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Fire Safety Inspector Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

The future is now, Willdan is "Envisioning the Future" of building and safety through our work with ... Performs technical inspections of building construction and testing of fire protection system ...

Maintain accurate records of work performed, including inspections and repairs. * Stay updated on industry standards and best practices related to fire safety and sprinkler systems. * Collaborate ...

We are a full-service fire protection company, providing installation, maintenance, inspection, monitoring, and retrofit of fire safety systems. Come join a dynamic team of fire protection ...

Fire Alarm Inspector

Needham, MA · On-site

$30 - $55/hr

As a Fire Alarm Inspector at Encore Fire Protection, you will play a direct role in making sure the ... Make practical recommendations for system and installation improvements that support safety ...

Fire Alarm Inspector

Needham, MA · On-site

$30 - $55/hr

You will test, inspect, and troubleshoot fire alarm systems so that when they are needed, they ... Make practical recommendations for system and installation improvements that support safety ...

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Fire Safety Inspector information

See Boston, MA salary details

$33.7K

$60.6K

$92.9K

How much do fire safety inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire safety inspector in Boston, MA is $60,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,100.00 and $65,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to be a fire inspector?

Becoming a fire safety inspector requires knowledge of fire codes, safety procedures, and inspection techniques, often gained through training and certification. The job can be physically demanding and requires attention to detail, but it is generally considered manageable with proper preparation and experience.

What are some common challenges Fire Safety Inspectors face when working with building owners and managers?

Fire Safety Inspectors often encounter challenges when building owners or managers are unfamiliar with current fire codes or hesitant to make necessary upgrades due to cost concerns. Effective communication and education are key for inspectors, as they must clearly explain the reasons behind code requirements and collaborate to find practical solutions. Navigating these situations professionally helps foster cooperation and ensures that fire safety standards are met to protect occupants and property.

What are Fire Safety Inspectors?

Fire Safety Inspectors are professionals responsible for ensuring that buildings and properties comply with fire safety codes and regulations. They conduct inspections of structures, review building plans, and test fire prevention systems to identify potential hazards. Their work helps prevent fires and ensures safe evacuation routes in case of emergencies. Fire Safety Inspectors also educate building owners and occupants on fire prevention practices and may issue citations or recommend corrective actions when violations are found.

What is the difference between Fire Safety Inspector vs Fire Prevention Officer?

AspectFire Safety InspectorFire Prevention Officer
CertificationsFire safety certifications, OSHA trainingFire safety certifications, OSHA training
Work EnvironmentInspecting buildings, enforcing fire codesDeveloping fire prevention programs, public education
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal fire departments, private firmsGovernment agencies, fire departments
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for inspection rolesRelated to fire safety enforcement

Both Fire Safety Inspectors and Fire Prevention Officers focus on fire safety, but Fire Safety Inspectors primarily conduct building inspections and enforce fire codes, while Fire Prevention Officers develop prevention programs and educate the public. They often work together within fire departments or agencies to ensure community safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fire Safety Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Safety Inspector, you need a solid understanding of fire codes, building construction, and inspection procedures, typically supported by relevant certifications and training in fire science or a related field. Familiarity with inspection software, fire detection systems, and compliance documentation tools is essential. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help inspectors collaborate with building owners and enforce regulations. These skills ensure public safety and legal compliance by helping prevent fire hazards in various structures.

What is the role of a fire inspector?

A fire safety inspector evaluates buildings and facilities to ensure compliance with fire codes and safety regulations. They conduct inspections, identify hazards, and recommend corrective actions, often using tools like inspection checklists and fire detection equipment. Certification and knowledge of fire prevention standards are essential for this role.

Are fire inspector jobs in demand?

Fire safety inspector jobs are in demand due to ongoing safety regulations and the need for building inspections. Employment is expected to grow as communities prioritize fire prevention and safety compliance, often requiring certifications and knowledge of fire codes.

What Does a Fire Safety Inspector Do?

As a fire safety inspector, you ensure that buildings are in compliance with fire safety codes. Your responsibilities are to inspect each room in a structure, test existing fire protection equipment, and verify access to escape routes. Sprinkler and alarm systems are excellent examples of the equipment you test. You also keep an eye out for hazardous materials, making sure they remain in proper storage. Other duties include inspecting building plans, issuing safety grades, and closing down facilities when they do not meet safety requirements. This job is also known as a fire marshal or code inspector.

Can you become a fire inspector without being a firefighter?

Fire safety inspectors typically do not need to be firefighters, but they often have backgrounds in fire science, building codes, or related fields. Many inspectors hold certifications such as the Fire Inspector I or II, which do not require prior firefighting experience, though knowledge of fire prevention and safety protocols is essential.
What are popular job titles related to Fire Safety Inspector jobs in Boston, MA? For Fire Safety Inspector jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Fire Safety System Supervisor

Fire Safety System Supervisor

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$58/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Harvard University rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 553 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Company Description
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why join Harvard University Central Administration?
Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.
Job Description
Job Summary:
Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO) offers building & landscape maintenance, and custodial services to Harvard faculties and departments on a fee-for-service basis. All services are provided in strict accordance with customer-determined standards. As such, FMO operates as an in-house alternative to contractor services and therefore must manage itself under the same principles that guide any successful maintenance service business.
The Fire Safety Services group includes a large hourly workforce (+ 38 technicians) that maintain, repair, inspect and test building fire protection and life safety systems throughout the University on a fee-for-service basis. The maintained equipment inventory includes fire alarm systems, fire pumps, fire suppression systems, emergency lighting systems, and emergency generators used to power life-safety circuits and critical systems. The group supports a central fire alarm reporting system that receives building alarm signals through the University Operations Center (which relays them to the municipal fire departments) and maintains on-site staffing 24 x7 for alarm response and service. The group is UL listed to perform third-party pre-acceptance testing and reporting for the Authority Having Jurisdiction. In addition to these core services, the group installs and modifies building fire alarm and suppression systems on a limited basis.
The Supervisor of Fire Safety Services is responsible for the group's oversight and performance, including planning and completion of all assigned work performed on fire safety systems throughout Harvard University. Develops Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) for all core work functions, including inspection and testing, preventive maintenance, customer notifications; continually adjusts those SOPs to maintain compliance and optimize resource efficiency. Responsible for the creation and success of Service Level Agreements with primary customer groups for all core services. Provides technical guidance to project management teams (including internal and external engineering and design consultants) regarding maintainability and operation of system design and equipment selections. Oversees and inspects work for acceptable levels of quality and employee productivity. Administers and delivers all performance management actions for the work group.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
  1. Develops and continuously refines SOPs for all core work activities, including required inspection and testing of equipment/systems maintained by the group. Establishes the process for the temporary impairment and restoration of building life safety systems to support ongoing building operations or construction activity.
  2. Establishes protocols and standard progressions for prioritization for all work to ensure full compliance with regulations for proper testing and inspection of all equipment. Establishes timeliness standards for completion of all work in compliance with applicable codes and to ensure optimization of workforce productivity.
  3. Monitors information from work management database daily to ensure accuracy of descriptions for activities required, work performed, and customer information and billing instructions. Establishes protocols for maintenance (including archival storage) of paper and electronic records of fire safety system testing programs and results.
  4. Provides guidance to customers in the establishment of work scopes for the installation, maintenance, renewal or expansion of life safety systems or equipment across campus. Manages or supports additional technical resources as needed. Performs O&M review of customer plans for installation or upgrade of life safety equipment.
  5. Develops Service Level Agreements to ensure highest levels of performance and accountability. Regularly solicits customer feedback on timeliness and quality of services to ensure high levels of satisfaction. Performs regular audits and analyses of all maintenance and response activities, workforce productivity, and external vendor support to identify trends and opportunities for improvement; prepares customer and management reports of findings and recommendations.
  6. Works closely with Campus Services Safety Officer to ensure up-to-date safety instructions and procedures are in place for all work routines and spaces. Works closely with Campus Services Life Safety Officer and Electrical Compliance Inspector to stay current on NFPA, MEC, OSHA and other applicable regulations and best practices. Continuously incorporates required changes into work group SOPs to ensure life safety program compliance as well as optimal alignment of Campus Service organizational resources and responsibilities.
  7. Selects and develops all hourly and exempt staff positions in consultation with the Director. Develops and administers employee communication and feedback strategies and systems to ensure high levels of awareness, teamwork, and work group harmony. Directly provides employee coaching, counseling, and disciplinary actions, as required to ensure consistent performance, opportunity, and treatment of all FSS staff.
  8. Works closely with staff of Campus Services Procurement and others at the University to ensure efficient and cost-effective coordination of materials and services needed to carry out the work. Determines inventory changes for FSS-specific items maintained in the FMO Stockroom. Establishes and manages relationships for sub-contracted service providers.
  9. Assists the Manager in the preparation of annual financial plans; monitors and updates those plans based on activity throughout the fiscal year. Performs special short and long-range projects as directed.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to access non-handicap accessible spaces for observation of building operating equipment. Must be able to enter confined spaces, use ladders, and wear a negative-pressure half-face respirator or equivalent.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
  • Minimum five years' experience in day-to-day supervisory role required (preferably with a unionized workforce).
  • Minimum ten years' experience maintaining and/or supervising the maintenance of building fire protection and life safety systems required.
  • Electrical or Class D license or an electrical engineering degree is strongly preferred. College degree in engineering, engineering technology, fire safety or other equivalent licenses, technical, vocational training or related experience may be considered.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver license.
  • Established knowledge of applicable building and life safety codes required.

Additional Qualifications:
  • Demonstrate evidence of significant leadership abilities and a willingness to serve as an active team member.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
  • Able to read and interpret engineering plans and drawings.
  • Experience with computer based maintenance management systems is strongly preferred.
  • Familiarity with handheld computing, equipment diagnostics, bar-coding, and related technologies desired.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in desktop computing systems, including: Microsoft Office (word processing, spreadsheet and database applications).
  • Working knowledge of network-based systems preferred.
  • Expected to be available to respond to campus emergencies on off-hours.

Additional Information
Standard Hours/Schedule: Exempt, 40 hours per week
Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Certification/License, Motor Vehicle Record, Drug Test
Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel (required to provide on-site support during emergency situations as determined by management).
#LI-RC1
Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
  • Generous paid time off including parental leave
  • Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
  • Retirement plans with university contributions
  • Wellbeing and mental health resources
  • Support for families and caregivers
  • Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
  • Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

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