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Fire Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fire Prevention Inspectors play a critical role in protecting the community by helping ensure compliance with fire and life safety regulations while educating the public and working collaboratively ...

Fire Prevention Inspector

Fremont, CA · On-site

$113K - $138K/yr

Fire Prevention Inspectors play a critical role in protecting the community by helping ensure compliance with fire and life safety regulations while educating the public and working collaboratively ...

Showing results 41-60

Fire Inspector information

See California salary details

$37K

$62.7K

$97.2K

How much do fire inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire inspector in California is $62,709.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,300.00 and $71,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire inspector?

Fire Inspectors are professionals responsible for examining buildings and properties to ensure they comply with local, state, and federal fire codes and regulations. They look for potential fire hazards, check fire prevention systems, and educate property owners about fire safety practices. Fire Inspectors may also investigate the causes of fires and help develop fire safety plans to prevent future incidents. Their work is crucial in helping to reduce the risk of fires and improve public safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Inspector, you need a thorough understanding of fire codes, building safety regulations, and inspection procedures, typically supported by relevant certifications or formal fire science training. Familiarity with inspection software, fire modeling tools, and reporting systems is crucial for accurate documentation and analysis. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help Fire Inspectors work collaboratively with property owners and emergency personnel. These skills ensure compliance with safety standards, minimize fire risks, and protect communities from potential hazards.

What are some of the common challenges fire inspectors face during building inspections?

Fire inspectors often encounter challenges such as ensuring compliance with evolving fire codes, addressing resistance or lack of cooperation from property owners, and identifying hidden hazards in older or non-standard buildings. They must balance thoroughness with efficiency, often working on tight schedules while maintaining accuracy in their reports. Good communication and up-to-date technical knowledge are essential to overcome these challenges and ensure public safety.

What is the difference between Fire Inspector vs Fire Investigator?

AspectFire InspectorFire Investigator
CertificationsFire Inspector Certification, State Fire Marshal LicenseFire Investigator Certification, State Fire Marshal License
Work EnvironmentInspections of buildings, code enforcement, safety assessmentsInvestigating fire causes, scene analysis, evidence collection
Employer & IndustryFire departments, government agencies, commercial propertiesFire departments, law enforcement, insurance companies
Primary FocusPreventing fires, ensuring code complianceDetermining fire origin and cause

While both Fire Inspectors and Fire Investigators work within fire safety, Fire Inspectors focus on prevention and code enforcement through building inspections, whereas Fire Investigators analyze fire scenes to determine causes. Their roles often overlap but serve different stages of fire safety and investigation processes.

How hard is it to become a fire inspector?

Becoming a fire inspector typically requires a combination of education, such as a high school diploma or equivalent, and experience as a firefighter or in a related field. Many states also require certification or licensing, which involves passing exams and gaining relevant training, making the process moderately challenging depending on individual qualifications and local requirements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Inspector jobs in California?

The most popular types of Fire Inspector jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Fire Inspector jobs in California?

For Fire Inspector jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fire Inspector jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Inspector jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Fire Inspector jobs?

Cities in California with the most Fire Inspector job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Fire Inspector jobs in CA?

For Fire Inspector jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Fire Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,709 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Fire Protection Inspector (BLS/HMT)

Defense Logistics Agency

Tracy, CA • On-site, Remote

$63K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Conduct inspections of installation grounds and facilities for violations of fire regulations and codes.

  • Review and inspect installation operations such as receiving, storing, and shipping hazardous materials, as well as industrial processes like welding and painting.

  • Respond to spills and releases as a hazardous materials technician to control, contain, and confine hazardous materials.


Defense Logistics Agency rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

276th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary
See below for important information regarding this job.
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Duties
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  • As a Fire Protection Inspector (BLS/HASMAT) you will be responsible for the following duties:
  • Conduct inspections of all installation grounds and facilities for violations of fire regulations and codes.
  • Maintain daily surveillance over conditions impacted by receipt and shipping of hazardous materials or changes in the storage locations.
  • Review and inspect installation operations such as receiving, storing and shipping as well as various industrial processes such as welding and painting utilized in the repair and maintenance of vehicles, equipment and facilities.
  • Review plans for construction or renovation of property to ensure that facilities engineering, contractors and other parties involved follow fire code and regulations when installing or modifying fire protection and suppression equipment.
  • Provide Basic Life Support treatment to patients within the pre-hospital environment; performs such duties as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or automatic external defibrillation
  • and takes, records, and monitors patient's baseline vital signs including temperature, respirations, blood pressure, and pulse to determine patient priority.
  • Serve as a fully trained hazardous materials technician of the Fire Department Hazardous Materials Response Team and respond to spills and releases for the purpose of control, containment and confinement.
  • Perform hazard and risk assessment techniques in completing initial incident analysis.
  • Survey the incident to identify materials involved, determines whether hazardous materials have been released, evaluate surrounding conditions; and predict the likely behavior of a material and/or container.
  • On an as needed basis, serves as a firefighter performing work to control and extinguish fires, rescue persons endangered by fire and reduce or eliminate potential fire hazards.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Tour of Duty: 120 hours bi-weekly
  • Security Requirements: Non-Critical Sensitive
  • Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination, where reciprocity cannot be applied; unfavorably adjudicated background checks will be grounds for removal.
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Non-Exempt
  • Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
  • Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
  • Bargaining Unit Status: Yes
  • Pre-Employment Physical: Required - The work involves extended periods of heavy moving and lifting.
  • Selectees are required to have a REAL ID or other acceptable identification documents to access certain federal facilities. See https://www.tsa.gov/real-id for more information.
  • This is a Mission Essential (ME) position. The incumbent may be required to report to work in the event of a natural disaster, inclement weather, or crisis.
  • Incumbent will be required to participate in a physical fitness and wellness program during duty hours.
  • This is an obligated position and occupancy is subject to the return of former incumbent. If former incumbent fails to return to the position, occupancy may become permanent.
  • Must be able to wear protective clothing and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds, while working in extreme heat and cold under adverse conditions, such as fire and smoke.

Qualifications
To qualify for a Fire Protection Inspector (BLS/HASMAT), your resume and supporting documentation must support:
A. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience that equipped you with the particular competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position and is directly in or related to this position. To qualify at the GS-07 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military, or private sector. Creditable specialized experience includes:
  • Carrying out fire prevention and protection programs in accordance with applicable standards.
  • Firefighting, fire prevention theory and techniques.
  • Controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized fire department.
  • Conducting hazardous material offensive operations and decontamination operations.
  • Performing Basic Life Support.

B.SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR (SPF):
Department of Defense (DoD) 6055.06-M, "Fire and Emergency Services Certification Program" identifies the level of performance required for all DoD Fire and Emergency Services personnel. The certifications listed below are the minimum mandatory certification requirements for this position. DoD Incumbents shall possess DoD Certifications, or equivalent accredited certifications from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the National Professional Qualifications System (Pro-Board):
Accredited Certification:
  • Fire Inspector I
  • Fire Instructor I
  • Firefighter I & II
  • Driver Operator - Pumper

State of (Ohio, California, Virginia, Pennsylvania) Certifications:
  • Emergency Medical Technician - Basic**

** If you do not possess a certification for the state in which you are applying, you MUST have National Registry certification and be eligible for reciprocity requirements.
Other Requirements:
  • Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation Certification
  • Valid State Driver's License

Other training requirements that must be obtained within one year of employment and maintained:
  • Emergency Vehicle Operator, (EVOC), Driver Operator - Aerial, Hazardous Materials Technician, Fire Inspector II.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Physical Demands
The work involves extended periods of heavy moving and lifting. Generally, the work requires recurring bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, and positioning of fire extinguishers, and other equipment. Must be able to wear protective clothing and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds, while working in extreme heat and cold under adverse conditions, such as fire and smoke. Ability to maintain alertness, self-control, and emotionally stability
to work in conditions of stress, confusion, panic, and physical injury and even death that occurs at major disasters. Climbs ladder and works at various heights. Must pass the firefighter physical examination annually and successfully participate in the ongoing Firefighter Physical Fitness Program.
Work Environment
The employee is exposed to out-of-control fires, emergency medical scenes, and other dangerous situations. They are also exposed to the possibility of burns and other effects of smoke inhalation, heat, falling materials, explosions, toxic materials, infections, and contagious diseases, and other dangerous substances. Is subject to injury while dealing with frightened fire/medical victims, or while participating in mob or riot control. There may
be hazards while operating or riding fire or medical vehicles at high speeds under adverse conditions, e.g., congested areas. The employee works outside in all types of weather conditions. Incumbent will be required to work a 60-hour workweek of four 9-hour shifts and one 24- hour shift. During actual firefighting, rescue, medical emergencies, and occasionally during drills, the incumbent will be subjected to extended hours as dictated by
the situation and exposed to extremely hazardous and uncomfortable conditions such as extreme heat and cold, precarious locations, smoke and fumes, or explosions.
Education
Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.
This position is being filled as Term appointment not-to-exceed (NTE) 3 years. Current permanent DLA employees eligible as a Promotion, this position will be filled as a Temporary Promotion NTE 3 years and may be extended up to a total of five years or converted to a permanent promotion without further competition. Current permanent DLA employees eligible as a Reassignment/Change-to-Lower Grade, this position will be filled as a Reassignment/Change-to-Lower Grade with the intent to be limited to the time period specified in the announcement and may be reassigned at management's discretion or made permanent at any time. Upon termination/expiration of the temporary assignment, placement will be either to the gaining or previous organization in accordance with DLA policy (DLAI 1442.04) regarding placement rights after a time-limited assignment. For all others, if selected, this would be a Term/Time-Limited Appointment NTE 3 years, and not more than six years. The selected applicant will be required to sign a written agreement acknowledging the conditions of this temporary assignment/appointment and that they may be released from this position upon management discretion.
Additional information
As required by 5 C.F.R. § 302.106, DLA will provide Section 508 conformant ICT to employees with disabilities. All ICT interfaces with the public related to vacancy announcements and career transition opportunities must conform to the applicable requirements in the current ICT Standards and Guidelines (36 C.F.R. § 1194).
For Important General Applicant Information and Definitions go to: http://www.dla.mil/portals/104/documents/careers/GenAppInfoDef.pdf
Reemployed Annuitants: This position does not meet criteria for appointment of Reemployed Annuitants. The DoD criteria for hiring Reemployed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/140025_vol300.PDF
Drug-Free Workplace Policy
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is committed to maintaining a safe, drug-free workplace. All DLA employees are required to refrain from illegal drug use on and off duty. DLA conducts pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and random drug testing.
Applicants tentatively selected for employment in testing designated positions will undergo a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Refusal to undergo testing or testing positive for illegal drugs will result in withdrawal of the tentative job offer and a six-month denial of employment with DLA from the date of the drug test. Employees in drug testing designated positions are subject to random drug testing. A negative drug test result must be received by HR within 30 calendar days after the EOD (i.e., start date). The selectee's inability successfully pass; or refusal to conduct the test may result in: 1) the tentative or FJO being withdrawn during the recruitment process; or 2) subsequently being removed from Federal service for failure to meet a condition of employment. You may be required to sign a "Drug Test Statement of Understanding" if you are selected for this position.
The DLA drug testing panel tests for the following substances: marijuana, cocaine, opiates, heroin, phencyclidine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, fentanyl, norfentanyl, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), and opioids.
ADVISORY: Use of cannabidiol (CBD) products may result in a positive drug test for marijuana. DLA employees are subject to Federal law and under Federal law, Marijuana is illegal.
Additional guidance on writing a federal resume can be found at: USAJOBS Help Center - How do I write a resume for a federal job? The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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