Fire Inspector

City of Highland Park; Highland Park (IL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

IMRF pension

Job summary

The City of Highland Park seeks a Fire Inspector to ensure compliance with fire and life safety codes by reviewing plans and conducting field inspections across a range of structures. You will verify egress, fire protection systems, and coordinate with owners and contractors to achieve compliance through education and enforcement.

Under the supervision of the Senior Inspector and Building Division Manager, you will manage inspections, maintain records, and participate in hearings as required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of fire prevention methods, fire codes, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of construction practices, materials, fire hazards, egress requirements, and fire protection systems.
• Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications and recognize deviations.
• Skill in identifying hazardous conditions and enforcing codes fairly, tactfully, and impartially.

Responsibilities

• Perform fire and life safety inspections of new and existing structures including schools, industrial facilities, commercial kitchens, paint booths, storage tanks, fire alarms, sprinklers, hood and duct systems, tents, and other temporary structures.
• Verify compliance with municipal, state, and federal fire codes, ordinances, and statutes.
• Review fire sprinkler and egress plans for compliance with applicable codes.
• Investigate complaints of fire and safety hazards, identify violations, and determine compliance status of properties, buildings, structures, and uses.
• Apply enforcement actions as needed and work with property owners to resolve issues.
• Provide education and guidance to promote voluntary compliance where possible.

Skills

Fire codes knowledge

Plan reading

Communication skills

Customer service

Enforcement approach

MS Office proficiency

Hazard identification

Education

HS diploma or GED

Illinois Fire Prevention Officer I certification within 12 months

ICC Fire Inspector I certification within 12 months

ICC Fire Prevention Officer II or NFPA/ICC Fire Plan/Alarm/Sprinkler Plan Examiner certifications preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Munis

ESO permitting database

Eden permitting database

EP&L

Job description

Primary Purpose

Ensure compliance with municipal fire and life safety codes by reviewing plans, conducting inspections, and enforcing applicable regulations. Perform field inspections of commercial, industrial, multi-family, institutional, and temporary structures to identify hazards, verify egress and fire protection systems, and ensure compliance with City, state, and federal fire codes. Work with property owners and contractors to achieve compliance through education and enforcement.

Supervision Received

Receive direct supervision from the Senior Inspector and general supervision from the Building Division Manager and senior management.

2026 Expected Hiring Range: $30.09 ($62,57.20*) - $37.61 ($78,228.80*) DOQ

2026 Grade 10 Range Max: $45.15 ($93,912.00*)

IMRF pension eligible role.

*Annual equivalents based on a projected 40 hour workweek.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform fire and life safety inspections of new and existing structures including schools, industrial facilities, commercial kitchens, paint booths, storage tanks, fire alarms, sprinklers, hood and duct systems, tents, and other temporary structures. Verify compliance with municipal, state, and federal fire codes, ordinances, and statutes. Review fire sprinkler and egress plans for compliance with applicable codes.
• Investigate complaints of fire and safety hazards, identify violations, and determine compliance status of properties, buildings, structures, and uses. Apply enforcement actions as needed and work with property owners to resolve issues. Provide education and guidance to promote voluntary compliance where possible.
• Communicate with property owners, contractors, tenants, and staff to explain code requirements, describe violations, and achieve compliance. Schedule and coordinate inspections, fire protection acceptance tests, and life safety inspections related to occupancy certification. Assist with the administration of the City’s elevator safety program and coordination with certified contract elevator inspection firm.
• Maintain accurate written records of inspections, violations, and enforcement actions. Prepare reports, present findings to supervisors, and represent the City at administrative hearings or court proceedings as required.
• Review projects for conformity with approved plans and conditions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned. Attend meetings, conferences, and training to maintain certifications.

Required Minimum Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent is required.

Experience

Three to five years of experience in code enforcement, fire inspection, building inspection, or related field, preferably in a municipal setting. Equivalent combinations of education, certification, and training may be considered. Broad experience in fire and life safety inspections strongly preferred. Knowledge and experience enforcing the International Fire Code strongly preferred.

Certification or License

Valid driver’s license required. Illinois Fire Prevention Officer I certification within twelve months of hire. ICC Fire Inspector I certification required within twelve months of hire. Additional code-related certifications in fire or building inspection disciplines strongly preferred. ICC Fire Prevention Officer II or NFPA/ICC Fire Plan/Alarm/Sprinkler Plan Examiner certifications strongly preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Proficiencies

• Knowledge of fire prevention methods, fire codes, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of construction practices, materials, fire hazards, egress requirements, and fire protection systems.
• Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications and recognize deviations.
• Skill in identifying hazardous conditions and enforcing codes fairly, tactfully, and impartially.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with residents, contractors, and professionals.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and maintain a customer-service approach while enforcing compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and permitting databases (ESO, Eden, EP&L).
• Commitment to integrity, professionalism, and compliance with conflict-of-interest standards.

Work Environment

Work is performed in both office and field settings. Office work involves documentation, plan review, and permit support. Field inspections involve exposure to outdoor weather conditions, active construction sites, elevated work areas, and loud noise. Occasional overtime may be required for special events, investigations, or emergency inspections.

Tools and Equipment Used

Use a motor vehicle, personal computer, and tablet with Microsoft Office, permitting software (Munis, ESO, EP&L), and database applications. Operate standard office equipment such as printers, copiers, calculators, and telephones, along with digital cameras and inspection tools.

Physical Demands

Regularly stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear. Frequently use hands for handling documents, operating equipment, and climbing. Occasionally lift and move up to 35 pounds. Vision requirements include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Inspections require use of ladders, navigating uneven terrain, working at heights, or entering confined spaces.