Fire Inspector (part-time)

Frederick County Government; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 34,440,000 - 48,216,000; Part time

Job summary

Frederick County Government seeks a Fire Inspector II to perform residential and commercial fire and life safety inspections, plan reviews, and system acceptance testing. This non-exempt, part-time position (20 hours/week) works independently as a technical resource and mentor to Fire Inspector I staff, interpreting codes with significant impact on public safety and project costs.

The role requires a high school diploma, 5 years in fire service operations, NFPA 1030 or ICC FI/FII/Pro Board

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent as minimum
• Minimum of 5 years of work experience in fire service operations including fire alarm, pumps, suppression systems and life safety code inspections
• Possession of NFPA 1030 Fire Inspector and Plans Examiner Certification or equivalent ICC FI/FII/Pro Board Certification

Responsibilities

• Enforce County and State Fire Codes and Maryland fire laws for new permits
• Perform on-site inspections at in-progress construction to ensure code compliance
• Witness initial functional tests of fire protection, extinguishing and alarm systems
• Compile and prepare inspection reports and technical documents
• Review NFPA and other recognized standards
• Interact with architects, engineers, developers, building owners, tenants, and the public
• Perform permit reviews for suppression systems, alarms, pumps, etc.
• Lead and mentor Fire Inspector I staff

Skills

Report writing

Inspection techniques

Leadership/mentoring

Communication (English)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

NFPA 1030 Fire Inspector certification or equivalent (FI/FII/Pro Board)

Tools

Driver's license

Job description

Non-exempt (additional compensation to include annual work boot allowance) part-time; 20 hours per week; varied scheduled between Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.; no benefits

This position performs residential and commercial fire and life safety inspections, plan reviews, and system acceptance testing for Frederick County. The Fire Inspector II works independently and serves as a technical resource and mentor to Fire Inspector I staff, providing guidance on inspections and code interpretation. Work at this level involves handling atypical or sensitive projects requiring in-depth technical knowledge, coordination with multiple stakeholders, and the application of advanced fire protection and life safety building code principles. The position exercises independent judgment in interpreting and applying codes, with decisions that may influence public safety, project costs, and operational outcomes.

• Enforce County and State Fire Codes and the fire laws of Maryland as they pertain to new permits
• Perform on-site inspections at in-progress construction sites to assure full compliance with fire and life safety codes in residential and commercial construction
• Participate in training sessions related to fire prevention and safety in order to maintain certifications and current practice
• Witness initial functional performance tests of fire protection, extinguishing and alarm systems
• Compile and prepare formal inspection reports, memos, letters and other technical documents
• Review and utilize applicable codes, ordinances, etc. published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other recognized standards
• Assist and interact with architects, engineers, developers, contractors, building owners, tenants and the general public
• Perform permit review functions for suppression systems, alarms, pumps, etc. as needed
• Perform other related duties as required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 5 years of work experience in fire service operations including fire alarm, pumps, suppression systems and life safety code inspections
• Possession of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1030 consolidated Fire Inspector and Plans Examiner Certification (or equivalent International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector I (FI) and Fire Inspector II (FII), Pro Board Certification)
• Possession of a valid driver's license

A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Advanced knowledge of applicable fire codes, life safety codes, ordinances, etc. with ability to effectively interpret and apply appropriate regulations (including state, local, NFPA and IBC)
• Knowledge of inspection techniques, processes, and procedures
• Knowledge of fire and safety systems
• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, plans, specifications and site plans quickly and accurately, and compare them to construction in process
• Skilled at spoken and written (English) communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present clear and concise reports, investigative findings, correspondence, etc.
• Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, contractors, other business professionals and the general public
• Ability to lead and guide other inspectors

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently sit, walk, climb/ascend/descend, stoop/kneel/crouch, reach, perform repetitive motions and drive; and rarely crawl and lift up to 20 pounds
• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently work indoors, outdoors, walk on uneven ground, work in dirty/dusty and noisy environments; and rarely work at heights, and below ground level

• Available for varied working hours as needed
• This position is subject to random drug testing
• Failure to meet or maintain the minimum qualifications or additional requirements may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):

1. An evaluation of training and experience
2. A job-related written examination
3. One or more interviews