Hiring range is $24.31 to $29.17 per hour. Hiring salary will be dependent on Inspector Classification and years of experience. *Additional pay for on-call and special events. A 10% pay increase will be awarded as employees earn the certifications needed to progress to the next certification level.
Additional Compensation Benefits
- 3 medical insurance plans through Cigna
- Life Insurance and Long Term Disability
- Vision & Dental Care
- Annual & Sick Leave @ 5 % of scheduled annual hours
- FIre Pension Plan
- 11 paid holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
The Fire Inspector (Sworn) I–III performs a broad range of technical duties related to fire inspections, fire prevention, fire investigation, and life safety duties for the City of Dunedin Fire Rescue Department. Operating under the direction of the Fire Marshal, this position is responsible for conducting inspection of new and existing buildings to ensure compliance with applicable fire codes and standards, including inspections related to new construction, tenant build-outs, and the installation or modification of life safety systems such as fire alarms, fire sprinkler, commercial kitchen hood suppression systems, and other fire protection equipment. Fire inspectors serve as official representatives of the Fire Marshal in the field and are expected to work independently with professionalism, sound judgement, and minimal supervision. Inspectors must be capable of making informed decisions in dynamic environments while upholding the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and public service.
Essential Job Functions
The duties recorded below are representative of the duties of the class and are not intended to cover all the duties performed by incumbents(s) of any particular position.
Interprets and enforces the Florida Fire Prevention Code.
Conducts thorough fire inspections of new construction and existing buildings; plan reviews for compliance with code requirements based on certification level.
Conducts inspections related to fire suppression systems, fire alarm systems, occupational licensing, special events, temporary structures, food trucks, tents, short-term rentals and additional variety of other fire and life safety related installations and conditions.
Plans and participates in fire prevention, public education initiatives, and life safety education activities within the community.
Operates a department vehicle that functions like a mobile office, equipped with tablets, laptops, inspection software, radios, and other equipment to support digital documentation, communication, and inspection tasks while on-site.
Participates in disaster preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery planning and implementation. May be required to work additional hours during state of emergency.
Participates in City facility and grounds inspections. Conducts equipment, safety inspections and testing as required.
Completes and submits reports regarding department activities; enters data from reports into computer.
Keeps abreast of new technology, methods and regulations for fire inspection, investigation, prevention and fire suppression operations; attends meetings, conferences and continuing education classes as required and/or appropriate.
Participates in fire investigations including cause and origin determination. May access unstable or confined spaces during investigative work; must be able to navigate debris and hazardous environments.
Performs commercial plan reviews based on certification level.
Work schedules will require working a flexible schedule, on-call rotations, holidays, special events, and occasional weekends.
Additional Job Functions
Maintains assigned vehicle.
Performs general office duties as required, including attending meetings, compiling data for reports, entering computer data, preparing reports and correspondence, etc.
Performs related duties as required.
Requires a high school diploma or GED degree supplemented by Fire Prevention and Inspection with two years of experience in fire prevention, fire inspection, fire suppression, building code or building construction.
An equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities may be considered.
Inspector Classifications And Special Requirements
Fire Inspector I – Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License. Must possess a current Florida Firefighter II Certification and Florida Fire Safety Inspector 1 Certification. Possess or obtain a Florida Fire Investigator Certification within twelve (12) months of employment and must obtain NIMS ICS-100, 200, 700, and 800 within six (6) months of employment.
Fire Inspector II – Must possess all of the requirements of Fire Inspector 1, possess a Florida Fire Safety Inspector 2 Certification and Florida Fire and Life Safety Educator.
Fire Inspector III – Must possess all the requirements of Fire Inspector 1, Fire Inspector 2 and possess a Florida Fire Code Administrator Certification. Performs complex, multi-system plan reviews and provides technical guidance to lower inspector levels.
This is a Category A position for the purposes of Emergency Management. Employees in this category may be assigned to work a variety of schedules, including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations. Category A employees are required to stay on premises during a declared state of emergency, or as otherwise mandated.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Knowledge of Job: Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the City of Dunedin as they pertain to the performance of essential duties of the Fire Inspector (Sworn). Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Has knowledge in the areas of fire science, electrical, fire codes and ordinances, etc. Clearly understands any occupational hazards and adheres to all safety precautions inherent in performing the essential functions of the work. Is able to show a high level of discretion and flexibility in daily operations. Is able to make sound, educated decisions. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. Is able to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Requires strong communication skills, the physical ability to navigate fire scenes and hazardous environments, and proficiency in electronic inspections platforms, digital reporting systems, and modern fire prevention technologies. Inspectors must maintain a commitment to continuous training, certification renewal, and operational readiness during emergency responses, while providing courteous and professional service to business owners, contractors, developers, and the general public.
PERFORMANCE APTITUDES
Data Utilization: Ability to asses and analyze information, make informed decisions, and prepare clear concise reports.
Human Interaction: Effectively communicates fire and life safety information to the public, providing clear explanations of codes, regulations, and safety practices to promote understanding and compliance. Demonstrates professionalism and confidence when addressing safety concerns, and maintains strong working relationships with industry professionals and community members to support a safe environment for all.
Equipment, Machinery, Tools and Materials Utilization: Has knowledge of modern office practices and technology, including computers. Requires the ability to use, operate and/or handle office equipment such as a telephone, calculator, computer, etc.; and to operate and control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials requiring complex and/or rapid adjustments. Has the ability to perform inspections and maintenance of fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems and fire detection systems.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to use a variety of reference, descriptive, advisory and/or design data and information. Has the ability to speak and understand the English language.
Mathematical Aptitude: Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; to calculate decimals and percentages; to use basic geometric and algebraic principles and calculations.
Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of influence systems, such as motivation, incentive and leadership. Ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution. Have knowledge of various hazardous materials and the proper procedures for handling and/or disposing of such materials.
Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in critical and/or unexpected situations involving high risk to the organization and community. Is able to conduct thorough and effective fire inspections, fire and arson investigations where required, and plan review. Knows how to determine and ensure safety at the scene of emergencies. Has the ability to use independent judgment and discretion in critical situations such as response to natural and man-made emergency/disaster situations. Is able to perform according to standards despite working long hours and intense, exhausting schedules. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
ADA COMPLIANCE
Physical Ability: Tasks involve the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderately heavy weight (20-50 pounds), and occasionally heavier objects and materials (up to 100 pounds). Office tasks involve the ability to exert a small amount of physical effort in sedentary to light work involving moving from one area of the office to another; some positions require sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as data entry and/or the use of office equipment or supplies.
Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require visual and auditory perception and discrimination as well as oral communications ability.
Environmental Factors: Tasks may involve exposure to adverse weather conditions, extreme temperatures, wetness/humidity, dirt/dust/pollen, strong odors, fumes, noise extremes, machinery hazards, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, toxic/poisonous agents, violence, disease/pathogens.
The City of Dunedin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
