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Fire Inspector Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

The Ontario Fire Department is a full-service department providing fire/rescue services; medical services through the department's paramedic program; safety education; fire inspections; plan review ...

Fire Dispatcher (Lateral)

Ontario, CA · On-site

$7.2K - $8.7K/mo

The Ontario Fire Department is a full-service department providing fire/rescue services; medical services through the department's paramedic program; safety education; fire inspections; plan review ...

Fire Engineer

Montclair, CA · On-site

$89K - $108K/yr

... inspection, preventive maintenance and minor repairs of Department apparatus and equipment; participates in fire prevention inspections, pre-fire planning and public education presentations; and ...

... inspection, preventive maintenance and minor repairs of Department apparatus and equipment; participates in fire prevention inspections, pre-fire planning and public education presentations; and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Fire Inspector information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$39.1K

$66.3K

$102.8K

How much do fire inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire inspector in Riverside, CA is $66,290.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,200.00 and $75,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to be a fire inspector?

Being a fire inspector can be challenging as it requires knowledge of fire codes, safety regulations, and inspection procedures. The job often involves physical activity, attention to detail, and sometimes working in hazardous environments, but it also offers clear certification pathways and training opportunities.

What Is a Fire Inspector?

A fire inspector is responsible for inspecting existing and new buildings to ensure that they are up to code and do not present any fire hazards. It is a fire inspector’s job to test and examine fire prevention measures, such as fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and evacuation plans. A large company may perform a fire safety drill for the inspector to oversee and provide feedback. For new building projects, a fire inspector supervises and approves fire prevention measures to ensure they meet state regulations. The job of fire inspector should not be confused with that of fire investigator. An investigator examines extinguished fires to find the source. An inspector examines buildings to prevent a fire from starting.

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 long does it take to become a fire inspector?

Becoming a fire inspector typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, gaining experience as a firefighter or in a related field, and obtaining relevant certifications such as the Fire Inspector I and II certifications. The process can take several years, often around 3 to 5 years, depending on education, experience, and certification requirements.

How to become a firefighter inspector?

To become a firefighter inspector, candidates typically need a combination of firefighting experience, such as working as a firefighter or emergency responder, and specialized training in fire codes and inspection procedures. Many states require certification through programs like the Fire Inspector I and II certifications, and applicants often need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with a valid driver's license. Gaining experience in fire prevention, safety protocols, and building codes is essential for advancing in this role.

What are Fire Inspectors?

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.

Can you be a fire inspector without being a firefighter?

A fire inspector is a separate role from a firefighter and does not require being a firefighter. Fire inspectors typically focus on code enforcement, safety inspections, and fire prevention, often needing certifications such as fire inspector or plan examiner licenses. While some fire inspectors have firefighting experience, it is not a mandatory requirement for the position.

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 are popular job titles related to Fire Inspector jobs in Riverside, CA? For Fire Inspector jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Inspector jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Inspector jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Fire Inspector jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Fire Inspector job openings:
Fire Safety Inspector I/II

Fire Safety Inspector I/II

City of Riverside

Riverside, CA • On-site

$72K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


City Of Riverside (California) rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 657 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Position The City of Riverside is accepting applications for the position of Fire Safety Inspector I and II. The Fire Department is looking to fill the position based on the level of experience. An eligibility list will be created to fill any upcoming vacancies.

Schedule: 4/10 work week (Monday or Friday off depending on business necessity) _________________________________________________________________________________ Candidates applying for this position will be evaluated based on their education, skills, and experience to determine whether they qualify for the Fire Safety Inspector I or II position. Fire Safety Inspector I $34.91 - $42.45 Hourly $72,612 - $88,296 Annually The Fire Safety Inspector I, under close supervision, will conduct a variety of fire safety education, inspection, and enforcement duties in compliance with Fire, Building, government codes, City regulations and laws; and will do related work as required. Fire Safety Inspector II $40.44 - $49.16 Hourly $84,120 - $102,252 Annually The Fire Safety Inspector II performs skilled fire safety education, prevention, inspection, and enforcement duties

Participates in the review of building plans and compliance with Fire, Building, government codes, and City regulations and laws. Work Performed Duties assigned to the Fire Safety Inspector I: Assist and provide clerical work for public information releases and fire safety education programs; give presentations and demonstrations. Prepare, brochures, and like materials; review and edit materials to ensure they meet safety and educational standards; monitor quality and delivery of fire safety information.

Interpret local and State fire safety codes and inspection and investigation techniques and procedures; explain data concerning building design and construction and fire extinguishing and alarm systems and equipment. Conduct and participate in fire safety surveys and inspections locating and identifying existing or potential fire safety problems and recommending appropriate safety measures and devices. Compose and issue written correspondence, notices, and citations; keep records of inspections and prepare specific documents and reports.

Issue and explain permit applications and requirements; ensure application of specifications related to safety and fire preparedness; witness and certify the correct installation of fire safety apparatus for new construction. Investigate public complaints concerning fire safety and respond to requests for service and assistance. Remain informed of emerging trends and practices in all aspects of fire safety; maintains website and updates safety and public information.

Perform various clerical work for fire safety programs and education; communicates with organizations, coordinates fire safety engagements, and performs extensive community outreach. Perform other similar duties as assigned. Duties assigned to the Fire Safety Inspector II: Participate, assist, and support work for public information releases and fire safety education programs; coordinate with surrounding agencies, schools, community groups, and the general public to encourage fire safety education and understanding; give presentations and demonstrations.

Prepare, brochures, and like materials; review and edit materials to ensure they meet safety and educational standards and regulations; monitor quality and delivery of fire safety information. Inspect commercial, residential, educational, institutional, public assembly, and selected industrial buildings and facilities under construction; check and inspect fire protection systems, flammable liquid storage, and dispensing facilities for compliance with fire and life safety codes, standards, and policies; identify areas of safety concern or non-compliance and communicate resolution tactics and potential penalties. Enforce the filing of hazardous materials inventory and emergency response plan, permit applications, financial responsibility and assurance notifications, forms and required documents; investigate hazardous substance complaints from other agencies and the public.

Compose and issue written correspondence, notices, and citations; keep records of inspections and prepare specific documents and reports. Issue and explain permit applications and requirements; ensure application of specifications related to safety and fire preparedness; witness and certify the correct installation of fire safety apparatus for new construction. Manage and maintain control of security locking systems and devices for emergency access to specific public and private buildings.

Investigate public complaints concerning fire safety and respond to requests for service and assistance. May participate in the compliance review of building plans and construction; performs special inspections for various events and other occurrences within the City. Remain informed of emerging trends and practices in all aspects of fire safety.

Assist in training of Inspector I personnel. Perform other similar duties as assigned. Qualifications Recruitment Guidelines: Fire Safety Inspector I: Education: High School graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED) preferably supplemented by at least one college level course in Fundamentals of Fire Prevention, Fire Protection Equipment and Systems or closely related coursework.

Experience: One (1) year of experience performing fire zoning, fire code compliance/inspection, land use, building inspection, construction inspection, municipal firefighting, enforcement of government/municipal codes, or a related field. Necessary Special Requirements: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Possession of a Certificate of Completion for PC-832 (Arrests and Procedures) within 12 months of employment.

California State Fire Marshal Fire Inspector 1 Certification, or Fire Inspector I from the International Code Council within 12 months of employment. Possession of State of California certificate for the 24-hour HAZWOPER FRA course within 12 months of employment. Fire Safety Inspector II: Education: High School graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED) supplemented by at least one college-level course in Fire or Building Inspection, Code Enforcement, Hazardous Materials, Fire Protection Systems and Building Components, or closely related coursework.

Experience: Two years of full-time experience performing fire inspection, prevention, building inspection, enforcement of government/municipal codes, municipal firefighting, or a related field. Necessary Special Requirements: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Possession of a Certificate of Completion for PC-832 (Arrests and Procedures) training within 12 months of employment.

Possession of California State Fire Marshal Certification as Fire Inspector I or certification as a Fire Inspector I or certification as a Fire Inspector II from the International Code Council within 12 months of employment. Possession of State of California certificates for the 24-hour HAZWOPER FRA course and the California Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act (APSA) course within 12 months of employment. *For more information regarding courses to obtain P.C

832 Arrests and Procedures, visit: Ben Clark Training Center OR Rio Hondo College Selection Process IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS: If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self-schedule your appointment. You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self-scheduling instructions. Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment.

The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.

It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment. Appointment may be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, drug screen, and/or medical/physical examination. NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards.

Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Proof of education listed in your application will be requested at the time of conditional offer. Acceptable documentation consists of transcripts or degree, if applicable, by the accredited U.S

college or university. Education obtained outside the United States (US) require one of the following options: An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at http://www.naces.org/members.html or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at http://aice-eval.org/members/

An advanced-level degree from an accredited US college or university. All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.