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Fire Inspector Jobs in Novato, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Fire Inspector information

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$44K

$74.6K

$115.6K

How much do fire inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire inspector in Novato, CA is $74,601.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,100.00 and $85,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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.

Are fire inspectors in demand?

Fire inspectors are in steady demand due to ongoing needs for fire safety inspections in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. Employment is expected to grow as building codes become more stringent and safety regulations increase, often requiring certifications and knowledge of fire prevention techniques.
What job categories do people searching Fire Inspector jobs in Novato, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Inspector jobs in Novato, CA are:
What cities near Novato, CA are hiring for Fire Inspector jobs? Cities near Novato, CA with the most Fire Inspector job openings:
Infographic showing various Fire Inspector job openings in Novato, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,601 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

Fire Protection Engineering Designer (5+Years)

Coffman Engineers, Inc.

Oakland, CA • On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Coffman Engineers rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

102nd of 446 rated engineering


Job description

Company Description
At Coffman Engineers, we serve as both prime consultant and sub consultant on projects large and small, including commercial, retail, institutional, government, industrial, and project/construction management. Incorporated in 1979, we have employees in more than 23 locations serving clients across the United States and overseas.
To meet client objectives and to integrate our many disciplines, we can create teams comprised of civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and corrosion control, as well as project/construction managers and professionals in a variety of specialty services. This ability has made us a leader in the engineering and construction communities, and has strengthened our reputation as being progressive, innovative, and a great place to work.
Job Description
Our mission is simple: To empower our team to deliver innovative engineering solutions focused on our clients' success. As a Fire Protection Engineering Designer at Coffman Engineers, you'll be part of a collaborative, creative, and high-performing team that believes in making a difference for our clients and our communities. You'll experience a culture where your growth and contributions truly matter.
Coffman Engineers is seeking a highly skilled, self-motivated, Fire Protection Engineering Designer with five or more years of experience. This individual will have an interest in working with professionals on challenging projects providing our clients with automatic suppression system design; fire detection, alarm and mass notification system design; code analysis; egress analysis; fire resistant construction analysis; smoke control analysis; as well as general fire protection and life safety concepts and research. Candidate should also have interest and expertise in successfully managing client and team relationships through challenges that may arise.
Qualifications
Requirements Include:
  • Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in engineering, sciences, or related fields.
  • Minimum 5+ years of relevant experience in fire protection systems or engineering consulting.
  • Project or Construction Management experience in the specified industries and sectors.
  • Experience with the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance requirements of fire alarm systems.
  • Practical knowledge of major fire alarm manufacturers' current product offerings and legacy products. Manufactures product certifications preferred.
  • Ability to develop proposals, execution plans, and technical engineering reports.
  • Ability to communicate with clients/stakeholders effectively.
  • Reading and reviewing project drawings including plans, sections, and bills of materials.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience with the current version of AutoCAD and Revit (preferred).
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Required Duties and Skills:
  • Computer skills necessary for daily activities, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, simple graphics, and a working knowledge of computer aided drafting.
  • Managing day-to-day contacts with internal and external clients while utilizing experience and technology to meet expectations.
  • Performing research and documenting for internal and external distribution.
  • Performing analysis of existing fire alarm systems, as well as designing new fire alarm systems including suppression systems, fire detection, alarm and mass notification systems.
  • Performing building and fire code analysis and interpretation.
  • Review product data submittal and shop drawings for concurrence with project specifications and specific manufacturer's installation instructions, product listing requirements and maintenance and testing requirements.
  • Project management skills for managing internal projects as well as external client needs.

Compensation:
  • Approximate Base Salary - $95k-125k based on experience
  • Paid overtime at 1.0 times hourly rate
  • Competitive end of year discretionary bonus based on company/team/personal performance
  • Hybrid Work Schedule (subject to change)
  • 401k with maximum of 5% Contribution Matching for 9% Employee Contribution

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
Additional Information
Why You Want to Work Here
You could choose to work anywhere, so why work at Coffman Engineers? Because we are different - our culture sets us apart. Simply stated, we are a group of creative, high-performing people who like working together and believe that what we do makes a difference. Employees say that it feels like working with a group of friends in a small office while enjoying the benefits and perks of working for a large firm. Our culture isn't the only thing that makes us different, but it drives everything we do.
Coffman offers comprehensive benefits, including a flexible PTO program and a fun environment with family-friendly policies. We support and encourage individually tailored professional and technical advancement as well as personal growth.
Don't take our word for it. Check out what others are saying:
http://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Coffman-Engineers-Reviews-E409809.htm
Coffman at a Glance:
  • 47 years in business
  • 850+ employees serving clients throughout the U.S. and overseas from more than 23 locations
  • Multi-discipline engineering services plus corrosion control, commissioning and project/construction management
  • 70+ employees in 9 offices, providing Fire Protection services since 2014
  • #34 Top 80 Engineering Firms, Building Design + Construction, 2022
  • #29 Zweig Group Hot Firm List, Zweig Group, 2021
  • #161 Top 500 Design Firms, Engineering News-Record, 2023

Applying
You must apply online for this position. If you are unable to complete our online application process, or if you need assistance to do so, let us know and we will provide reasonable accommodation.
If you are experiencing problems applying through our system, please try using a different browser or an updated version of your current browser. If that doesn't work, please contact us directly.
This position is direct with Coffman Engineers; we are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state, or local law.
Follow us!
www.coffman.com
Twitter: @CoffmanEngineer
Instagram: @CoffmanEngineers
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coffman-engineers
Facebook: @CoffmanEngineers
Videos To Watch
https://youtu.be/qVaRi7On2Qw
https://youtu.be/qStJT-Rg6jY

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