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Fire Inspector Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Building Inspector

Yorba Linda, CA · On-site

$82K - $100K/yr

May assist County personnel on health and fire inspections. * Checks for violations of zoning ordinances and other city ordinances. * Performs related duties as required. Desirable Knowledge Skills ...

The Fire Plan Check Engineer performs and provides professional and technical level work in the ... Inspect, verify, check, and review special events permits and plans; oversee emergency plans and ...

Building Inspector

Yorba Linda, CA · On-site

$82K - $100K/yr

May assist County personnel on health and fire inspections. Checks for violations of zoning ordinances and other city ordinances. Performs related duties as required. Desirable Knowledge Skills ...

Fire Sprinkler Fitter

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Reads and understands inspection reports, product specification sheets, O&M manuals, drawing, blueprints, and fire codes * Completes and produces reports (as needed) that are legible, accurate, and ...

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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 Jul 11, 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.

What type of inspector gets paid the most?

Fire inspectors with specialized skills, such as fire protection engineers or those with advanced certifications and extensive experience, tend to earn higher salaries. Senior-level inspectors working in large urban areas or for government agencies also typically receive higher pay. Certifications like NICET or state licenses can contribute to increased earnings in this field.

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 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, which involve coursework and exams. Gaining knowledge of fire prevention, safety standards, and inspection tools is essential for 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.

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 for fire inspectors is expected to grow as safety regulations become more stringent and building codes evolve, often requiring certifications and knowledge of fire prevention techniques.
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:
Infographic showing various Fire Inspector job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,290 per year, or $31.9 per hour.
Fire Protection Planner - Southern California

Fire Protection Planner - Southern California

Dudek

Mission Viejo, CA • On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Overview
Location(s): Mission Viejo, CA / Encinitas, CA / San Diego, CA
Practice/Department: Urban Forestry
Work Environment: Hybrid
Compensation: $85,000 - $140,000
Dudek's journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California's water and wastewater agencies.
Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been recognized by leading industry organizations, and we've been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards.
Our employee-owners are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience.
Learn more about our award-winning culture, the benefits and perks of being a Dudekian, and the projects you will have the opportunity to shape.
Position Overview
Who You Are
As an employee-owner, you embrace accountability, working safely, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently.
Like all Dudekians, you are curious and solution-oriented, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of innovation.
How You'll Make an Impact
We are seeking mid-level professional to join our fire protection planning team. Dudek's team has been working in the wildfire assessment and fire protection planning field for nearly 25 years. We work with landowners and land management agencies to evaluate wildfire hazard and develop plans to mitigate wildfire risk. This position will be located in one of Dudek's San Diego, Orange, or Los Angeles County offices. Travel to project sites and client or fire agency offices in the Southern California region will be necessary. Familiarity with state and local building, development, and defensible space codes and standards is also highly desirable.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Analyzing project maps, plans, and data sets and summarizing wildfire conditions for inclusion in reports and management plans.
  • Conducting field assessments to evaluate wildfire hazard conditions.
  • Analyzing field data, GIS data, and conducting project-related research.
  • Preparing or supporting preparation of fire protection plans, technical reports and development of fire hazard reduction recommendations.
  • Attending meetings to discuss the results of project-related assessments and analyses.
  • Representing clients and Dudek to local agencies

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in fire science, fire administration, forestry, natural resources, fire ecology, environmental science, or other related field.
  • 5 Years experience in any of the following: consulting, fire service, construction, development, project management
  • Ability to conduct research and evaluate data sets and planning documents and summarize pertinent information into reports.
  • Ability to understand and interpret site development plan drawings.
  • Ability to work independently

Preferred Qualifications
  • Proficiency with fire behavior and wildfire hazard mapping and analysis software packages (e.g., BehavePlus, FlamMap, IFTDSS, etc.) is highly desirable.
  • Additional desired qualifications include excellent writing skills and GIS/CAD mapping skills.
  • Previous experience working for a fire department as a firefighter, inspector, investigator, deputy fire marshal, fire marshal
  • ICC or CASFM Fire Inspector, Plans Examiner, Fire Investigator, Fire Marshal Certification
  • NFPA Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist (CWMS)

Compensation: $85,000 - $140,000/annually
*Final agreed-upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, an individual's related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment.
Working Conditions
  • This job operates in a remote or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc.
  • This job requires occasional project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment.

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following:
  • Working on a computer, sitting, or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting.
  • Attending meetings, both in person and virtually, and speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc.
  • Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

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Dudek Talent Community
Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our business success, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to fair and equitable processes, based on merit, free from any discrimination.
Dudek is genuinely committed to equal employment opportunities within our company and on our project teams. Dudek is also committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Dudek's operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Dudek, including supervisors and coworkers. Equal employment opportunities will be extended to all persons (including those with disability and veteran status) in all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination. Any employee who violates this policy and Dudek's commitment to equal employment opportunities will be subject to disciplinary action.
Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.