Internship Fire Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

 Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. This recruitment may close at any time without notice. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply early. The first review of applications will be conducted the week of July 6, 2026.

Are you interested in making a positive impact on your community while gaining valuable hands-on experience? Are you looking for an internship where you will learn skills and gain expertise to take the next step in your career? The Ontario Fire Department is currently seeking an Administrative Intern in the Emergency Management Division and will support the department's emergency management programs including the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), emergency plan development, community outreach efforts, training and exercise development, and maintaining the City's Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

The ideal candidate will be a team player, have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; outstanding analytical, writing, and organizational skills; and be knowledgeable about public safety and local government structure.

The following procedures will apply:

• The Eligibility List will consist of both internal and external applicants who meet the qualifications and successfully complete any required selection processes.
• The hiring department has the discretion to consider internal applicants on the Eligibility List prior to considering external candidates on the Eligibility List. 
• The City of Ontario reserves the right, if necessary, to accept only the first one hundred (100) applications from applicants that meet the qualification guidelines below.   
• Completed applications will be reviewed and only qualified applicants whose qualifications best meet or exceed the requirements of the position and needs of the City will be invited to participate further in the selection process.
• This recruitment will result in an eligibility list, which will be used to fill any current and future part-time vacancies within this classification. Part-time employees may be scheduled to work up to 29 hours per week and are not eligible to participate in the City's health insurance or retirement plans.

The Ontario Fire Department

The Ontario Fire Department is a team committed to professional and compassionate public service. The Department responds to more than 23,000 calls per year serving and protecting a population well over 180,000 residents, covering nearly 50 square miles. There are eleven (11) fire stations that house ten (10) engine companies, four (4) truck companies, Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting (ARFF) resources, and two (2) battalion chiefs.

The Administrative Services Bureau consists of four (4) divisions – Fire Administration, Fire Technology, Community Engagement, and Emergency Management. The Bureau has over 30 employees which support the mission of the Ontario Fire Department.

Ontario is an all-risk department providing fire/rescue services; medical services through the department’s paramedic program; safety education; fire inspections; plan review; and various specialty teams such as SWAT medics, bomb squad, hazmat, and urban search and rescue. The Ontario Fire Department is proud to serve the residents, businesses, and visitors of the City of Ontario with a high degree of professionalism. The members of the Ontario Fire Department realize the value of each team member and consistently strive to improve service to the community by living up to the department’s core values: Integrity – Accountability – Service – Respect – Honor. 

The City of Ontario is a dynamic leading community in the Inland Empire with a variety of full-time and part-time employment and volunteer opportunities. Ontario enjoys the reputation of being a progressive City which provides solid leadership to its citizens and to the business community. The City provides a full range of services to the community including, but not limited to: Police, Fire, Management Services, Community Life & Culture, Community Development, Economic Development, Public Works and the Ontario Municipal Utilities Company. The City’s team is staffed with approximately 1,517 full-time equivalent diverse and talented employees who work to support a common goal of providing excellent service to the community.

The City’s vision for the future is very exciting, and we foresee tremendous growth within the years to come. We welcome you to view the City of Ontario’s 2026 State of the City video by clicking on the link below as well as the other links to learn more about the City:

State of the City                                        The Ontario Plan                         Smart Ontario                                           Downtown Ontario             

The general functions typically performed by the Administrative Intern include the following:

• Composes and edits correspondence, memorandums, reports, presentations, and other special assignments.
• Assists with the implementation and testing of fire and emergency management related software.
• Assists members of management, professional, and technical staff by performing basic administrative and technical assignments.
• Operates personal computers, printers, and other office equipment.
• Assists with collecting, analyzing, and reporting program metrics and preparedness data.
• Responds to requests for information and general questions from the public.
• Prepares files for storage.
• Assists with special projects and events.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

In addition to the above general functions, the essential functions typically performed by the Administrative Intern assigned to the Emergency Management Division may include the following:

• Assists staff in Emergency Management with project development, program support, and technology research.
• Assists with developing, delivering, and administering community based public education, outreach, and training programs, including Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program outreach, training courses, and related activities.
• Performs research and preliminary administrative analysis regarding potential grant opportunities and funding partnerships.
• Reviews and summarizes emergency plans, publications, documents, and disaster resources.
• Assists in the preparation for City-wide disaster training drills.
• Assists with the maintenance of the Emergency Operation Center (EOC).
• Assists with the management and maintenance of the volunteer based Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program including but not limited to, monthly evening meetings and annual trainings.
• Assists with developing exercise documentation, including Exercise Plans, participant guides, evaluator guides, and After-Action Reports/Improvement Plans.

Education
Equivalent to the completion of two (2) years of college course work related to the area of assignment; or currently enrolled in a bachelor’s program with major course work in Emergency Management, Disaster Management, Public Administration, Public Health or a closely related field. 
Proof of successful completion of two (2) years of college in the specified major course work listed above must be provided by way of attachment to your online application or as an email attachment sent to the Hiring Agency Representative at, or before, time of the reference check process. Acceptable forms of proof include Unofficial Transcripts, Official Transcripts, Photos and/or Photocopies of Institutional Degree/Certifications. 
NOTE: Failure to provide the required documentation at, or before, time of the reference check process will result in disqualification.
Licenses
Valid California Class C driver's license and an acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
Desirable

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program in Emergency Management, Disaster Management, Public Administration, Public Health or a closely related field. 
• Possession of CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) basic training certificate. 
• Completion of ICS-100, ICS-200, and NIMS-700 training courses.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

How to Apply 

Apply online by clicking on the "Apply" link at the top of this announcement. If this is the first time applying for a position using governmentjobs.com you will be prompted to create a new user account, otherwise log in with your username and password. Your application and responses to any supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position. It is suggested that your application include the following:

• List any relevant experience and education that demonstrates that you qualify for the position.
• List all periods of employment for at least the past 10 years, beginning with your most recent or present employer (including, if applicable, all employment with the City of Ontario).
• Separately list each position held, including different positions with the same employer.

A resume may be attached to your application but will not substitute for the proper completion of your application. Applications that are not properly completed may be rejected.
NOTE: Transcripts from colleges, universities or technical schools outside of the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report will result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position.
Application Process

Applicants are required to submit required certification(s) or other required documentation as outlined in the Qualifications Guideline section of this bulletin. Please use the attachment function found on the City's online application to attach copies of the requested certification(s) or other documentation. Failure to attach required documentation may result in the rejection of your application. Please contact the Human Resources/Risk Management Agency if you have any questions regarding the application process.

Your application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications. It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Failure to complete these sections may result in the rejection of your application.

Supplemental Questions
To complete your application for this position you will be prompted to respond to supplemental questions. This information will be used as part of the application screening and selection process and is designed to help you present your qualifications for this position. This may include a selection step in which your application and supplemental questions are reviewed and scored by a panel of raters familiar with this position.
Incomplete responses, false statements, omission, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Your responses should be consistent with the information provided on your application.
Please provide succinct, concise, descriptive, and detailed information for each question. If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question.
Email Notices

Email is the primary way that the Human Resources or Hiring Department will communicate with you. Please check your email account (including the SPAM folder) on a regular basis for any emails related to the application or selection process. Emails from the city of Ontario will come from "@ontarioca.gov" or "governmentjobs.com." If you change your email address after submitting your application, please visit governmentjobs.com and update your profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any additional questions regarding the application process, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions page.