Civilian Fire and Life Safety Inspector

Salary : $65,540.80 - $110,094.40 Annually
Location : Fire Dept., 501 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444, FL
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 02978
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 10/20/2026
Closing Date: 11/3/2026 4:00 PM Eastern

Job Description

Veterans' Preference Applies

This position performs technical and clerical tasks in fire inspection, prevention, and public education, including responsibility for field enforcement of City Code of Ordinances and the Florida Fire Prevention Code. Employee works in accordance with directives received from Fire Chief or designee, however, is expected to exercise considerable independence and initiative.
Essential Job Duties
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Performs field inspections of new/existing buildings during the construction process; compares actual work to planned work to ensure compliance with approved construction plans.
• Inspects new/remodeled commercial buildings, industrial buildings, assemblies, and businesses. Working knowledge of Florida Fire Prevention Code, Local, and City ordinances.
• Conducts building plan review, demolition inspections, code infraction warnings and citations.
• Enforces fire prevention codes and ordinances firmly, tactfully and impartially.
• Evaluates proposed fire protection elements of a building and assures that they are in accordance with applicable codes.
• Prepare reports and correspondence pertaining to fire protection engineering problems and fire and life safety code enforcement.
• Evaluate alternate suppression systems such as CO2 systems, dry systems and water based fire suppression systems.
• Attend meetings with staff, engineers, architects, and contractors, for technical assistance and resolutions to various problems.
• Maintain proficiency with code changes and ordinances. Prepare comments identifying code deficiencies.
• Provide technical information to the general public for questions relating to building code requirements.
• May perform site inspections to confirm construction compliance with approved plans.
• Fosters positive employee relations and employee morale on a City-wide basis.

Minimum Qualifications

• An Associate's Degree in a related field.
• Two (2) years of experience and training in fire inspections, plan review and code enforcement,
• Must possess State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I Certification.

A comparable combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position, may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS:

• Florida State Fire Safety Inspector I Certification.
• Current CPR certification.
• ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800
• Valid and current Florida Class E Driver's License.
• Florida State Firefighter Minimum Standards (F.S.S. 633) preferred.
• Fire and Life Safety Educator certification preferred.

Ability to read plans (commercial and multi-family residential). Skill in technical writing. Knowledge of computer operations. Work involves considerable public contact and requires the ability to deal with public relations issues in a professional, tactful and courteous manner. Working knowledge of firefighting principles and practices and fire prevention inspection techniques. Working knowledge of building materials, construction practices and mechanical systems related to fire prevention, fire suppression and the safeguarding of lives and property from fire. Ability to work effectively with others. Ability to communicate effectively orally, non-verbally, and in writing. Ability to manage and prioritize routine, specialized and complex assignments and problems utilizing knowledge acquired through prior education, training, and experience. Ability to adapt to an evolving and continually improving environment. Requires demonstrated ability to utilize personal computer and office software such as MS Word, MS Excel and electronic mail.

The abilities expected of all employees include being able to respond to supervision, guidance and direction of superiors in a positive, receptive manner and in accordance with stated policies, be appropriately groomed and attired so as to present a professional image in accordance with the organization's mission, goals, and policies; report for work promptly and properly prepared at the time and place required by the assignment or orders; notify the appropriate supervisor of intended absences in accordance with stated rules; conform with standards and rules regarding use of accrued time; demonstrate a polite, helpful and courteous manner when engaged in any activity with the public; operate and care for equipment to manufacturer's specifications and/or within the specified parameters; demonstrate an understanding, consideration, and respect of cultural, religious, and gender differences when interacting with the public and colleagues.

A comparable combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position, may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
Supplemental Information

Physical Demands/Work Environment:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Travel from site to site; work in the field, construction site and office environments; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, potentially hazardous chemicals; inspect in restricted spaces. Employee may have to work outside in a subtropical climate under adverse weather conditions and high noise levels. Employee may have to work rotating shifts to include nights, weekends and holidays.

RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:
Employees may be required to participate in response/recovery activities in response to a major emergency or natural disasters affecting City operations. In such situations, every effort will be made to maintain operations, but employees may be assigned to carry out response activities suited to their skills and capabilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk and stand. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 90 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

SELECTION GUIDELINES:
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests might be required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement with the employer, and requirements of the job change. By signing below, I am indicating I have read and concur with the above description of my job.
Full-time employees of the City of Delray Beach are provided with a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid holidays, sick leave, vacation, health insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, a defined pension plan, and much more. Benefit coverage varies by employee group.

For a more detailed overview please
01

The City will not consider applicants who have used tobacco products for a period of at least three months prior to application for employment. The definition of "tobacco products" shall include, but is not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, pipes and snuff. Have you used any tobacco products for a period of at least three months prior to your application for employment?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess a valid Florida Driver's License with a good driving record? If you possess a Driver License from another state please acknowledge you must obtain a Florida one within 30 days of the hire date.)You must attach a copy of your Driver's License as part of your application, otherwise your application will be rejected

• Yes
• I have it from another state but I acknowledge I must obtain a Florida Driver License within 30 days of the hire date.
• I don't a Driver License from any state.

03

Please indicate your highest level of education in Fire Protection Engineering, and/or Construction Management, and/or Fire Science, Fire Technology or closely related field. You must attach a copy of your certifications to be considered.

• High School
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• None of the above

04

How many years of experience do you have performing inspections in commercial structures and Knowledge of the Florida Fire Prevention Code (NFPA 1/101) and the Florida Building Codes?

• No experience
• Less tha a year
• One year
• Two years
• Three years
• Four years
• Five years or more

05

What type of current Licenses, Certifications or Registrations do you possess? please check all that apply. You must attach a copy of the certifications requested below as part of your application, otherwise your application will be rejected

• Florida State Fire Safety Inspector I Certification
• Florida State Firefighter Minimum Standards (F.S.S. 633) (Preferred)
• Fire and Life Safety Educator Certification (preferred)
• Current CPR Certification
• ICS 100
• ICS 200
• ICS 700
• ICS 800
• None of the above

06

Are you claiming Veteran's preference? If so, you must scan and attach a copy of your DD214 to this application. Otherwise your application will not be considered.

• Yes
• No

Required Question