Fire Prevention Inspector I

Under immediate supervision performs specialized administrative and technical fire inspection and code enforcement work in support of the Fire Prevention function; reviews plans and specifications to determine compliance with applicable codes ordinances rules and regulations; approves and issues applicable permits; conducts on-site inspections as required; educates the public in fire prevention techniques; performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate supervision from the Deputy Director of Community and Economic Development Building and Fire Safety. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

The job functions listed below are not inclusive or exclusive and are intended only as illustrations or examples of the various types of work that may be performed in various divisions/departments. Types of work performed shall be within the scope and licensure (if required) for the classification. Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law.

Some duties knowledge and abilities may be performed by positions at the entry (I) level in a learning capacity.

• Inspects private and public buildings for compliance with pertinent fire-safety standards as mandated by Federal State and County codes.
• Receives processes and reviews plan check submittals applications and other related documents; provides counter and telephone service to the general public; answers code related issues and provides information regarding permit processing policies and procedures.
• Receives comment letters and stamps plans as approved or disapproved; notifies applicant and maintains database history.
• Receives requests for inspection and schedules inspections appropriately; creates and maintains project files and checks project status.
• Maintains department permit program; administers fire fee program including collection of funds allocation and disbursement.
• Inspects and directs the testing of fire protection and detection systems for proper operation and maintenance.
• Conducts plan review and final inspection test of fire protection and detection systems for proper operation and maintenance.
• Coordinates inspection and plan review assignments with other County departments and government agencies.
• Responds to citizen complaints and requests for information and assistance; explains and interprets requirements and restrictions.
• Develops and maintains relationships with other County departments and agencies developers contractors architects and the public.
• Develops presents and coordinates fire and life safety education programs for the community including professional and governmental agencies local schools community groups and the public.
• Performs public information activities including responding to incidents; develops public information materials such as press releases and public service announcements.
• Prepares reports and maintains records of fire inspections and investigations work including installations of fire protection systems violations of codes new construction and other files reports and records.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of fire prevention and inspections; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to County needs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Concepts and theories of fire science as they relate to fire prevention and code enforcement.
• Principles practices and techniques of modern fire protection and prevention including fire protection equipment and systems.
• Fire prevention inspection methods and techniques.
• Principles practices and methods used in residential and commercial structural building inspection and plan review; land use planning and applicable regulations.
• Principles of structural design and engineering mathematics.
• Types of building materials and variations in their quality.
• Mechanical chemical and related characteristics of a wide variety of hazardous materials chemical reactions and fire behavior.
• Acceptable health safety and fire standards in building construction including construction rating systems exiting systems warning systems fire suppression systems and fire department service capabilities.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of fire prevention and abatement methods.
• Principles and techniques used in the development and implementation of safety education programs.
• Fire suppression methods and procedures.
• Testing procedures of fire protection and extinguishing systems.
• Local geography including the location of water mains hydrants and related preventive measures.
• Terminology and technical report writing requirements related to fire prevention and life safety programs.
• Basic mathematics.
• Recordkeeping principles and procedures.
• Applicable federal state and local laws codes and ordinances relevant to the area(s) of responsibility.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public vendors contractors and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words rules of composition and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program project and task coordination including computers and software programs relevant to the work performed.

• Perform fire safety inspections of buildings and fire protection equipment to ensure compliance with mandated regulations.
• Detect fire hazards and code violations and determine proper mitigation measures.
• Properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws regulations and policies.
• Analyze and interpret plans and specifications and detecting deviations from approved plans.
• Apply technical knowledge of building trades work.
• Perform required mathematical computations with accuracy.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports and other written material.
• Collect interpret and analyze office and field inspection data accurately.
• Coordinate and deal tactfully with the public to correct identified safety hazards.
• Make accurate mathematical calculations.
• Understand interpret and apply all pertinent laws codes regulations policies and procedures and standards relevant to the work performed.
• Effectively use computer systems software applications relevant to the work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish maintain and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Possession of or ability to obtain by the time of appointment an appropriate California drivers license.
• Possession of or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of appointment a valid Fire Inspector I certification issued by the California State Fire Marshal or equivalent certification to be maintained throughout employment.

The application review process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum addition to the application the applicant is required to complete the Supplemental Questions to further evaluate their education training and experience relative to the required knowledge skills and abilities for the position. Applicants must submit answers that are as complete as possible.

Only qualified applicants who pass the minimum qualifications review will be invited to the examination process which may be administered by a written examination oral interview or any combination of qualifications appraisal determined by the Department of Human Resources to be appropriate. The Department of Human Resources will make reasonable accommodation in the examination process for disabled applicants. If you have an accommodation request please indicate such on your application.

Depending upon the number of applicants meeting the minimum qualifications applicants may be scheduled for one or more of the assessments listed below. Of those passing the initial assessment only the top 15 will move forward to the appraisal panel. Passing score is 70% out of 100% on each assessment section. If only one assessment is conducted the weight for that assessment will be 100%.

THE ASSESSMENT (100%) IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY JANUARY 14 2026.

To move forward in the application process you must complete an online application through our website All job postings are also included via the TDD phone at and the 24-hour job line at . Please attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts (indicating when degree was awarded) licenses and certificates to your application or your application may be considered incomplete. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot be used in place of a completed application.

For an open recruitment applicants claiming veterans preference must submit a copy of their DD-214 form along with the application. Candidates who attain ranking on an eligible list and are involuntarily called to active duty may be considered for eligibility reinstatement upon their return.

PLACEMENT ON THE ELIGIBLE LIST:
The Civil Service Commission may limit the number of qualified applicants eligible to participate in the examination process. If two or more candidates have the same total final score on an examination they shall be ranked in order of their scores in that portion of the examination which has the greatest weight. The names of two or more eligibles having final ratings which are identical shall be grouped on the eligible list as tie names with equal rank for certification and appointment purposes.

Candidates who are successful in all phases of the examination process will be placed on an eligible list in rank order based on a calculation of their total score from the examination process. The eligible list established by this recruitment will be active for a minimum of six (6) months or one (1) year unless otherwise determined by the Director pursuant to section 6-4 (b) and may be extended for up to an additional year by the Commission.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:
As a condition of employment with the County of Madera a candidate must submit to a Tuberculosis (TB) screening and related follow up testing as necessary. Designated classifications* are also subject to a medical examination which includes a review of medical history. TB screenings and medical exams are administered by the Madera County Public Health Department and/or health care professional designated by the County.

Designated classifications required to submit to an employment medical examination generally include those that are physical in nature or as may be required by law. If you have any questions about the pre-employment requirements please contact the Department of Human Resources at or.

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT:
You will be required to submit verification of your identity and citizenship or legal right to work in the United States at the time of and as a condition of an offer of employment.

As a condition of employment all prospective employees shall be required to be fingerprinted (Live Scan) and/or undergo a background investigation.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Madera County does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion sex gender gender identity gender expression transgender status national origin age disability (physical or mental) medical condition pregnancy genetic information ancestry marital status sexual orientation veteran or military status political affiliation or any other basis protected by Federal or State law.