Fire Inspectors

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

Median Annual Wage: $56,130

Education: Some college, no degree (33%); Post-secondary certificate (23%); High school diploma or equivalent (21%)

Projected Growth: Slower than average (3% to 7%)

Related Job Titles: Fire Inspector; Fire Marshal; Fire Prevention Inspector; Fire Safety Inspector; State Fire Marshal; Fire Chief; Fire Prevention Specialist; Deputy Fire Marshal; Fire Official; Fire Protection Specialist

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Fire Inspectors.

More Protective Service Careers

  • Present and explain fire code requirements and fire prevention information to architects, contractors, attorneys, engineers, developers, fire service personnel, and the general public.
  • 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.
  • Attend training classes to maintain current knowledge of fire prevention, safety, and firefighting procedures.
  • Conduct fire code compliance follow-ups to ensure that corrective actions have been taken in cases where violations were found.
  • Write detailed reports of fire inspections performed, fire code violations observed, and corrective recommendations offered.
  • 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.
  • Develop or review fire exit 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.
  • Conduct inspections and acceptance testing of newly installed fire protection systems.
  • Review blueprints and plans for new or remodeled buildings to ensure the structures meet fire safety codes.
  • Inspect liquefied petroleum installations, storage containers, and transportation and delivery systems for compliance with fire laws.
  • Develop and coordinate fire prevention programs, such as false alarm billing, fire inspection reporting, and hazardous materials management.
  • Conduct fire exit drills to monitor and evaluate evacuation procedures.
  • Teach public education programs on fire safety and prevention.
  • Testify in court regarding fire code and fire safety issues.
  • Recommend changes to fire prevention, inspection, and fire code endorsement procedures.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Fire Inspectors.

  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Fire Inspectors.

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