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Entry Level Fire Inspector Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Fire Inspector information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$34.7K

$58.8K

$91.1K

How much do entry level fire inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level fire inspector in Columbia, SC is $58,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $67,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level fire inspector?

An Entry Level Fire Inspector is responsible for examining buildings and fire protection systems to ensure they comply with fire codes and regulations. They assist in conducting fire safety inspections, identifying hazards, and educating property owners on fire prevention measures. This role typically involves working under the supervision of experienced inspectors while gaining knowledge of fire codes and inspection procedures. Fire Inspectors often collaborate with fire departments and local authorities to enhance public safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level fire inspector?

To thrive as an Entry Level Fire Inspector, you need a solid understanding of fire codes and safety regulations, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent with some coursework in fire science. Familiarity with inspection software, fire detection equipment, and sometimes certification such as Fire Inspector I is commonly required. Strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and professionalism help you effectively interact with property owners and work with other safety professionals. These skills are crucial to ensure accurate inspections, clear reporting, and the promotion of public safety within various environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level fire inspectors on the job?

Entry level fire inspectors often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex fire codes, ensuring compliance in diverse building types, and handling situations where property owners may be unfamiliar with regulations. Learning to use inspection tools and reporting systems efficiently takes practice, and balancing thoroughness with efficiency can be demanding. New inspectors may also face the challenge of building credibility and rapport with both experienced colleagues and the public. Over time, these experiences help build confidence, expertise, and a foundation for advancement in fire safety careers.

Infographic showing various Entry Level Fire Inspector job openings in Columbia, SC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,884 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Entry-Level Forensic Civil/Structural Engineer (EI/EIT) (56980)

ATS FAMILY

Columbia, SC • On-site, Remote

$32 - $36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

U.S. Forensic, LLC, an ATS Family of Companies, assists commercial and industrial clients by performing forensic evaluations, reporting, and expert witness testimony. The firm's capabilities include accident reconstruction; structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering; fire origin and cause; and environmental services. U.S. Forensic tailors its consulting engineering services to meet each client's unique needs, and its experienced forensic engineers and investigators support a wide range of industries. As part of the ATS family, the company also offers expanded capabilities in testing, inspection, and calibration when a broader scope of services is required.
Applied Technical Services, LLC (ATS) is a leading provider of critical testing, inspection, certification, and compliance services. ATS serves clients across a diverse set of large and stable end markets, including manufacturing, power generation, aerospace, medical, and defense. The company was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Marietta, GA. Today, ATS employs nearly 2,100 team members across more than 95 locations throughout the United States.
Together, U.S. Forensic and ATS are driven by a shared purpose to create a safe and reliable world, delivering assurance through precise technical and professional services.
Job Title: Entry- Level Forensic Civil/Structural Engineer (EI/EIT)
Position Type: Full-Time
Preferred Location: This role requires candidates to be based in, or willing to relocate to, one of the following locations: Houston or San Antonio, Texas; or Charlotte, North Carolina, or Columbia, South Carolina.
Job Overview: U.S. Forensic is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Engineer to specialize in Forensic engineering. The successful candidate will play a key role in assisting in the investigation of buildings and other structures for failures, construction defects, and other forensic engineering matters. This position requires a strong background in principles of structural engineering and typical construction practices and will require frequent travel to and from site investigations.
This role also offers a clear path to Professional Engineer (PE) licensure through hands-on experience and mentorship.
Responsibilities:
  • Conduct detailed forensic investigations of structural failures and construction defects.
  • Perform site inspections and gather relevant data to support forensic analysis.
  • Utilize engineering principles and practices to analyze and assess structural issues.
  • Prepare clear and concise technical reports outlining findings and conclusions.
  • Provide expert testimony in legal proceedings when required.
  • Stay current with industry trends, codes, and standards related to structural engineering.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
  • Licensed Engineer Intern (EI or EIT) required.
  • Ability to travel multiple days of each week (local travel as well as regional air travel)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines.

Benefits:
ATS offers excellent wages and advancement opportunities. ATS full-time employee benefits include: competitive pay, medical, dental, vision, short term disability, long term disability, life insurance, 401k with matching contribution, quarterly bonus opportunity, tuition reimbursement, paid training, paid holidays, and a generous paid time off/vacation package.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Applied Technical Services is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law.
U.S. Persons Only
A requirement of this position is access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR"). Accordingly, the company will consider only "U.S. Persons" for this position. A "U.S. Person" includes (a) U.S. citizens or nationals; (b) U.S. lawful permanent residents (i.e., "green card" holders); (c) persons granted refugee status; or (d) persons granted asylum in the United States. This information is collected solely for purposes of complying with U.S. export control requirements and will not be used to unlawfully discriminate in the hiring process.
Please note, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party agencies. Resumes submitted without an active agreement and prior coordination with our Talent team will not be eligible for placement fees.