What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fire Inspector I-III position at City of San Luis Obispo, CA?
Salary : $79,560.00 - $117,130.00 Annually
Location : City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Job Type : Regular Full Time
Department : Hazard Prevention
Opening Date : 02 / 24 / 2025
Closing Date : 3 / 10 / 2025 5 : 00 PM Pacific
FLSA : Non-Exempt
JOB DESCRIPTION
The City of San Luis Obispo has an opening for a Fire Inspector I-III!
The Fire Inspector classification is a three level career series. The level of responsibility and salary will be based on qualifications of the applicant (see Education and Experience below).
If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Thursday, March 27, 2025, so please hold that date.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE :
The successful candidate for Fire Inspector is a proactive problem solver who is comfortable working independently. This candidate is knowledgeable about the Fire Code and views it as a tool for finding effective solutions rather than as a barrier to progress. Additionally, the successful candidate is an innovator capable of assessing situations, applying appropriate analyses, interpreting relevant laws and regulations, and resolving each situation effectively. Furthermore, this candidate will possess excellent communication skills and actively seek partnerships for fire and life safety prevention within the community.
JOB SUMMARY :
The Fire Inspector I performs fire inspections of existing facilities and at new construction projects and fire protection systems to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications and applicable fire protection laws, ordinances, regulations and conditions of approval. Informs builders, developers and the public of fire protection requirements and of corrective actions necessary for compliance; enforces the adopted city codes and standards dealing with fire protection. Delivers public education on a variety of fire prevention topics to diverse audiences including homeowners groups, seniors, children, and business owners. Assists with performing fire cause and origin investigation.
The Fire Inspector II conducts technical review and evaluation of complex construction plans, business emergency plans and fire protection systems. Performs fire and life-safety inspections of industrial, residential, educational, and state licensed facilities. Performs fire-cause and origin investigation.
The Fire Inspector III oversees the review and approval of project plans to determine satisfactory compliance with applicable fire codes, laws, and ordinances; reviews fire protection and suppression systems to ensure compliance with appropriate standards; acts as a resource to others regarding Fire Department requirements; performs field inspections and investigations. This job class requires in-depth knowledge of applicable building and fire codes and the ability to effectively apply code requirements.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS :
Fire Inspector I is the entry-level in this technical class series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents receive training in fire and building codes and inspection procedures and techniques. Incumbents perform a variety of fire inspections and code enforcement investigations, but do not generally independently inspect the larger, more complex projects. Incumbents are expected to advance to the Fire Inspector II after having gained the requisite knowledge, skill and experience that meet the qualifications and demonstrated the ability to work in the higher-level class.
Fire Inspector II is the experienced-level class in this series. Incumbents, under general supervision, independently perform a full range of inspections, construction plan review, and perform fire investigations. Incumbents in this class assist in the training and orientation of Fire Inspector I and support staff
Fire Inspector III is the advanced journey-level classification in the Fire Inspector series.
SUPERVISION
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED :
Fire Inspector I - Employees in this classification receive close supervision by the Fire Marshal within a framework of well-defined policies and procedures; however the Fire Inspector I must be knowledgeable and capable to perform essential duties without supervision.
Fire Inspector II - Employees in this classification receive general supervision by the Fire Marshal within a framework of well-defined policies and procedures.
Fire Inspector III - Employees in this classification receive general supervision by the Fire Marshal within a framework of standard policies and procedures. Employees in this classification may oversee and direct the daily work assignments and progress of Fire Inspectors I and II.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :
Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)
- Performs inspections at commercial, industrial and residential buildings to determine satisfactory compliance with the Uniform Fire & Building Codes, Title 19 & 24 California Code of Regulations, and locally adopted ordinances and standards.
- Prepares and maintains accurate inspection records and reports.
- Reviews and interprets construction plans and specifications for compliance with applicable codes.
- Provides assistance and information to the public; answers telephone and counter inquiries; explains fire prevention practices and policies.
- Issues "Notice of Violations" and "Correction Notices" as necessary.
- Investigates fire hazard complaints and alleged Fire Code violations.
- Maintains current working knowledge of fire prevention codes, regulations, practices and procedures.
- Assists with the investigation of fires to determine cause and origin.
- Attends code classes, seminars, meetings and training as assigned.
- Uses computer and / or mobile device for word processing and data entry, retrieval and management.
- Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.
In addition to the above, the Fire Inspector II classification may include the duties listed below :
In addition to the above, the Fire Inspector III classification may include the duties listed below :
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES :
Knowledge of :
In addition to the above, the Fire Inspector II will be required to have knowledge of :
In addition to the above, the Fire Inspector III will be required to have knowledge of :
Ability to :
In addition to the above, the Fire Inspector II will be required to have the ability to :
In addition to the above, the Fire Inspector III will be required to have the ability to :
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :
Fire Inspector I :
An equivalent combination of education and experience.
Fire Inspector II :
Three years of progressively responsible experience in a fire prevention bureau as a Fire Inspector I
An equivalent combination of education and experience.
Fire Inspector III :
An equivalent combination of education and experience. A Bachelor's degree is desirable.
POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF :
Fire Inspector I :
Fire Inspector II :
Fire Inspector III :
THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE :
For a detailed spreadsheet of employee benefits by bargaining group, please view our
Retirement : California Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS). The City participates only in the medicare portion of Social Security.
Health : the City has a cafeteria plan for health, dental and vision insurance and contributes towards medical insurance. Employees may choose from several health insurance options. There are also two dental plans to choose from. See the Benefits Summary link to determine the contribution amount.
Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance : group term life and AD&D insurance is provided for all regular employees. The amount of coverage varies depending on the classification. Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents.
Vacation : employees receive 12 days per year increasing to 20 days after 20 years.
Holidays : employees receive 12-13 days per year depending on the classification.
Sick Leave : employees receive 12 days per year.
Administrative Leave : is a benefit available to management employees. The number of administrative leave hours varies depending on the classification.
Flexible Work Schedule : is available to many positions within the City organization.
Long Term Disability Insurance : is available for regular employees. The amount of benefit and contribution by employee varies by classification.
Deferred Compensation : is available for employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to supplement retirement.
Wellness Program : offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being.
Employee Assistance Program : a counseling and consultation service designed to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues.
Flexible Benefits Program : available to help employees save taxes on : (1) Pre-tax health insurance premium deductions, (2) Unreimbursed / uncovered medical expenses, and (3) Dependent care expenses.
Tuition Reimbursement : up to $1500 annually for job-related educational costs is available to employees who have passed probation.
Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP) : incentives are available for employees who voluntarily participate in alternative forms of transportation to and from work.
Computer Purchase Program : interest-free loans to employees who have passed probation and who purchase computers for personal use with City approved software configuration.
Professional Association for City Employees (PACE) : voluntary organization for professional development training classes, monthly membership meetings with a variety of speakers, and social functions designed to facilitate interaction with employees from all departments in a relaxed setting away from work.
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
Did you major in one of the following fields?
If you answered "Other Field - Related" or "Other Field - Unrelated" to the previous question, please explain. Otherwise, please put "N / A".
Have you successfully completed five, 3-unit core classes from an accredited college or university in Fire Technology?
How many years of experience do you have performing fire prevention inspections in a fire department, a building inspection program, or related construction industry?
Please explain your experience performing fire prevention inspections in a fire department, a building inspection program, or related construction industry. If you do not have applicable experience, please put N / A.
Do you have any part-time / temporary experience as a Fire Prevention Bureau Inspector or Fire Intern with the City of San Luis Obispo? If yes, please select the answer that best corresponds to length of your experience.
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please explain your experience as a part-time or temporary Fire Prevention Bureau Inspector, or Fire Intern, with the City of San Luis Obispo. If you answered "No" to the previous question, please put "N / A".
How many years of experience do you have in a fire prevention bureau as a Fire Inspector?
Please explain your experience as a Fire Inspector in a fire prevention bureau in detail, including what level of Inspector your experience was at. If you do not have experience, please put "N / A".
How many years of experience do you have in a California fire department performing company fire prevention inspections?
In detail, please explain your experience performing company fire prevention inspections in a California fire department. If you do not have experience, please put "N / A".
Do you possess any of the following certifications? Please check the box next to any / all that you currently possess and attach a copy of your certification(s) to your application.
If you selected "Other Applicable Certification" on the previous question, please explain.
Do you have a valid Class "C" California driver's license? If you do not currently possess a valid Class "C" California driver's license, do you have the ability to obtain one within six months of hire? Please select the answer that best applies.
Do you possess a satisfactory driving record?
Required Question
Salary : $79,560 - $117,130
