Salary : $83,304.00 - $101,233.60 Annually
Location : City of Placentia, Fire Headquarters, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2025 - 00086
Department: Fire & Life Safety
Opening Date: 07/16/2026
Closing Date: 8/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

DESCRIPTION

4/10 Work Schedule Monday - Thursday, 7:15 a.m. - 6:15 p.m.

The filing deadline is August 2, 2026.

Under the direction of the Fire Marshal, the Fire Prevention Specialist performs technical fire prevention inspection and enforcement tasks to ensure compliance with applicable codes to include state and local fire, life/safety, and building codes and ordinances; provide public information and develop educational programs regarding fire safety practices; and perform other duties as assigned.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

The following list of functions, duties, and tasks is typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform other closely related or department-specific functions, duties, and tasks from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Conduct fire safety inspections on new and existing occupancies, fire protection equipment, building plans, new construction development projects, state mandate occupancies, hazardous occupancies, and other facilities and equipment for compliance with applicable codes and standards and make recommendations for improved fire protection.
• Issues permits for hazardous operations, dangerous chemicals, and flammable materials.
• Work closely with Fire, Building, and other departments and agencies in coordinating plans, building reviews, and fire protective services.
• Respond to and investigate citizen complaints regarding violations of fire codes and issue warnings and citations as required; prepare detailed inspection records and maintain up-to-date records of inspections.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of inspection records, report correspondence, and compile statistical data; interpret fire codes, building codes, state laws, and local ordinances.
• Develop and conduct public education programs and training relative to protection; participate in community outreach programs and special events; attend special meetings; and participate in professional group associations.
• Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of fire science and hazardous materials management and local and statewide code changes. Perform other related duties as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit and the City.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

• Associate's degree or higher in fire science or related field is highly desired. Three (3) years of related fire safety inspection, fire public education, and/or fire plan review experience are required. Previous municipal experience is highly desirable. High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent and college-level coursework in Fire Science, Fire Technology, Building Construction, or a related field is required.

DESIRABLE:

• Technical certification or coursework in hazardous materials management, code enforcement, and fire investigation practices, or a similar level of education, training, and certification.
• Fire Inspector 1, Fire Inspector 2, Fire Marshal, and Plans Examiner certifications, through the Office of the State Fire Marshal is desirable.

LICENSE(S) REQUIRED:

• Valid, current driver's license.

CERTIFICATIONS AND TESTING REQUIRED:

• PC 832 Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Certificate within first year of employment
• Ability to obtain Fire Inspector 1 and Fire Inspector 2 (A-D) certifications from the California State Fire Marshal's Office, International Code Council, or equivalent as defined by the Fire Marshal within one (1) year of employment

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
RECRUITMENT PROCESS:

Applicants must file a concise and complete City application regarding their qualifications for the position online through the Human Resources Department webpage at as soon as possible. Applications may be accompanied by a resume that describes experience, education, and training in relation to the position's requirements; however, a resume will not be accepted in lieu of a City employment application.

All applications will be reviewed, and only those candidates deemed most qualified based on their education, training, and experience, as submitted, will be invited to participate in the selection process. The selection process may include, but is not limited to, oral interviews, and/or written exams, and oral presentations. Successful candidates will be placed on the employment-eligible list from which hires may be made. The list is valid for up to one year, or until an insufficient number of candidates remain, unless exhausted sooner.

SALARY: $80,071.58 - $97,327.52/Annually (Effective: July 1, 2024)

• EDUCATION INCENTIVE BENEFIT (Effective July 1, 2024):
  • Associates Degree: $81,673.02 - $99,274.07
  • Bachelors Degree: $83,274.45 - $101,220.62
  • Masters Degree: $84,875.88 - $103,167.17
  • 2% w/Associates Degree; 4% w/Bachelors Degree; 6% w/Masters Degree

WORK SCHEDULE: 4/10 (Monday - Thursday)

RETIREMENT: The City contributes up to 10% of the employee's base salary into a MissionSquare (formerly ICMA-RC) defined contribution account with a 4-year vesting period; & does NOT participate in Social Security.

HEALTH INSURANCE: City provides up to $1,877.00/month to purchase health insurance for employee and qualified dependents.

• Alternatively, there is a $400 monthly medical opt-out payment for employees insured outside the City's insurance coverage.

DENTAL INSURANCE: Employer PAID benefit for employee & dependents. The City offers an HMO and PPO Plan to choose from.

VISION INSURANCE: Employer PAID benefit for employee & dependents.

LIFE INSURANCE: Employer paid life insurance & Premium is calculated at employee's annual salary. Additional life insurance available at employees' expense.

SHORT & LONG TERM DISABILITY: Employer paid benefit.

CELL PHONE STIPEND: $75/month OR City issued cell phone.

HOLIDAY TIME OFF: 12 Paid Holidays + 2 Floating Hoidays = 140 Hours Annually

PTO Time (Vacation Leave): Employee accrues 80 hours annually; 120 hours after 3 years of service & 168 hours after 10+ years service. Annual cash-out incentives available per program eligibility.

MANAGEMENT LEAVE: Employee receives 80 hours annually; prorated for new employees.

ALTERNATIVE HEALTH & WELLNESS (Sick Leave): Employee receives ninety-six (96) hours of AHW leave effective the first pay-period in July of each fiscal year (prorated for new employees).

• Annual Incentive up to $1,250- & sick leave conversion to PTO time benefit per program eligibility.

HOLIDAY CLOSURE: City Hall is closed annually for two weeks between Christmas Eve and New Years' Day; the City will provide up to forty-two (42) hours of paid leave during the 2024-2025 holiday closure.
01

To better evaluate your qualifications for this position, responses to this supplemental questionnaire are required. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to continue in the selection process. An incomplete and inaccurate application may lead to disqualification. It is your responsibility to fill out the application thoroughly and accurately. Resumes will not be accepted instead of completing these questions. Please provide concise, descriptive, and detailed information when answering questions. If you do not have experience, please write "NONE". IMPORTANT: 'See Resume', 'See Above', or copy and paste of your resume are not considered qualifying responses and will not be considered when evaluating your qualifications.

• I acknowledge receipt of this information and understand the instructions.

02

Do you possess a valid California Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a High School Diploma or G.E.D. Equivalent?

• Yes
• No

04

What is your highest level of education?

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Some college coursework (0-59 credits)
• AS or AA
• BS or BA
• Masters or higher
• None

05

If you possess an Associate's Degree or higher; is the degree/major in Fire Protection, Fire Science, or Building Construction?

• Yes
• No

06

Please list the training courses and/or certifications you possess and attach a copy of the certificate(s).
07

Please describe your related fire experience in detail. Specify if you possess three (3) years of related fire safety inspection, fire public education, and/or fire plan review experience.
08

I understand that, as part of the qualifying process for the Fire Prevention Specialist position, I may undergo a thorough background check, which includes a comprehensive investigation, fingerprinting, and a psychological examination. Recent drug usage, theft, or illegal activity may disqualify me. The record must be free from any felony conviction and/or any misdemeanor conviction involving moral turpitude and excessive traffic violations. Any falsification or failure to meet the standards listed above will result in my disqualification.

• Yes
• No

Required Question