Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in Germantown, MD

Salary: $31.30 - $53.21 Hourly
Location : Planning and Permitting Division - Frederick, MD
Job Type: Full-time Regular
Job Number: FY26-00629
Department: Permits and Inspection
Opening Date: 07/27/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
JOB INFORMATION
Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible; additional compensation to include annual work boot allowance); full-time; 40 hours per week; varied schedule between the regular working hours of Monday - Friday; 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) full-benefits
This technical position performs residential and commercial fire and life safety inspections, plan reviews, and system acceptance testing for Frederick County. The Fire Inspector II works independently and serves as a technical resource and mentor to Fire Inspector I staff, providing guidance on inspections and code interpretation. Work at this level involves handling atypical or sensitive projects requiring in-depth technical knowledge, coordination with multiple stakeholders, and the application of advanced fire protection and life safety building code principles. The position exercises independent judgment in interpreting and applying codes, with decisions that may influence public safety, project costs, and operational outcomes.
NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate, with limited exception.
Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.
TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Vesting after 5 years of service
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan

NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year.
For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Enforce County and State Fire Codes and the fire laws of Maryland as they pertain to new permits
• Perform on-site inspections at in-progress construction sites to assure full compliance with fire and life safety codes in residential and commercial construction
• Participate in training sessions related to fire prevention and safety in order to maintain certifications and current practice
• Witness initial functional performance tests of fire protection, extinguishing and alarm systems
• Compile and prepare formal inspection reports, memos, letters and other technical documents
• Review and utilize applicable codes, ordinances, etc. published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other recognized standards
• Assist and interact with architects, engineers, developers, contractors, building owners, tenants and the general public
• Perform permit review functions for suppression systems, alarms, pumps, etc. as needed
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee's position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 5 years of work experience in fire service operations including fire alarm, pumps, suppression systems and life safety code inspections
• Possession of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1030 consolidated Fire Inspector and Plans Examiner Certification (or equivalent International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector I (FI) and Fire Inspector II (FII), Pro Board Certification)
• Possession of a valid driver's license

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:

• Advanced knowledge of applicable fire codes, life safety codes, ordinances, etc. with ability to effectively interpret and apply appropriate regulations (including state, local, NFPA and IBC)
• Knowledge of inspection techniques, processes, and procedures
• Knowledge of fire and safety systems
• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, plans, specifications and site plans quickly and accurately, and compare them to construction in process
• Skilled at spoken and written (English) communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present clear and concise reports, investigative findings, correspondence, etc.
• Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, contractors, other business professionals and the general public
• Ability to lead and guide other inspectors

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently sit, walk, climb/ascend/descend, stoop/kneel/crouch, reach, perform repetitive motions and drive; and rarely crawl and lift up to 20 pounds
• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently work indoors, outdoors, walk on uneven ground, work in dirty/dusty and noisy environments; and rarely work at heights, and below ground level

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Available for varied working hours as needed
• This position is subject to random drug testing
• All required certifications/licenses must be maintained current throughout employment

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):
1) An evaluation of training and experience
2) A job-related written examination
3) One or more interviews
4) A pre-employment physical examination and drug test
Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to Recruitment@FrederickCountyMD.gov
Retirement Plan:
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.
Health Insurance:
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.
Dental Insurance:
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment
NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts:
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $3,400 per year for Health Care Spending and $7,500 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.
Life Insurance:
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Supplemental Life Insurance is also offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents.
Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time. Contribution maximums are set each year by the IRS.
Educational Reimbursement Program:
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may apply for education reimbursement for courses that can improve or develop an employee's capabilities related to their current job or for a promotional opportunity within Frederick County Government. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.
Employee Assistance Program:
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related issue or concern.
Leave
Annual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 - 2 years 11 days
2 - 10 years 17 days
10 + years 24 days
Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.
Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.
NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.
Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, and Military.
Holidays:
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.
For additional information on Frederick County Government's benefits package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at
All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.
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Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in det