Fire Code Enforcement Officer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s safety-conscious society, the role of Fire Code Enforcement Officers has never been more vital.

As our understanding of fire safety evolves, so too does the need for skilled professionals who can interpret, implement, and enforce the regulations that protect our communities from fire hazards.

But let’s delve deeper: What exactly is expected of a Fire Code Enforcement Officer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricate world of fire code enforcement,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Fire Code Enforcement Officer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Fire Code Enforcement Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Fire Code Enforcement Officers are responsible for enforcing fire safety regulations to ensure the safety of the public.

They inspect buildings and properties for compliance with fire codes, investigate complaints, and educate the public about fire safety.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Inspecting buildings, structures, and fire protection equipment to ascertain and enforce fire safety regulations and laws
• Identifying fire hazards and issuing citations for non-compliance with fire safety regulations
• Reviewing and approving fire protection plans
• Investigating complaints and incidents involving fire code violations
• Presenting public education sessions on fire prevention methods and actions
• Collaborating with fire investigators to determine the cause of fires, especially in cases of suspected arson
• Ensuring the installation and maintenance of fire protection equipment and systems meet the appropriate standards
• Maintaining thorough records of inspections, investigations, and actions taken
• Keeping up-to-date with changes in fire safety laws and regulations

 

Fire Code Enforcement Officer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a qualified and dedicated Fire Code Enforcement Officer to ensure our facilities and operations are in compliance with fire safety codes and standards.

The successful candidate will be tasked with conducting regular inspections, identifying potential fire hazards, and implementing necessary fire prevention and safety measures.

The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of fire safety regulations, excellent investigative skills, and the ability to educate others on fire safety and prevention.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular inspections of premises and facilities to ensure fire safety regulations are adhered to
• Identify potential fire hazards and propose corrective measures
• Enforce fire safety codes and regulations in accordance with municipal and state laws
• Prepare and present reports detailing inspection findings and actions taken
• Organize fire safety training programs for personnel and communities
• Work closely with local fire departments and other emergency services
• Attend to emergency situations and investigate incidents
• Review building plans for compliance with fire safety codes
• Provide advice on fire safety features and equipment

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Fire Code Enforcement Officer or similar role
• Knowledge of fire safety codes and regulations
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper course of action
• Excellent understanding of fire safety equipment and features
• Strong communication and training skills
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Certification in fire safety and prevention is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• On-the-job training and professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Fire Code Enforcement Officer
• Work Environment: The role involves working in a variety of settings including offices, residential properties, industrial sites, and occasionally attending to emergency situations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Fire Marshal or Fire Chief.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Fire Code Enforcement Officer Do?

Fire Code Enforcement Officers, also known as Fire Inspectors, primarily work for local government agencies, fire departments, and other related organizations.

Their primary role involves enforcing fire safety codes and regulations.

They are responsible for inspecting buildings and properties for potential fire hazards and assessing their compliance with fire safety codes.

This can include checking fire extinguishers, alarms, sprinkler systems, emergency exits, and other fire prevention equipment to ensure they are in good working condition and meet the required safety standards.

Fire Code Enforcement Officers also review building plans for new constructions or renovations to ensure they comply with fire safety codes.

They provide recommendations to modify designs to improve fire safety measures, and ensure that safety equipment is installed correctly.

In case of a fire incident, they conduct investigations to determine the cause of the fire and whether the fire safety measures were adequate or not.

They then prepare detailed reports based on their findings and can testify in court if needed.

They also conduct fire safety education programs for the public and businesses to spread awareness about fire prevention methods, and to ensure everyone knows how to respond correctly during a fire emergency.

In some cases, Fire Code Enforcement Officers might be required to serve legal notices or even shut down buildings or properties that are not in compliance with the fire safety codes.

 

Fire Code Enforcement Officer Qualifications and Skills

Fire Code Enforcement Officers need a variety of technical skills, comprehensive knowledge of fire safety standards, and excellent interpersonal abilities, including:

• Deep understanding and knowledge of fire codes and regulations to effectively enforce compliance.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to identify potential fire hazards and recommend suitable solutions.
• Strong communication skills to explain complex regulations and standards to property owners, developers, and the general public in a comprehensible manner.
• Ability to work well with local fire departments, law enforcement, and other regulatory agencies to coordinate fire prevention activities and share relevant information.
• Proficient in using relevant software and technology for record keeping, report writing, and conducting fire safety inspections.
• Keen attention to detail to inspect properties for fire hazards and ensure that all fire safety measures are in place.
• Good physical condition to conduct thorough site inspections, which may require walking, climbing, or crawling in various conditions.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with community members and encourage compliance with fire safety regulations.

 

Fire Code Enforcement Officer Experience Requirements

Fire Code Enforcement Officer candidates are usually expected to have a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in fire prevention, building inspection or a related field.

This experience should provide them with a deep understanding of fire codes, building codes, and safety standards.

This experience is often gained through roles such as Firefighter, Building Inspector, Fire Safety Inspector, or Fire Marshal.

These roles provide candidates with the necessary exposure to fire safety regulations and practices.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience may have worked in more specialized or supervisory roles in fire safety, such as Fire Prevention Supervisor, Fire Safety Director, or Fire Code Specialist.

They might have been responsible for inspecting buildings and structures for fire code compliance, developing fire safety plans, and training others in fire safety procedures.

Those with 7 or more years of experience may be equipped to take on leadership roles, overseeing the fire code enforcement activities of a city, county, or state.

They may also have experience in preparing and presenting reports to governmental bodies or agencies, and in developing and implementing fire prevention policies and procedures.

In addition, candidates for a Fire Code Enforcement Officer role are often required to have specific certifications like Certified Fire Inspector I (CFI-I), Certified Fire Inspector II (CFI-II), or Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS).

These certifications demonstrate a candidate’s expertise and commitment to the field of fire safety and code enforcement.

 

Fire Code Enforcement Officer Education and Training Requirements

Fire Code Enforcement Officers usually require a high school diploma or equivalent, but many employers prefer candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in fire science, fire prevention technology, or a related field.

These academic programs provide comprehensive training on fire behavior, investigation methods, prevention techniques, and public education strategies.

They often include courses in fire chemistry and physics, principles of emergency services, fire prevention, fire protection systems, building construction for fire protection, and fire investigation.

Most Fire Code Enforcement Officers begin their careers as firefighters and gradually advance to this role.

This practical experience can be critical, as it provides firsthand understanding of fire behavior and the proper implementation of fire codes.

In addition, many states require Fire Code Enforcement Officers to be certified, which often involves completing formal training programs and passing an examination.

Certification programs are typically administered by state fire marshal offices or similar agencies and may require ongoing education to maintain.

Fire Code Enforcement Officers also require good interpersonal skills, as they frequently interact with building owners, contractors, and other officials.

They must have strong communication skills and the ability to interpret and apply complex codes and regulations.

Some officers may also pursue advanced degrees or additional certifications in areas such as fire science or public administration to enhance their career opportunities and expertise.

 

Fire Code Enforcement Officer Salary Expectations

A Fire Code Enforcement Officer earns an average salary of $56,130 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary based on factors such as level of experience, qualifications, location, and the employing agency.

 

Fire Code Enforcement Officer Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Fire Code Enforcement Officer need?

A Fire Code Enforcement Officer typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum requirement, along with some experience in fire service or building inspections.

Many employers also require certification in fire inspections or plan reviews from an accredited organization, such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

In addition, a working knowledge of local, state, and national fire codes is imperative.

 

What are the typical duties of a Fire Code Enforcement Officer?

A Fire Code Enforcement Officer is responsible for conducting regular fire safety inspections of buildings, reviewing building plans to ensure they comply with fire safety codes, and investigating fire incidents to determine if there were any code violations.

They also educate the public about fire safety and code compliance, handle complaints related to fire code violations and work closely with fire departments and other public safety agencies.

 

What qualities make a good Fire Code Enforcement Officer?

A successful Fire Code Enforcement Officer should have excellent analytical skills to accurately assess potential fire hazards and understand complex building plans.

Good communication skills are essential for educating the public about fire safety and reporting on inspections.

They should also be detail-oriented to ensure strict compliance with fire codes and regulations.

It is equally important for them to have strong integrity and fairness, as they are responsible for enforcing laws and regulations.

 

Do Fire Code Enforcement Officers need to undergo continuous training?

Yes, continuous training is crucial for Fire Code Enforcement Officers to keep abreast of the latest developments in fire safety regulations, firefighting techniques, and fire prevention strategies.

This may involve attending workshops, seminars, or courses offered by professional organizations or government agencies.

Some states may also require regular continuing education for re-certification purposes.

 

Is it challenging to recruit Fire Code Enforcement Officers?

Yes, it can be challenging to recruit Fire Code Enforcement Officers due to the specialized nature of the role.

Candidates must have a solid understanding of fire codes, building construction, and fire investigations.

Therefore, recruitment often involves a rigorous selection process, including written tests, interviews, and sometimes physical ability tests.

Despite these challenges, the role is rewarding and offers opportunities for career advancement in public safety.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve illuminated the essential duties and responsibilities of a Fire Code Enforcement Officer.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about enforcing fire safety regulations.

It’s about safeguarding communities, one fire safety inspection at a time.

Armed with our reliable Fire Code Enforcement Officer job description template and real-world examples, you’re now ready to advance.

But why halt your momentum?

Explore more with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards creating razor-sharp job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Bear in mind:

Every fire safety inspection is a step towards a safer community.

Let’s create that safety. Together.

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