Deputy Fire Inspector - Code Specialist

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 79,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office seeks a Deputy Fire Inspector – Advanced with extensive fire code expertise to perform detailed plan reviews, assess alternative designs, and serve as a subject matter expert on IFC and NFPA codes.

The role collaborates with developers, architects, and permitting staff to resolve complex code issues and supports code interpretation during reviews. Texas certification and strong communications are essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• TCFP Fire Inspector Basic Certification or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in fire code enforcement or plan review.
• Valid Texas Class C driver license at time of hire.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate alternative methods, code modifications, and interpretations submitted for review.
• Support application of fire and life safety codes during plan reviews and inspections with ICC/NFPA as needed.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, developers, and permitting staff to resolve complex code issues.
• Serve as liaison between the Fire Marshal’s Office and other Harris County departments on Fire Code matters.
• Maintain communication with ICC, NFPA, and local stakeholders involved in code discussions.
• Participate in code amendment processes and code update initiatives.
• Utilize computer applications and databases to manage reviews and document code determinations.
• Respond to code-related inquiries from the public and stakeholders promptly.

Skills

IFC knowledge

NFPA knowledge

Plan review

Code interpretation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Position Overview

The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office is seeking a highly knowledgeable and motivated Deputy Fire Inspector – Advanced who possesses extensive knowledge and expertise in fire code compliance and plan review processes, with advanced proficiency in the International Fire Code (IFC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and standards. This role is integral to safeguarding life safety in Harris County by conducting detailed plan reviews, evaluating alternative design proposals, and serving as a subject matter expert on fire code issues. The Specialist will also collaborate with developers, design professionals, and internal partners, and maintain strong relationships with state and national code development organizations. Conduct technical reviews of building and site development plans for compliance with the IFC, NFPA standards, and Harris County amendments.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluate and provide recommendations on alternative methods, code modifications, and code interpretations submitted for review.
• Support the application of fire and life safety codes through code interpretation during plan reviews and inspections, working with recognized partners such as ICC and NFPA as needed.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, developers, and permitting staff to resolve complex code compliance issues.
• Serve as a liaison between the Fire Marshal’s Office and other Harris County departments, including Engineering, to coordinate on matters related to the Harris County Fire Code.
• Maintain active communication and networking with ICC, NFPA, and local stakeholders involved in code discussions.
• Participate in code amendment processes, code update initiatives, and process development.
• Utilize a variety of computer applications and databases to manage reviews, track issues, and document code determinations.
• Respond to code-related inquiries from the public and stakeholders in a professional and timely manner

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform as a member of an Incident Management Team during emergency or disaster situations.
• Maintain situational awareness of all HCFMO activities.
• Serve on committees, boards, or other teams as assigned by the Fire Marshal or designee.
• Perform assigned tasks safely, and document and report initial accidents, injuries, or health exposures in accordance with accepted safety practices and HCFMO policy.
• The duties listed above are not meant to limit the assignment of work, nor should they be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally performed, or as a list of all duties that may be performed temporarily outside an employee’s normal line of work.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or [e-mail]

Possess any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following

Experience and Experience

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent from an accredited educational institution.
• Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Fire Inspector Basic Certification

• Minimum of (1) one year of experience in fire code enforcement, plan review, or related regulatory enforcement

• At the date of hire, possess a valid driver’s license, State of Texas Class C.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Have a mastery-level knowledge of recognized standards, codes, and laws for fire inspections and identification of fire and life safety hazards, including LGC 352.016.
• Strong knowledge of fire safety codes, regulations, and standards.
• Excellent observational and analytical skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency with computer applications and inspection tools.
• Knowledge in various areas relevant to the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office.
• Knowledge of Incident Management, such as the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
• Knowledge of plan examination and the ability to obtain TCFP certification as a plan examiner within one year

Automatic Disqualification

• Convictions, probation, or deferred adjudication for any Felony, and any Class A Misdemeanor.
• Convictions, probation, or deferred adjudication for a Class B Misdemeanor, if within the previous 10 years.
• Open arrest for any criminal offense (Felony or Misdemeanor).
• Family Violence conviction.

Additional Position Requirements

• All applicants selected to advance will be required to complete the TCOLE Personal History Statement and Background Investigation Authorization forms before moving forward.
• Candidates who possess a TCOLE Basic Peace Officer License or higher will be subject to additional position requirements.

NOTICE

Applicants for this position will be subject to a criminal background check that includes being fingerprinted. This applies to any position with network access to Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) or access to an area where CJIS is received, maintained or stored either manually or electronically (i.e. custodian, maintenance).

NOTE

Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

• Five (5) years of experience in fire code enforcement, plan review, or related regulatory enforcement.
• Extensive working knowledge of the International Fire Code (IFC) and relevant NFPA codes and standards.
• NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist (or ability to obtain within (1) one year of employment)
• Texas Fire Commission Plans Examiner (or ability to obtain within (1) one year of employment)
• ICC Fire Plans Examiner certification (or ability to obtain within (1) one year of employment)
• Strong working knowledge of digital tools, including plan review platforms, electronic permitting systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Proven ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate with regulatory agencies and professional organizations.

All FMO personnel are expected to maintain high standards of excellence when representing the department in any county-related activity.

No personnel shall act or behave, privately or in an official capacity, in such a manner as to bring discredit upon themselves or the Department. Personnel shall obey all federal, state, and local laws.

Staff members are expected to conduct themselves as professionals.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

• Regular Full-time
• 40-Hours per Week | On - Call schedule
  • May include nights, weekends & holidays

Salary

• $37.90 - $43.20 Hourly
• Commensurate with Experience
• Based on 26 Pay Periods
  • Plus, benefits

Physical Demands

• Work requires the employee to maintain the necessary physical abilities to perform required job functions.
• Work requires seeing, standing, walking, sitting, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, talking, hearing, pushing, pulling, and lifting and carrying weights as shown in the work classification.
• Work Classification: Light Work - exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force.

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.