Fire Inspector

City of Ventura; San Buenaventura (Ventura) (CA); On-site; USD 72,679 - 97,123; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Pension plan

Paid maternity leave

Paid paternity leave

Tuition assistance

Disability insurance

Job summary

A municipal government organization in Ventura is seeking a Fire Inspector to ensure fire safety compliance and protect community residents. This full-time role involves conducting inspections, promoting fire prevention, and collaborating with property owners. Qualified candidates should possess a high school diploma and relevant experience in law enforcement. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• One year of experience interpreting and enforcing laws.
• Completion of high school required.
• Effective collaboration with property owners and agencies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections of buildings for fire safety code compliance.
• Investigate potential violations and issue reports.
• Coordinate with property owners to resolve code deficiencies.
• Participate in public education on fire prevention.
• Provide technical expertise for emergency responses.

Skills

Understanding of fire prevention principles

Communication skills

Judgment and attention to detail

Interpreting plans

Field-based flexibility

Professionalism and integrity

Education

High school diploma

College coursework in Fire or Construction Technology

Tools

Fire safety codes

California Class C driver's license

Job description

Overview

The City of Ventura is excited to offer opportunities to join the Fire Department as a Fire Inspector or Senior Fire Inspector. Fire Inspectors play a vital role in protecting the safety of residents, businesses, and visitors by ensuring compliance with fire and life safety codes. This is a non-sworn (civilian) position.

About the Opportunity

As a valued member of a dedicated and collaborative team, you’ll help uphold the City’s commitment to exceptional service and community well-being by making a meaningful difference every day. In this role, you will perform a variety of technical inspections and investigations to ensure compliance with municipal, state, and federal fire prevention and hazardous materials regulations. You’ll work closely with property owners, contractors, and partner agencies to promote fire and life safety standards citywide.

Base pay range

$72,679.98/yr - $97,123.73/yr

Key Responsibilities

Depending on assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct inspections of new and existing buildings and occupancies to ensure compliance with fire and life safety codes.
• Investigate complaints and potential violations, prepare detailed reports, and issue notices or citations as appropriate.
• Coordinate with property owners, contractors, and other agencies to resolve code deficiencies and promote compliance.
• Participate in public education and community outreach activities to increase fire prevention awareness.
• Provide technical expertise and post-incident analysis support during emergency responses.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for Fire Department staff, other City departments, and the public.
• Oversee specialized programs such as hazardous materials inspections, weed abatement, or fire protection system testing (as assigned).

The Ideal Candidate – Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will:

• Possess a strong understanding of fire prevention principles, fire and building codes, and inspection practices.
• Exercise sound judgment and attention to detail when identifying and resolving code violations.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with contractors, property owners, and the public to ensure understanding and compliance.
• Be adept at interpreting plans, reviewing permits, and applying technical standards in practical situations.
• Excel in a field-based environment and remain flexible in response to changing conditions and priorities.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a strong commitment to public service.
• Collaborate effectively with Fire Department staff and other City departments to achieve shared goals.
• Remain calm and composed when handling difficult or confrontational situations.
• Take initiative in learning new regulations, inspection techniques, and technology tools.
• Take pride in promoting community safety and representing the City of Ventura with excellence.

Minimum Qualifications – Required

Fire Inspector: A combination of education, training, and experience equivalent to the completion of high school and one year of experience interpreting and enforcing laws and regulations with a governmental agency, including research, investigation and preparation of reports for Municipal Code Enforcement or Fire Prevention is required. College coursework in Fire or Construction Technology, Environmental Studies, Chemistry, Criminal Justice, or a closely related field is highly desirable.

Senior Fire Inspector: In addition to the requirements of a Fire Inspector, 18 months of experience equivalent to that of a Fire Inspector with the City of Ventura is required.

Licenses/Certificates

License: Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required.

Certificates:

• Completion of PC 832 is highly desirable prior to appointment and required within 12 months of appointment.
• Certification by the International Code Council (ICC) in Fire Prevention or Hazardous Materials is highly desirable.
• Successful completion of California State Fire Marshal Fire Inspector 1A, 1B, or Fire Prevention I series courses is highly desirable.

How to Apply & Selection Process

Submit your online City job application and supplemental questionnaire by the filing deadline. Resumes may be attached but will not replace a completed application or supplemental questionnaire. All communication regarding your application will be via email, so please check your inbox regularly and ensure your contact information is current.

Selection Process Timeline:

• Week of November 17, 2025 – Oral Panel Interviews (in-person)
• Department Selection Interviews will be scheduled promptly after the oral panel interviews have been completed.

The Eligibility List established for this classification may be used to fill other regular and temporary vacancies at the discretion of the City.

Additional Information

To learn more about the City’s hiring process, visit the City of Ventura Hiring Process page.

Questions? Contact the Recruitment Team: [e-mail], [phone]

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need an accommodation in a selection process, please notify the Human Resources Department in writing by the final filing date of the position you are interested in. The Human Resources address is: 501 Poli Street, Room 210, Ventura, CA 93001, [phone], e-mail: [e-mail].

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to attract qualified applicants from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected under Federal, State and local law.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to attract qualified applicants from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law.