Fire Inspectors :: Job Description

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Fire Inspectors

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Summary Description


	Inspect buildings and equipment to detect fire hazards and enforce state and local regulations.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Building Inspector

2.	Captain Specialist

3.	Code Enforcement Officer

4.	Code Official

5.	Compliance Analyst

6.	Compliance Coordinator

7.	Compliance Manager

8.	Deputy Fire Marshal

9.	Fire Alarm Inspector

10.	Fire and Building Code Inspector

11.	Fire Captain

12.	Fire Chief

13.	Fire Code Inspector

14.	Fire Equipment Inspector

15.	Fire Extinguisher Inspector

16.	Fire Extinguisher Sprinkler Inspector

17.	Fire Fighter/EMT

18.	Fire Hazard Inspector

19.	Fire Inspections Coordinator

20.	Fire Inspector

21.	Fire Investigator

22.	Fire Lieutenant

23.	Fire Marshal

24.	Fire Official

25.	Fire Prevention Director

26.	Fire Prevention Inspection Specialist

27.	Fire Prevention Inspector

28.	Fire Prevention Officer

29.	Fire Prevention Specialist

30.	Fire Prevention Supervisor

31.	Fire Prevention Training Officer

32.	Fire Protection Fabricator

33.	Fire Protection Inspector

34.	Fire Protection Specialist

35.	Fire Safety Director

36.	Fire Safety Inspector

37.	Fire Sprinkler Apparatus Inspector

38.	Fire Sprinkler Inspector

39.	Fire Systems Inspector

40.	Firefighter

41.	Smoke Inspector

42.	Sprinkler Inspector

43.	State Fire Marshal

Job Tasks

	Inspect buildings to locate hazardous conditions and fire code violations, such as accumulations of combustible material, electrical wiring problems, and inadequate or non-functional fire exits. Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with fire regulations.

	Present and explain fire code requirements and fire prevention information to architects, contractors, attorneys, engineers, developers, fire service personnel, and the general public. Inform others about laws or regulations. Educate the public about fire safety or prevention.

	Identify corrective actions necessary to bring properties into compliance with applicable fire codes, laws, regulations, and standards, and explain these measures to property owners or their representatives. Identify actions needed to bring properties or facilities into compliance with regulations. Inform others about laws or regulations.

	Attend training classes to maintain current knowledge of fire prevention, safety, and firefighting procedures. Attend training to learn new skills or update knowledge.

	Conduct fire code compliance follow-ups to ensure that corrective actions have been taken in cases where violations were found. Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with fire regulations.

	Write detailed reports of fire inspections performed, fire code violations observed, and corrective recommendations offered. Write operational reports.

	Inspect properties that store, handle, and use hazardous materials to ensure compliance with laws, codes, and regulations, and issue hazardous materials permits to facilities found in compliance. Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with security or safety regulations. Issue permits or other legal documents.

	Develop or review fire exit plans. Develop fire safety or prevention programs or plans.

	Inspect and test fire protection or fire detection systems to verify that such systems are installed in accordance with appropriate laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards. Inspect equipment to ensure safety or proper functioning.

	Conduct inspections and acceptance testing of newly installed fire protection systems. Inspect equipment to ensure safety or proper functioning.

	Arrange for the replacement of defective fire fighting equipment and for repair of fire alarm and sprinkler systems, making minor repairs such as servicing fire extinguishers when feasible. Maintain fire fighting tools or equipment.

	Investigate causes of fires, collecting and preparing evidence and presenting it in court when necessary. Examine debris to obtain information about causes of fires. Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.

	Review blueprints and plans for new or remodeled buildings to ensure the structures meet fire safety codes. Review documents or materials for compliance with policies or regulations.

	Issue permits for public assemblies. Issue permits or other legal documents.

	Inspect liquefied petroleum installations, storage containers, and transportation and delivery systems for compliance with fire laws. Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with fire regulations.

	Develop and coordinate fire prevention programs, such as false alarm billing, fire inspection reporting, and hazardous materials management. Develop fire safety or prevention programs or plans. Direct fire fighting or prevention activities.

	Search for clues as to the cause of a fire, once the fire is completely extinguished. Examine debris to obtain information about causes of fires.

	Conduct fire exit drills to monitor and evaluate evacuation procedures. Provide safety training.

	Teach public education programs on fire safety and prevention. Educate the public about fire safety or prevention.

	Supervise staff, training them, planning their work, and evaluating their performance. Evaluate employee performance. Train employees in proper work procedures. Direct fire fighting or prevention activities.

	Serve court appearance summonses or condemnation notices on parties responsible for violations of fire codes, laws, and ordinances. Serve court ordered documents.

	Testify in court regarding fire code and fire safety issues. Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.

	Recommend changes to fire prevention, inspection, and fire code endorsement procedures. Recommend improvements to increase safety or reduce risks.

	Collect fees for permits and licenses.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Fire Inspectors
	Fire inspectors examine buildings to detect fire hazards and ensure that federal, state, and local fire codes are met. Fire investigators determine the origin and cause of fires and explosions. Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists assess fire hazards in both public and residential areas.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Fire Inspectors
	Fire inspectors work both in offices and in the field. Inspectors typically work during regular business hours, but investigators often work evenings, weekends, and holidays because they must be ready to respond when fires happen. Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists check on outdoor installations and land to assess fire risk.

	Read More >>

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