Fire Inspector I at City of Merced, CA
City of Merced, CA · Merced, United States Of America · Onsite
- Junior
- Office in Merced
About the Department
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
Tentative Testing Schedule
In-Person Oral Interviews
November 19th, 2025
Selected candidates will be notified via email after the recruitment closes.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision (Fire Inspector I) or direction (Fire Inspector II), perform responsible, technical and specialized work in the fields of fire safety and prevention inspections, hazardous materials disclosure and inspection, engineering and code enforcement including nuisance, and weed abatement; enforce local, State, and Federal building and fire codes; to conduct fire safety education programs and presentations; and to perform related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Fire Inspector I
Fire Inspector II
REPORTS TO
Fire Marshal, Chief Building/Construction Project Official or designee.
CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED
This is not a supervisory classification.
The Fire Inspector II classification may provide lead direction to Fire Inspector I classifications.
Position Duties
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
- Perform responsible, technical and specialized work in the fields of fire safety and prevention inspections, hazardous materials disclosure and inspection, engineering and code enforcement including nuisance, and weed abatement.
- Conduct inspections of buildings and properties for fire hazards, to determine the effectiveness of existing fire protection equipment, built-in fire protection systems, and other life safety systems, fire escapes, fire exits, fire escape routes, and smoke detectors.
- Perform routine plan review of building and site plans for compliance with fire and building safety codes as needed.
- Check and review building plans prior to issuance of permits; review construction and permit documents in relation to fire prevention laws and codes; and issue permits for special hazards and equipment.
- Issue warnings, notices, and citations regarding violations.
- Coordinate and participate in public fire education, instruction, and demonstrations.
- Perform research and analysis.
- Respond to requests, inquiries, and complaints from fire personnel, contractors, the general public, private and governmental agencies.
- Maintain a variety accurate and complete records and files related to fire prevention and safety activities and programs; prepare and maintain detailed inspection reports, technical reports and statistical data; and create presentation materials.
- Attend and participate in professional group meetings.
- Operate a variety of equipment and tools used in performing inspections.
- Maintain good interdepartmental relationships with all City departments.
- Perform related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
Knowledge of:
Methods and techniques of building construction and fire control systems.
Fire prevention inspection methods and techniques.
Modern principles and practices of fire prevention and suppression.
Organization, procedures, and operating details of City government.
Principles and procedures of record keeping.
Correct interpretation and application of applicable policies and procedures.
Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
Public education procedures.
Principles and practices used in dealing with the public.
English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to:
Understand, read, interpret, and apply applicable Federal, State and local laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to fire prevention and fire safety including the Uniform Fire Code and Uniform Building Code.
Detect fire hazards and code violations and determine appropriate mitigation measures.
Plan and independently perform field work.
Be flexible and seek alternative solutions.
Conduct thorough and detailed fact finding investigations of fire incidents.
Effectively organize and document facts leading to criminal prosecution.
Coordinate with other operating departments and collaborate on alternative solutions.
Participate in public relations and fire safety/education activities.
Deal effectively with fire personnel, contractors, the general public, private and governmental agencies.
Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records.
Operate a variety of equipment and tools used in performing inspections.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and
database applications.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by fifteen college units in fire or building technology-related course work. Completion of Fire Prevention 1A, 1B, 1C and ID or the Fire Inspector I series certified by the California State Board of Fire Services. Completion of Fire Prevention 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D. California State Board of Fire Services accredited courses are also desirable.
Possession of an Associate's Degree is highly desirable.
Experience:
One year of experience performing fire inspections, code enforcement, building inspection or construction duties is highly desirable.
License or Certificate:
Possession of an appropriate California Driver License.
Possession of an Associate's Degree with major course work in fire technology, building technology/construction or a related field. Completion of Fire Prevention 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D Fire Inspector II series certified by the California State Board of Fire Services. Completion of Fire and Life Safety Educator 1, 2, and 3 are highly desirable.
Experience:
Three years of experience in fire inspection, including one year of experience as a Fire Inspector I or as a Building Inspector with emphasis on fire inspection duties with the City of Merced or three years of experience in an equivalent position.
License or Certificate:
Possession of an appropriate California Driver License.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions.
Physical: Frequently stand and walk; sit for extended periods; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; ability to crawl through various areas requiring movement on hands and knees; ability to climb, stoop, crouch, and kneel; lift up to 100 pounds; may work at heights in excess of 12 feet; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computers, telephones, calculators, copiers, and FAX; operate an automobile when performing fire prevention inspections or when responding to emergency situations/incidents.
