About the role
We're hiring a chimney inspector and sweep to own the inspection and sweeping side of MDM Chimney Solutions — Level 1 and Level 2 inspections, full flue sweeping, dryer vent cleaning, and the visual damper and cap checks that come along the way. If you've ever pulled stage-3 glazed creosote out of a tight clay tile liner with the homeowner watching from the next room, you'll fit right in here.
This role is the front door of our business. You'll be the person sitting at a homeowner's kitchen table walking them through what their flue looks like inside, what's safe to burn, and what we'd recommend doing about it. Inspections also generate the pipeline for the repair, reline, and waterproofing work we do downstream — so a good inspector pays for themselves twice over, once on the call and again on the work that comes from it. We're not looking for someone who oversells; we're looking for someone who finds what's actually there and explains it clearly.
About MDM Chimney Solutions
We're a locally-owned chimney and fireplace company serving homeowners across Baltimore, Catonsville, Halethorpe, Ellicott City, and Howard County. We've built our reputation the slow way — by doing careful, honest work in our neighbors' homes and being the company a customer calls back five years later when they want it done right. We don't oversell, we don't cut safety corners, and we don't tolerate sloppy inspections.
What you'll do
- Perform NFPA 211 Level 1 and Level 2 chimney inspections, including camera-assisted internal flue review on Level 2 work
- Sweep masonry and metal flues — wood-burning fireplaces, inserts, and stove systems — without making a mess in the homeowner's living room
- Identify and stage creosote (stage 1 flaky, stage 2 tarry, stage 3 glazed) and document findings for the repair side of the business
- Clean dryer vents and inspect for fire-risk indicators (lint blockage, crushed flex, undersized terminations, improper material)
- Visually inspect dampers, caps, crowns, chase covers, and flashings and flag what needs follow-up from the gas tech or mason
- Communicate findings to homeowners clearly — what's safe, what's not, and what it'll take to fix it — without scaring people or overselling
Who we're looking for — two paths in
Path 1 — Already certified: CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep with two or more years of independent inspection and sweeping experience. F-IRE certification a plus. You know the difference between glazed creosote that needs PCR chemical treatment, a flue that needs HeatShield, and one that needs a full reline — and you can explain that distinction to a homeowner without scaring them off.
Path 2 — Trainee path: Strong work ethic, comfortable on ladders and roofs, and naturally good with customers. You may be coming from another trade, the military, or general construction. We'll fund your CSIA certification and Dean will personally level you up on the inspection and sweeping work. Strong physical fundamentals and customer-facing maturity matter more than a chimney resume on this path.
Required either way
- Valid MD driver's license, clean driving record, willingness to drive a company vehicle
- Comfortable working at heights — ladders, single-story and two-story roofs, in varied weather
- Plain-spoken with homeowners — we're invited guests in people's living rooms
- Not afraid of dirty work — soot, ash, dust, attics, crawl spaces all come with the job
Compensation & benefits
Pay is competitive and based on credentials and experience — CSIA-certified inspectors with 2+ years land at the top of our range; trainee-path candidates start lower with a clear pay bump tied to CSIA cert completion and a second bump after 12 months of independent performance. Benefits include paid time off, a health stipend, a 401(k) with company match, and MDM covers your CSIA certification if you don't already hold it (plus F-IRE if you want to pursue it). MDM provides all company-issued tools, a company vehicle, fuel, and PPE — no out-of-pocket tool investment required.
How to apply
Email a short note and your resume to [email protected] — tell us which path you're coming in on (already-certified sweep or trainee), what certifications you currently hold, and a sentence on what kind of crew you want to work with. Local applicants only.
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
