Salary : $87,900.80 - $117,499.20 Annually
Location : Carlsbad, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: 8/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

The Position

Fire inspectors perform a variety of fire prevention activities including, conducting fire inspections of state-mandated occupancies, existing and new construction occupancies, hazardous occupancies, and defensible space and home hardening; enforcing building, fire, WUI and municipal codes and standards; and reviewing approved plans to ensure the proper installation of fire protection systems and equipment are compliant with applicable codes and standards. Fire inspectors provide fire safety inspection training to engine company staff and assist with public fire safety education for community members and businesses, including fire and life safety education programs for the public.
The Fire Inspector is an entry-level position requiring limited responsibilities and direct supervision. Incumbents in this role learn the City of Carlsbad's inspection processes and approach while under the supervision of a senior inspector, with the goal of developing the skills needed for advancement to the senior level. The Fire Inspector, as directed, responds to fire scenes to assist in the investigation of the cause and origin of fires and assists first responders at emergency incidents.
The Senior Fire Inspector/Investigator performs complex inspections and fire investigations with minimal supervision and serves as a technical resource to lower-level staff. Responsibilities include independently conducting complex inspections of existing occupancies, construction projects, and fire protection systems; reviewing plans for code compliance; investigating fire cause and origin; preparing reports, permits, correction notices, and technical guidance; and providing technical assistance to the public. The position also supports enforcement activities, conducts public outreach and training, develops educational materials, and participates in special projects and ongoing professional development.
Pay Range

Fire Inspector: $3,380.80 - $4,108.80 Biweekly

Senior Fire Inspector/Investigator: $3,717.60 - $4,519.20 Biweekly

Key Responsibilities
Conduct inspections on construction sites and existing occupancies to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and Local fire codes and regulations.

Review plans, blueprints, equipment, standards, chemical inventories, and processes to ensure compliance with safety requirements.

Review, evaluate, process, and maintain a variety of records and files related to fire prevention activities.

Complete data input and analysis of a variety of information related to fire prevention and occupancies.

Prepare reports related to fire prevention activities.

Research, prepare, and issue fire and life safety notices, permits, and correction letters that outline compliance issues and deficiencies.

Assist the public, representatives of other public agencies, consultants, and other employees with technical inquiries.

Conduct public safety programs as necessary.

Research and apply current codes and the codes that were applicable at the original time of approval.

Investigate public and referred public agency complaints which involve immediate attention and resolution of issues.

Fire Inspector: As directed, respond to fire scenes to assist in the investigation of the cause and origin of fires and assist first responders at emergency incidents.
Senior Fire Inspector/Investigator: As directed, respond to fire scenes to conduct the investigation of the cause and origin of fires and assist first responders at emergency incidents.
Attend a variety of continuing education classes, seminars, and/or meetings remain current on applicable codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Conduct public outreach and training sessions for various customers' and audiences.

Develop and disseminate fire safety and code compliance materials and otherwise assist with public safety programs.

Assist in the development of technical guidelines, bulletins, and interpretations; and the development of technical procedures, training programs.

Participate in a variety of special projects related to fire prevention activities.

Assist in the pursuance of legal remedies for non-compliance, including issuance of pre-citation notices, preparing legal complaints, and testifying in court.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• Uniform Building and Fire Codes
• State and local fire codes and ordinances enforceable by the city
• Nationally recognized fire protection and safety standards
• Principles and techniques of fire inspection work
• Educational methodology as it relates to fire safety education
• Proper methods and procedures involved with inspection of residential, commercial and other facilities or property for fire prevention
• Practices in effective customer service
• Basic computer applications

Ability to:

• Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine new construction for proper workmanship, installation, and materials
• Detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction/fire protection practices
• Read, interpret and explain building plans, fire protection system plans, fire building codes, and technical reports

• Provide necessary oversight for fire prevention inspection and education programs of the department
• Use mathematical concepts to calculate measurements to determine appropriate standards in reading blueprints
• Maintain cooperative working relationships with building and business owners, contractors and the general public
• Enforce regulations tactfully
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing

Experience & Education
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Fire Inspector:
Equivalent to a high school graduation, supplemented by college or vocational course work in the field of fire protection or closely related field or experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. An associate's degree is highly desirable.
Senior Fire Inspector/Investigator:

In addition to the above, two years of progressively responsible experience in a variety of fire prevention activities comparable to the Fire Inspector.
Special Requirements:
Possession of an appropriate valid California Driver's License.
Possession of a Penal Code 832 certification within the first year of employment.

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Retirement under the CalPERS program, 2.7% @ 57 formula (retirement formula may vary depending on prior California public sector service)
  • Pension contribution limitations set by PEPRA are currently $151,549 for new members or $280,000 for classic members
• Bilingual Pay
• Holidays - 11 scheduled
• Paid vacation
• Computer purchase loan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Education Incentive Pay

A detailed list of our benefits can be found here:
01

What is your highest level of education?

• Attending High School
• High School / GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or Higher
• None of the above

02

How many years of experience in fire suppression or building inspections, building inspections/fire prevention education, or related experience do you have?

• 0-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 5-9 years
• 10 or more years

03

Do you possess the International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector I Certification?

• Yes
• No

04

Have you taken any of the following classes from the Office of the State Fire Marshal

• Fire Inspector 1A
• Fire Inspector 1B
• Fire Inspector 1C
• Fire Inspector 1D
• Fire Inspector 2A
• Fire Inspector 2B
• Fire Inspector 2C
• Fire Inspector 2D
• Plan Review 1A
• Plan Review 1B
• Plan Review 1C
• Fire Investigator 1A
• Fire Investigator 1B
• Fire Investigator 1C
• None of the Above

05

Do you possess a PC 832 Peace Officer's Standards and Training (POST) Power of Arrest Certificate?

• Yes
• No

06

Please describe your experience in conducting fire and life safety inspections for a fire agency or similar organization. (Please provide sufficient detail so that we can evaluate your experience.)
07

Provide your experience in conducting Defensible Space Inspections. (Please provide sufficient detail so that we can evaluate your experience.)
08

Describe your experience in conducting fire investigations for a fire agency or similar organization. (Please provide sufficient detail so that we can evaluate your experience.)
09

Rate your experience (none, basic, intermediate, proficient, advance) with the following applications:Microsoft TeamsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft PowerPointOutlookElectronic records management systemsAdobeArcGISOther: please describe
Required Question