Fire Inspector I

City of Haines City; Haines City (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Haines City is seeking a Fire Inspector I to perform fire and life safety inspections, enforce codes, and support community risk reduction initiatives. This civilian, non-sworn role focuses on inspections, plan reviews, and coordination with multiple city divisions to promote compliance.

Under the Fire Marshal’s supervision, you will review plans, document deficiencies, and communicate corrective actions to owners and contractors.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED (required).
• State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I certification (required).
• Valid Florida Class E driver's license (required).
• Ability to obtain/maintain required certifications and training.
• Preferred: Associate's degree or higher in Fire Science or related field.
• Preferred: Fire Safety Inspector II certification.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fire and life safety inspections of existing occupancies (commercial, multifamily, industrial, institutional).
• Inspect facilities for compliance with Florida Fire Prevention Code, NFPA standards and local ordinances.
• Identify and document violations and communicate corrective actions.
• Perform follow-up inspections and maintain records of enforcement actions.
• Review building plans and development proposals for code compliance within scope of certifications.
• Review fire protection systems documentation (sprinklers, alarms) as assigned.
• Prepare inspection reports, notices, and correspondence per department procedures.
• Maintain accurate inspection records in designated records management systems.
• Communicate code requirements to owners, contractors, and the public.
• Assist with public education programs and community risk reduction initiatives.

Skills

Knowledge of Florida Fire Prevention

Read building plans

Strong communication skills

Analytical/problem-solving

Public interaction

Education

High school diploma or GED

State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I

Florida Class E license

Associate's degree or higher in Fire Science/Public Safety/Building Construction/Fire Protection

State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector II

Municipal government experience

Tools

Inspection software

Job description

***Position open until November 23, 2026***

The City of Haines City is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for all positions equally without regard to their race, sex, age, color, religion, creed, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. The City of Haines City is a Drug-Free Workplace. Applicants who complete the initial screening process will be required to complete a pre-employment drug screen and physical. Police Department applicants will also be required to take a Polygraph Examination. All information provided by an applicant will be verified for truthfulness and accuracy if a conditional offer of employment is made. Applications and other submitted documents are considered public records.

Salary range is provided to show the min to max compensation for a position. It is not the basis for or guarantee of a starting salary.

Position Function:

Under the supervision of the Fire Marshal, the Fire Inspector I performs technical field and office work related to fire prevention, fire and life safety inspections, code enforcement, and community risk reduction. This civilian, non-sworn position is responsible for conducting inspections, identifying fire and life safety code violations, documenting deficiencies, coordinating corrective actions, and assisting with the review of building plans and fire protection systems.

The Fire Inspector I works with property owners, contractors, developers, business representatives, City departments, and the public to promote compliance with applicable fire and life safety codes and ordinances. This civilian, non-sworn position is responsible for conducting inspections, identifying fire and life safety code violations, documenting deficiencies, coordinating corrective actions, and assisting with the review of building plans and fire protection systems.

This position does not have routine fire suppression or emergency response duties. The employee may be required to report during declared emergencies as directed by fire administration.

Essential Duties:

1. Conduct fire and life safety inspections of existing commercial, multifamily, industrial, institutional, and other applicable occupancies.
2. Inspect buildings and facilities for compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code, applicable NFPA standards, local ordinances, and other applicable fire and life safety requirements.
3. Identify, document, and communicate fire and life safety code violations and required corrective actions.
4. Conduct follow-up inspections to verify correction of identified deficiencies and maintain appropriate documentation of enforcement activities.
5. Review building plans, site plans, fire protection system submittals, and development proposals for compliance with applicable fire and life safety requirements, within the scope of the position's certifications and delegated authority.
6. Review fire protection system documentation, including fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, and fire suppression systems, as assigned and authorized.
7. Prepare inspection reports, violation notices, correspondence, and other records in accordance with department procedures and applicable requirements.
8. Maintain accurate inspection records, case documentation, follow-up actions, and related information in the department's designated records management systems.
9. Communicate fire code requirements to property owners, contractors, developers, business representatives, and other interested parties.
10. Respond to questions and complaints related to fire prevention, fire code compliance, and life safety requirements.
11. Support public education programs and community risk reduction initiatives, including fire prevention outreach and other assigned educational activities.
12. Coordinate with the Fire Marshal, Building Division, Planning Division, other City departments, and outside agencies on inspections, construction projects, code compliance, and related matters.
13. Assist with the development, implementation, and review of fire prevention procedures, inspection processes, and division initiatives.
14. Maintain knowledge of applicable codes, standards, laws, regulations, and inspection practices through continuing education and professional development.
15. Attend required meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities.
16. Maintain required certifications, licenses, and training in accordance with applicable requirements.
17. Perform additional duties as assigned.

Environment:

Work is performed in office settings and field environments, including commercial buildings, multifamily properties, industrial facilities, institutional occupancies, and construction sites. Fieldwork may involve exposure to extreme weather, uneven terrain, stairs, ladders, elevated areas, attics, rooftops, mechanical rooms, and other locations with restricted access.

The position may involve exposure to construction hazards, electrical and mechanical equipment, hazardous materials, dust, noise, and other conditions encountered during inspections. The employee must follow applicable safety procedures and use appropriate protective equipment. The position requires travel to various locations and the ability to perform assigned inspections under varying environmental conditions.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Florida Fire Prevention Code, applicable Florida Statutes and Administrative Code provisions, NFPA standards, and local fire prevention ordinances.
• Knowledge of fire prevention principles, fire hazards, building construction, means of egress, and fire and life safety requirements.
• Knowledge of fire protection systems, including fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, and fire suppression systems.
• Ability to read and interpret building plans, site plans, blueprints, technical documents, and applicable code provisions.
• Ability to identify fire and life safety deficiencies and communicate required corrective actions.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and complete inspection reports, notices, correspondence, and other records.
• Ability to use computers, inspection software, records management systems, and standard office applications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to explain code requirements professionally and effectively to property owners, contractors, business representatives, and members of the public.
• Ability to balance code enforcement with education, customer service, and community risk reduction.
• Strong analytical, observational, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and complete assigned work within established timeframes.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department personnel, City employees, contractors, outside agencies, and the public.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and handle inspection and enforcement matters in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED.
• State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I certification.
• Valid Florida Class E driver's license and ability to meet the City's vehicle insurance requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all certifications and training required for the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's degree or higher in Fire Science, Public Safety, Building Construction, Fire Protection, or a related field.
• State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector II certification.
• Experience in municipal government, fire prevention, building inspection, or public-sector code enforcement.
• ICC or NFPA certifications related to fire inspection, plan review, or fire protection systems.
• Experience conducting inspections, reviewing plans, documenting code violations, or coordinating corrective actions.

Other Requirements:

• Must successfully complete the City's post offer, pre-employment physical examination, drug screening, and applicable background checks.
• Must comply with all applicable City and department policies, procedures, and administrative requirements.
• Must maintain required certifications, licenses, and professional training throughout employment.
• Must obtain American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within six (6) months of the start date.
• Must obtain the following National Incident Management System (NIMS) training certifications within the timeframe established by the department:
  • ICS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System.
  • ICS-200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents.
  • IS-700: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System.
  • IS-800: An Introduction to the National Response Framework.
• Must be able to work independently, exercise sound judgment, maintain accurate records, and communicate effectively with the public and City personnel.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

This position may be required to report for work during a declared emergency in Polk County at the direction of fire administration.