Entry Level Fire Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

JOB DESCRIPTION The City of San Luis Obispo has an opening for a Fire Inspector I-III. The Fire Inspector classification is a three-level career series. The level of responsibility and salary will be based on the qualifications of the applicant (see Education and Experience below).

If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Thursday, September 10, 2026, so please hold that date. THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE: The successful candidate for Fire Inspector is a proactive problem solver who is comfortable working independently. This candidate is knowledgeable about the Fire Code and views it as a tool for finding effective solutions rather than as a barrier to progress.

Additionally, the successful candidate is an innovator capable of assessing situations, applying appropriate analyses, interpreting relevant laws and regulations, and resolving each situation effectively. Furthermore, this candidate will possess excellent communication skills and actively seek partnerships for fire and life safety prevention within the community. JOB SUMMARY: The Fire Inspector I performs fire inspections of existing facilities and at new construction projects and fire protection systems to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications and applicable fire protection laws, ordinances, regulations and conditions of approval.

Informs builders, developers and the public of fire protection requirements and of corrective actions necessary for compliance; enforces the adopted city codes and standards dealing with fire protection. Delivers public education on a variety of fire prevention topics to diverse audiences including homeowners groups, seniors, children, and business owners. Assists with performing fire cause and origin investigation.

The Fire Inspector II conducts technical review and evaluation of complex construction plans, business emergency plans and fire protection systems. Performs fire and life-safety inspections of industrial, residential, educational, and state licensed facilities. Performs fire-cause and origin investigation.

The Fire Inspector III oversees the review and approval of project plans to determine satisfactory compliance with applicable fire codes, laws, and ordinances; reviews fire protection and suppression systems to ensure compliance with appropriate standards; acts as a resource to others regarding Fire Department requirements; performs field inspections and investigations. This job class requires in-depth knowledge of applicable building and fire codes and the ability to effectively apply code requirements. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: Fire Inspector I is the entry-level in this technical class series.

Initially under close supervision, incumbents receive training in fire and building codes and inspection procedures and techniques. Incumbents perform a variety of fire inspections and code enforcement investigations, but do not generally independently inspect the larger, more complex projects. Incumbents are expected to advance to the Fire Inspector II after having gained the requisite knowledge, skill and experience that meet the qualifications and demonstrated the ability to work in the higher-level class.

Fire Inspector II is the experienced-level class in this series. Incumbents, under general supervision, independently perform a full range of inspections, construction plan review, and perform fire investigations. Incumbents in this class assist in the training and orientation of Fire Inspector I and support staff Fire Inspector III is the advanced journey-level classification in the Fire Inspector series.

SUPERVISION SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Fire Inspector I - Employees in this classification receive close supervision by the Fire Marshal within a framework of well-defined policies and procedures; however the Fire Inspector I must be knowledgeable and capable to perform essential duties without supervision. Fire Inspector II - Employees in this classification receive general supervision by the Fire Marshal within a framework of well-defined policies and procedures. Fire Inspector III - Employees in this classification receive general supervision by the Fire Marshal within a framework of standard policies and procedures.

Employees in this classification may oversee and direct the daily work assignments and progress of Fire Inspectors I and II. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.) Performs inspections at commercial, industrial and residential buildings to determine satisfactory compliance with the Uniform Fire & Building Codes, Title 19 & 24 California Code of Regulations, and locally adopted ordinances and standards. Prepares and maintains accurate inspection records and reports

Reviews and interprets construction plans and specifications for compliance with applicable codes. Provides assistance and information to the public; answers telephone and counter inquiries; explains fire prevention practices and policies. Issues "Notice of Violations" and "Correction Notices" as necessary.

Investigates fire hazard complaints and alleged Fire Code violations. Maintains current working knowledge of fire prevention codes, regulations, practices and procedures. Assists with the investigation of fires to determine cause and origin.

Attends code classes, seminars, meetings and training as assigned. Uses computer and/or mobile device for word processing and data entry, retrieval and management. Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

In addition to the above, the Fire Inspector II classification may include the duties listed below: Performs inspections at commercial, industrial and residential buildings to determine satisfactory compliance with the Uniform Fire and Building Codes, Title 19 & 24 California Code of Regulations, and locally adopted ordinances and standards. Reviews, evaluates and approves building plans and specifications. Conducts inspections and acceptance testing of fire protection systems.

Conducts fire investigations to determine cause and origin. Examines and collects physical evidence. Performs fire-scene photography, witness interviews, completes all necessary reports and testifies in court as an expert witness.

Conducts testing of fire alarm-systems; fire sprinkler and standpipe systems; fire pumps; fixed fire-protection systems; and clean-agent systems to assure compliance with approved plans and national standards. Investigates, explains, and resolves fire hazard complaints from the public and other agencies to achieve safety compliance with appropriate regulations, codes, and standards. Issues "Notices of Violation" and "Correction Notices" as necessary.

Interprets and provides technical advice and assistance relating to Fire, Building Codes, Municipal Codes, and State Fire Marshal regulations. Prepares and maintains accurate inspection and investigation reports. Assists with engine company fire-prevention training, code compliance and referrals.

Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required. In addition to the above, the Fire Inspector III classification may include the duties listed below: Works collaboratively and positively with other City departments, homeowners, and the development community to seek win-win solutions. Communicates the full range of options under pertinent codes to provide customers with choices whenever possible.

Conducts, schedules, assigns and supervises inspections at commercial, industrial and residential buildings to determine satisfactory compliance with the Uniform Codes, Title 19 & 24 California Code of Regulations, and locally adopted ordinances and standards. Monitor and adjust workload in accordance with Bureau goals and deadlines. Acts as information source to property owners, builders, contractors, and architects regarding code compliance; explains and interprets fire codes and regulations.

Assists and supports suppression companies with inspections and permits, reviews inspection referrals for reassignment to bureau staff and other City departments. Recommends new and revised standard operating procedures, provides for level and priority of work to Inspector II and I, and recommends program changes to the Fire Marshal. Performs plan checks and/or developmental reviews of submitted plans for current and proposed projects to determine and verify compliance with City and State mandated requirements.

Performs field inspection to verify compliance with fire and building code requirements; issues "stop work orders", "correction notices", and "citations" as needed. Acts as information source to others including staff, outside contractors, and the general public regarding Fire Department requirements and concerns; provides training to others as needed. Reviews and approves all submitted fire alarm and fire suppression systems; reviews fire scenes for code related deficiencies.

Investigates complaints regarding non-compliant occupancies; provides occupancy releases on new and related construction projects and businesses. Researches information to produce special reports as assigned. Maintains current knowledge of applicable codes, laws, practices, etc.

related to the construction industry. Coordinates and teaches fire prevention classes to City Fire Suppression personnel. Attends code classes, seminars, meetings and training as assigned.

Investigates the causes of fires, including fires of undetermined or suspected incendiary origin. Prepares reports, interviews suspects, and prepares cases for court. Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of: Proper principles, techniques, and effective methods of fire prevention. Codes, regulations, ordinances and standards relating to new and existing occupancies. Fire behavior, properties of hazardous materials, basic fire ground operations.

In addition to the above, the Fire Inspector II will be required to have knowledge of: Proper principles, methods and techniques of inspection, investigation and fire prevention. Code enforcement practices. Regulations, ordinances and standards relating to new and existing occupancies.

In addition to the above, the Fire Inspector III will be required to have knowledge of: Codes, laws and procedures related to construction, fire protection, suppression and inspection practices. Plans examination and review. Principles of effective personnel management and supervision.

Fire investigation techniques and procedures. Ability to: Professionally represent the City in working with developers, business owners/managers, and homeowner. Apply, explain, and follow the procedures and policies of the Fire Prevention Bureau with a focus on collaboratively seeking safe solutions.

Read and interpret constructions plans. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with property owners, the general public, co-workers and supervisor.

Prepare concise and accurate inspection reports. Use tact and poise in dealing with the public. Provide excellent customer service and act as an active and helpful conduit for connecting customers with solutions, even when those solutions reside with other City department personnel.

In addition to the above, the Fire Inspector II will be required to have the ability to: Ability to recognize and appraise fire hazards. Prepare clear and precise reports. Understand, interpret and apply Fire, Health and Safety codes and other related laws, regulations and ordinances of a complex and technical nature.

Evaluate and determine mitigation measures for fire and chemical hazards or code violations. Provide excellent customer service. Express ideas clearly and concisely in written and oral form with good command and use of the English language.

Establish and maintain a cooperative working relationship with co-workers, members of the public, the development community, agency representatives and supervisor. Recognize problems; make decisions, use tact, good judgment, resourcefulness and diplomacy in resolving conflict situations. Establish and maintain records and prepare reports related to assignments.

Use computers for word processing and data management. In addition to the above, the Fire Inspector III will be required to have the ability to: Conduct and oversee site inspections, re-inspections, and acceptance tests given workload requirements and staffing availability, including larger, complex or sensitive inspections. Conduct code compliance and other quality control reviews of construction projects, ensuring that all applicable fire and life safety requirements, laws, and regulations have been applied appropriately.

Supervise support personnel assigned to complete special projects within the Fire Prevention Bureau; may train others in technical subjects related to fire prevention. Meet and confer with architects, developers, contractors, builders, engineers, government agency representatives, general public, and other staff concerning proposed projects, modifications and occupancy requirements. Review tract and parcel maps and specify conditions for approval according to approved standards.

Check commercial, residential, and subdivision maps for compliance with standards and specifies conditions of approval; conduct field inspections for compliance. Reviews water and street improvement plans, fire hydrant and sprinkler locations and emergency access roadways for compliance with local requirements. Review and approve public and private water system requirements for fire protection.

Analyze, approve, and inspect proposals pertaining to alternative methods and materials that are necessary to achieve equivalent compliance with standards. Prepare and participate in the training of less experienced inspection staff and suppression companies. TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Fire Inspector I: Equivalent to graduation from high school and successful completion of five, 3-unit core classes from an accredited college or university in Fire Technology; and One year of experience performing fire prevention inspections in a fire department, a building inspection program, or related construction industry,; or 6 months as a part-time or temporary Fire Prevention Bureau Inspector, or Fire Intern with the City of San Luis Obispo; or An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Fire Inspector II: Successful completion of 30 units from an accredited college or university in Fire Technology; and Three years of ...