Fire Watch Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $106,044.00 - $128,916.00 Annually
Location : City Hall 3900 Main Street, Riverside, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-7198-01
Department: Fire
Division: Fire-Prevention
Opening Date: 07/30/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
The Position
Apply today to become a Fire Plans Examiner and make a direct impact on community safety through professional, proactive fire code review. Step into a role where your expertise protects lives and shapes safer communities. You'll review building and fire protection plans, ensure code compliance, and collaborate with teams to keep projects safe and on track. If you're detail-driven and passionate about public safety, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference!!
The Fire Plan Check Engineer performs and provides professional and technical level work in the review of site, building, and fire protection system plans for compliance with established codes, ordinances, and other applicable regulations. Checks and evaluates calculations and plans submitted for fire protection and prevention principles for the protection of life and property. May require general supervision over staff in the absence of a supervisor.
Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The deadline for first review of applications is Monday, May 4th, 2026.
Work Performed
Typical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Review, evaluate, check, and interpret site plans, building plans, fire protection system plans, alarm system plans, specifications and calculation submitted for residential tracts, multi-unit residential homes, public assembly, and commercial industrial buildings; ensure compliance with codes, ordinances, and other applicable regulations.
• Evaluate, identify, and determine existing and proposed fire protection and fire alarm system; check conformity to construction plans and monitor compliance with a variety of building, fire, and life safety codes; process and issue permits and notices.
• Enforce code requirements for the design, construction, and installation of equipment and materials based on an analysis of fire related hazards.
• Inspect, verify, check, and review special events permits and plans; oversee emergency plans and ensure compliance with all regulations and policies.
• Identify and communicate deficiencies of plans, calculations, and specifications; engage and communicate with various owners, contractors, and developers regarding non-compliant issues and remedies for resolution.
• Assist, support, and provide guidance for fire education, prevention, plan check, and inspection activities; assign, train, and delegate plan check and inspection related work to assigned staff; monitor quality and assist with challenging activities.
• Conduct field inspections and assist field inspectors and other staff with complex or unusual requirements for residential, commercial, public assembly, special events, and other structures.
• Provide assistance to the public in calculating fees, issuing permits, and dispensing general and technical information.
• Provide technical assistance to other city departments and staff; coordinate effectively with outside regulatory agencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Recruitment Guidelines:
Education: Equivalent to an associate's degree from an accredited college or university with major work in fire protection engineering or a closely related field. CA State Fire Marshal (CSFM) certification as a Fire Marshal or Fire Protection Specialist, or Fire Plan Examiner or International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Fire Plans Examiner may substitute for the required education.
Experience: Two (2) years of professional experience in fire protection engineering or inspection.
Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain an appropriate, valid Class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
Certificate of Completion for PC-832 (Arrests and Procedures).
Possession of CA State Fire Marshal (CSFM) certification as a Fire Marshal or Fire Protection Specialist, or Fire Plan Examiner or International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Fire Plans Examiner.
Medical Category: Group 1
Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Work is done in a standard office environment and in the field with exposure to construction materials, hazards, chemicals, and other adverse conditions. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Career Advancement Opportunities
From: Fire Plan Check Engineer
To: Senior Plan Check Engineer
Selection Process
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION:
1) Completed Employment Application
2) Completed Supplemental Questionnaire
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:

1. An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at
2. 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.
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) - General Unit
The City offers an attractive benefits package, the central provisions of which are as follows:

• Retirement for Classic Members - For employees hired after 1/1/2013 who are CLASSIC MEMBERS of California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12 and have not been separated from service from such agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2.7 % @ age 55; 3-year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 8%. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
• Retirement for New Members - For employees hired 1/1/2013 or later and who ARE NOT a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12, or those who have been separated from a public agency which contracts with CalPERS or a reciprocal agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2% at age 62; 3 year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 50% of the normal cost and is subject to change per CalPERS every fiscal year. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
• Health Insurance - The City offers six health insurance plans and contributes up to $1,687 per month for HMO plans (family coverage).
• Dental Insurance - The City provides three dental insurance plans and contributes up to $85 per month.
• Vision Insurance - The City provides vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for employees and their dependents that are enrolled in medical coverage.
• Life Insurance - The City provides and pays for term life insurance equal to $100,000. Additional Life Insurance is available and voluntary for employees and eligible dependents (up to $300k).
• Deferred Compensation - The City contributes $50 a month with a minimum employee contribution of $12.50 per check. Participation in the deferred compensation plan is optional.
• Leave Benefits - Includes vacation leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, and holiday benefits. Please refer to the SEIU MOU for specific details.
• Flexible Spending Account - The City offers a Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Plan for optional participation.
• State Disability Insurance - Automatic coverage administered by the Employee Development Department (EDD) of the State of California
• Vacation Accrual - 0-4 yrs. = 80hrs, 5-9 yrs. = 120hrs, 10+ yrs. = 160 hrs.

For other special compensation, refer to the
For additional benefits information, please visit the following website:
For part-time, benefitted positions the insurance and other benefits (leave accruals, holidays, etc.) are pro-rated based on ½ or ¾ time status.
01
Please indicate the highest level of education that you have completed.

• Less than a High School Diploma or GED
• High School diploma or GED
• Some college (up to 59 semester units or 89 quarter units)
• Associate's degree (60 semester or 90 quarter units)
• Bachelor's degree (120 semester or 180 quarter units)
• Master's degree
• PhD

02
Please indicate the area of study of the above-mentioned education.
03
How many years of professional experience do you possess as a Fire Plan Examiner?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year or more, but less than 2 years
• 2 years or more, but less than 3 years
• 3 years or more, but less than 4 years
• 4 years or more, but less than 5 years
• 5 or more years

04
For the question answered above, please provide the name of the agency, length of time, position, and level of responsibility by each function listed. Please note that "See Resume" or "See Application" will be considered an incomplete response for this question and your application will be considered incomplete. If you do not have the required experience, please indicate "N/A".
05
How many years of experience do you possess in a supervisory capacity?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year or more, but less than 2 years
• 2 years or more, but less than 3 years
• 3 years or more, but less than 4 years
• 4 years or more, but less than 5 years
• 5 or more years

06
For the question answered above, please provide the name of the agency, length of time, position, and level of responsibility by each function listed. Please note that "See Resume" or "See Application" will be considered an incomplete response for this question and your application will be considered incomplete. If you do not have the required experience, please indicate "N/A".
07
How many years of professional experience in fire plan review do you possess?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year or more, but less than 2 years
• 2 years or more, but less than 3 years
• 3 years or more, but less than 4 years
• 4 years or more, but less than 5 years
• 5 or more years

08
For the question answered above, please provide the name of the agency, length of time, position, and level of responsibility by each function listed. Please note that "See Resume" or "See Application" will be considered an incomplete response for this question and your application will be considered incomplete. If you do not have the required experience, please indicate "N/A".
09
Do you possess a Certificate of Completion for PC-832 (Arrests and Procedures)?

• Yes
• No

10
Do you possess a CA State Fire Marshal (CSFM) certification as a Fire Marshal, Fire Protection Specialist or Fire Plan Examiner?

• Yes
• No

11
Do you possess an International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Fire Plans Examiner?

• Yes
• No

12
I understand that I cannot update my application once it has been submitted. Therefore, I have fully completed ALL sections, provided full descriptions of my duties and responsibilities for each employer, and have fully answered ALL questions on the Supplemental Questionnaire. Do not refer to a resume or other documentation, as it will not be reviewed in lieu of completing the Supplemental Questionnaire. Note: Employers and/or experience noted on the Supplemental Questionnaire must also be include