Fire Inspector III

Charlotte, County of • 26571 Airport Road Punta Gorda FL 33982, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Fire Inspector III, you'll play a critical role in protecting lives, property, and the safety of our community by helping prevent fires before they occur. Through advanced fire inspections, plan reviews, code enforcement, and fire investigations, you'll ensure homes, businesses, and public facilities meet essential fire safety standards. Your expertise helps reduce risk, strengthen public safety, and support the County's commitment to creating a safer community for everyone. Beyond technical expertise, this position serves as a leader within the Fire Prevention Division by mentoring inspectors, guiding complex projects, and supporting the development of future fire prevention professionals. Whether responding to emergencies, investigating fires, or providing leadership and technical guidance, your work directly contributes to a stronger, more prepared Fire & EMS organization and helps ensure the highest level of service for the citizens of Charlotte County.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree: Fire Science
• Experience in building and construction inspection, plan review and fire science.
• Three (3) years of experience as a fire inspector, to include lead worker experience.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must possess and maintain the following certifications: Florida Municipal Fire Safety Inspector I and II, Florida Fire Investigator, Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance
• Ability to obtain within six (6) month of position assignment: ICS 100, 200. 300, 400 and 800
• Knowledge of departmental policies, plans, and procedures.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, plans, and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other job-related computer programs and software applications.
• Knowledge of all fire safety laws, rules, and regulations and the County Fire Prevention Code.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of fire safety.
• Knowledge of building and construction principles and practices and familiarity with all aspects of fire service.
• Skill in fire investigation and in recognizing fire code violations and hazardous conditions.
• Skill in effective communication, both orally and in writing.
• Skill in prioritizing and organizing work.
• Skill in the use of office equipment such as a computer, multi-line telephone system, scanner, fax machine, and copier.
• Ability to recognize and define fire hazards and to recommend effective remedial measures.
• Ability to read and interpret construction and building diagrams, plans, and blueprints and to recognize deviations from such plans in the construction - and installation processes, and to recommend correction as required by the Fire Prevention Code.
• Ability to detect and locate defective workmanship and operations at any stage of installation, and of stages of construction, when possible, defects and violations may most easily be observed and corrected, with the knowledge of the materials and methods to make such corrections.
• Ability to recognize faulty construction or hazardous conditions.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in interpreting and enforcing codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret building construction plans and specifications, plans and blueprints.
• Ability to ascertain priorities and meet deadlines and objectives.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and reports.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to provide internal/external guidance and customer assistance via all forms of communication.
• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and/or accounting purposes.
• Ability to author reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to establish and effective working relationships with managers, service providers, other employees, and the public.

Nice To Haves

• All positions are subject to emergency activation. As such, the terms and conditions of the specification, as outlined below, are subject to modification based on the needs of any emergency activation.
• In addition, some positions may require a special license, screening clearance, or other credential that may not be specifically listed in the class specification. The employee’s inability to obtain, or the loss of, any credential reasonably required to fulfill the essential job functions may disqualify an employee from continued employment.
• All positions with Charlotte County may be subject to drug testing in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Program and/or County policy.
• All County employees are required to work before, during, or after an emergency as needed. This may include temporarily being assigned to work and performing duties outside of the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a lead worker for Fire Inspector I and II personnel; helps coordinate daily work assignments; provides technical guidance, advice, and expertise; reviews work in progress and completed work for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with applicable codes, policies, and procedures; assists with training and safety practices; and provides input for hiring and performance evaluation processes as requested.
• Inspects buildings and areas of public assembly to check for fire hazards, efficiency of fire protection equipment, adequacy of fire exits, and for general compliance with fire prevention laws; performs re-inspections if necessary; and completes inspection reports.
• Inspects and tests installation and maintenance of fire protection and alarm systems for compliance with approved plans.
• Receives and responds to complaints/questions from other agencies and/or the general public regarding fire/safety violations and recommends necessary adjustments; and interprets and/or explains fire safety codes and other related ordinances.
• Issues notices of code violations and consults with and advises occupants regarding appropriate corrective action.
• Reviews building and construction plans for compliance with fire safety codes and ordinances; approves or rejects plans; and maintains related documentation and files.
• Consults with and advises architects, engineers, developers, contractors, homeowners, crafts/trades workers, and citizen groups regarding fire safety codes and other related ordinances.
• Conducts research of property records in preparation of code violation cases.
• Compiles data, prepares reports outlining findings and recommendations, and presents cases to Code Enforcement Board.
• Provides exceptional customer assistance, problem-solving, and/or complaint resolution by all forms of communication.
• Responds to and investigates fires and explosions to determine the cause and origin.
• Solicits information from and interviews suspects, witnesses, owners, and occupants.
• Responds to all fire alarms for fire investigation, as directed.
• Maintains all fire investigation equipment to ensure its readiness.
• Conducts latent fire investigations, as required.
• Serves as the acting Fire Marshal in his/her absence.

Benefits

• Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor .

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree