assists with the establishment of fire evacuation plans and fire prevention training programs. Assists Fire companies with multi-family residential and other related inspections.
• Promotes public fire safety education through speaking assignments; develops and promotes activities for Fire Prevention week, develops, trains and coordinates industrial and commercial fire organizational programs; acts as Fire Department liaison to various organizations.
• Investigates complaints of fire hazards; reports violation of law and established safety standards; may be required to obtain, prepare and present evidence in the prosecution of violators.
• Participates in performance testing of required fire detection and suppression equipment and helps ensure all required systems are maintained in accordance with code.
• Performs inspections for life safety items at selected locations that apply for a City of Spokane business license. Conducts inspections for required permits as called for in the City Municipal and Fire codes. Inspects the installation and removal of underground and above ground storage tanks.
• Prepares reports and maintains records of inspections.
• Performs related work as required.

Lateral-Entry Requirements:

• Experience:
  
  Currently a full-time employee with a municipal or county Fire Department or Fire District, military fire service, or state Fire Marshal's office with two years of experience as a professional career Fire Inspector.
• Licenses and
  
  Certifications:
  • Applicants must possess a valid driver's license to be maintained throughout employment.
  • Applicants must be certified as a Fire Inspector I (ICC, NFPA, IFSAC, IFS, or by a recognized state Fire Marshal's office).
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification is required at time of hire or to be completed before the end of the one-year probationary period.

Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be invited to take the examination. Those who pass the examination will then go on the hiring list.

The examination will consist of a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E).

• Education & Training
• Experience
• Public Speaking
• Fire Code Development and Enforcement
• Plan Review

A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a written test where the applicant answers structured questions based on their previous experience and training or education. Please view this video for tips to help you fill out the T&E.

This is an online examination that will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Computer reservations can also be made through your local public library.

Training and Experience Examination instructions and links will be emailed to qualified applicants on August 5th, 2026. The testing window is August 6th – August 10th.

The email will come from City of Spokane (). For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website.

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status. As a Fair Chance Employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.