Public Safety Inspector II - Multiple Vacancies

MaineGuide; Maine; On-site; USD 57,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

MaineGuide is seeking a plan review and enforcement professional for statewide fire safety compliance. You will review architectural plans, construction specs, and fire protection systems to ensure adherence to codes, coordinating with architects, engineers, and municipal officials to resolve issues and issue permits.

The role involves investigative work across facilities, enforcement actions, and providing testimony when needed.

Qualifications

• Four-year combination of education and/or experience in inspecting and enforcing federal/state laws and regulations.
• Experience reviewing architectural plans and construction specifications preferred.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal and state codes.
• Strong investigative and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and interprets architectural plans for new construction and renovations to ensure code compliance.
• Coordinates with federal, state, and local authorities on investigations and enforcement actions.
• Inspects premises licensed to sell alcohol to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
• Prepares detailed reports and testifies in administrative or court proceedings.

Skills

Plan review

Code interpretation

Enforcement

Investigative reporting

Job description

Department of Public Safety - Fire Marshals Office

Job Class Code:7272 Grade:25 (Professional/Technical) Salary: $56.867.20 - $79.747.20/Annually Location: Statewide

Opening Date: October 28, 2026 Closing Date: November 12, 2026

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

This is a plan review position within the State Fire Marshal’s Office, responsible for reviewing architectural plans, construction specifications, and fire protection systems for compliance with applicable fire and life safety codes. Duties include identifying deficiencies, working with architects, engineers, contractors, and municipal officials to resolve code issues, and issuing construction permits and written approvals. Work is performed under limited supervision and supports safe construction, timely permitting, and consistent application of fire safety requirements statewide.

DESCRIPTION:

This is investigative and protective services work involving the inspection and enforcement of federal and state laws, rules, and regulations governing compliance with fire protection codes; retail liquor stores, federal and state vehicle codes and standards as they relate to motor vehicle inspections, restaurants and clubs located throughout the state, and organizations conducting games of chance or businesses engaged in legalized gambling in order to ensure facilities, businesses, and organizations comply with statutory requirements. Work is performed under limited supervision.

REPRESENTATIVETASKS:

Reviews and interprets architectural plans and specifications of new construction, additions, and renovations of places of public assembly for residential and non‑residential use and other miscellaneous structures in order to ensure compliance with codes and suggest resolutions to ensure occupant safety upon completion of construction. Works with federal, state, county, and local law enforcement officials engaged in investigation and enforcement functions in order to coordinate information, investigations, arrests, and prosecutions and advise on applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations. Inspects premises licensed to sell intoxicating liquors in order to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. Reviews and analyzes plans and specifications for fire escapes, fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, construction of explosive magazines, and self‑service gasoline stations in order to ensure compliance with federal and state fire codes and state laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to occupant safety. Performs supportive functions and special projects including preparing financial reports and budget orders, writing and tracking legislative proposals, responding to correspondence, and attending hearings and workshops during legislative sessions in order to assist senior management. Testifies in administrative, civil and/or criminal proceedings in order to provide testimony of evidentiary value. Conducts classes, provides reference materials for instructors, notifies instructors of noncompliance issues, and oversees the issuance of certificates in order to administer and oversee a comprehensive training program. Advises bureau staff and local municipal authorities in fire protection matters in order to resolve planning or construction problems. Investigates complaints of alleged administrative, criminal, or other unlawful acts in order to validate violation of applicable laws, rules, and regulations; gather evidence; and issue summonses. Writes detailed reports of investigations in order to assist prosecuting attorneys in preparing cases for presentation in administrative and/or criminal court. Inspects new or existing construction in order to detect deficiencies, determine compliance, and establish minimum completion schedules. Issues formal written approvals and construction permits in order to allow construction to begin. Recommends allowance or denial of occupancy of completed construction in accordance with applicable codes, rules, and regulations in order to ensure established standards are met. Resolves questionable architectural design plans, specifications, building construction materials, interior finishes, and other related fire and safety code problems in order to ensure problems are corrected. Organizes and coordinates informational presentations of enforcement programs for the public and/or professional organizations in order to increase public awareness. Recommends issuance of complaints or summonses to businesses for violations of applicable laws, regulations, or codes in order to ensure violations are documented and corrected. Conducts cause and origin investigations and analyses of fires and explosions in order to evaluate the effect of fire protection features and to determine cause and origin of fires. Conducts in‑service training for bureau staff, municipal fire service personnel, architects, engineers, and construction personnel in order to provide information.

KNOWLEDGES,SKILLS,ANDABILITIESREQUIRED:

Knowledge of public building construction methods and techniques. Knowledge of "fire rated" construction materials, interior finishes, and decorations. Knowledge of emergency lighting systems. Knowledge of training resources. Knowledge of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Knowledge of smoke, heat, and fire detection and suppression systems. Knowledge of architectural barriers. Knowledge of sprinkler hydraulics, system design, and installation. Knowledge of State and Federal laws applicable to and enforced by agency members. Knowledge of Maine liquor licensing and permit requirements. Knowledge of investigative techniques and enforcement practices and procedures. Ability to interpret and apply applicable codes. Ability to write clear and concise reports. Ability to establish effective working relationships. Ability to inspect structures and detect deficiencies. Ability to direct or conduct investigations and inspections. Ability to assess situations and facts, reach logical conclusions, and make sound decisions. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to write clearly and effectively. Ability to plan, develop, coordinate, and implement training programs. Ability to develop, present, and evaluate instruction. Ability to assess resources and prepare financial reports.

MINIMUMQUALIFICATIONS:

A four (4) year combination of education and/or experience in the inspection and enforcement of federal and state laws, rules, and regulations governing compliance with applicable specialty area(s).

Preference will be given to candidates with experience reviewing architectural plans and construction specifications and applying fire and life safety codes. Experience working with architects, engineers, contractors,