The Community
This nearly 40 square mile city is ideally situated in north San Diego County with an approximate population of 115,000. It offers a great climate, beautiful beaches, lagoons and abundant natural open space. World-class resorts, family attractions, well-planned neighborhoods, a diverse business sector and a charming village atmosphere combine to create the ideal California experience.
The Position
Fire inspectors perform a variety of fire prevention activities including, conducting fire inspections of state-mandated occupancies, existing and new construction occupancies, hazardous occupancies, and defensible space and home hardening; enforcing building, fire, WUI and municipal codes and standards; and reviewing approved plans to ensure the proper installation of fire protection systems and equipment are compliant with applicable codes and standards. Fire inspectors provide fire safety inspection training to engine company staff and assist with public fire safety education for community members and businesses, including fire and life safety education programs for the public.
The Fire Inspector is an entry-level position requiring limited responsibilities and direct supervision. Incumbents in this role learn the City of Carlsbad’s inspection processes and approach while under the supervision of a senior inspector, with the goal of developing the skills needed for advancement to the senior level. The Fire Inspector, as directed, responds to fire scenes to assist in the investigation of the cause and origin of fires and assists first responders at emergency incidents.
The Senior Fire Inspector/Investigator performs complex inspections and fire investigations with minimal supervision and serves as a technical resource to lower-level staff. Responsibilities include independently conducting complex inspections of existing occupancies, construction projects, and fire protection systems; reviewing plans for code compliance; investigating fire cause and origin; preparing reports, permits, correction notices, and technical guidance; and providing technical assistance to the public. The position also supports enforcement activities, conducts public outreach and training, develops educational materials, and participates in special projects and ongoing professional development.
You Belong in Carlsbad
The City of Carlsbad embraces and recognizes the vital relationship of an inclusive, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. An equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal.
Pay Range
Fire Inspector: $3,380.80 - $4,108.80 Biweekly
Senior Fire Inspector/Investigator: $3,717.60 - $4,519.20 Biweekly
Conduct inspections on construction sites and existing occupancies to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and Local fire codes and regulations.
Review plans, blueprints, equipment, standards, chemical inventories, and processes to ensure compliance with safety requirements.
Review, evaluate, process, and maintain a variety of records and files related to fire prevention activities.
Complete data input and analysis of a variety of information related to fire prevention and occupancies.
Prepare reports related to fire prevention activities.
Research, prepare, and issue fire and life safety notices, permits, and correction letters that outline compliance issues and deficiencies.
Assist the public, representatives of other public agencies, consultants, and other employees with technical inquiries.
Conduct public safety programs as necessary.
Research and apply current codes and the codes that were applicable at the original time of approval.
Investigate public and referred public agency complaints which involve immediate attention and resolution of issues.
Fire Inspector: As directed, respond to fire scenes to assist in the investigation of the cause and origin of fires and assist first responders at emergency incidents.
Senior Fire Inspector/Investigator: As directed, respond to fire scenes to conduct the investigation of the cause and origin of fires and assist first responders at emergency incidents.
Attend a variety of continuing education classes, seminars, and/or meetings remain current on applicable codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Conduct public outreach and training sessions for various customers’ and audiences.
Develop and disseminate fire safety and code compliance materials and otherwise assist with public safety programs.
Assist in the development of technical guidelines, bulletins, and interpretations; and the development of technical procedures, training programs.
Participate in a variety of special projects related to fire prevention activities.
Assist in the pursuance of legal remedies for non-compliance, including issuance of pre-citation notices, preparing legal complaints, and testifying in court.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
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Uniform Building and Fire Codes
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State and local fire codes and ordinances enforceable by the city
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Nationally recognized fire protection and safety standards
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Principles and techniques of fire inspection work
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Educational methodology as it relates to fire safety education
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Proper methods and procedures involved with inspection of residential, commercial and other facilities or property for fire prevention
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Practices in effective customer service
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Basic computer applications
Ability to:
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Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine new construction for proper workmanship, installation, and materials
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Detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction/fire protection practices
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Read, interpret and explain building plans, fire protection system plans, fire building codes, and technical reports
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Provide necessary oversight for fire prevention inspection and education programs of the department
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Use mathematical concepts to calculate measurements to determine appropriate standards in reading blueprints
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Maintain cooperative working relationships with building and business owners, contractors and the general public
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Enforce regulations tactfully
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Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:
Fire Inspector:
Equivalent to a high school graduation, supplemented by college or vocational course work in the field of fire protection or closely related field or experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. An associate's degree is highly desirable.
Senior Fire Inspector/Investigator:
In addition to the above, two years of progressively responsible experience in a variety of fire prevention activities comparable to the Fire Inspector.
Special Requirements:
Possession of an appropriate valid California Driver’s License.
Possession of a Penal Code 832 certification within the first year of employment.
