County of Riverside, CA

Senior Fire Safety Inspector

Job Description

Posted on: 
January 16, 2026

The Position

The City of Riverside is accepting applications for the position of

The City of Riverside is accepting applications for the position of Senior Fire Safety Inspector to fill one (1) vacancy in the Fire Prevention Division of the Riverside Fire Department.

The Senior Fire Safety Inspector performs professional and highly skilled fire safety education, prevention, inspection, and enforcement duties. Oversee and participates in the review of building plans and construction and monitors the work of subordinate staff.

Responsibilities

Work Performed

Typical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Develop, coordinate, and present public information releases and fire safety education programs; coordinate with surrounding agencies, schools, community groups, and the general public to encourage fire safety education and understanding.
  • Assist, support, and participate in the preparation of pamphlets, brochures, and like materials; review and edit materials to ensure they meet safety and educational standards; monitor quality and delivery of fire safety information.
  • Inspect buildings under construction, fire protection systems, flammable liquid storage, and dispensing facilities for compliance with fire and life safety codes, standards, and policies; identify areas of safety concern or non-compliance and communicate resolution tactics and potential penalties.
  • Draft, issue, and deliver notices, warnings, and citations; keep and maintain records of inspections and prepare extensive and detailed reports.
  • Investigate, review, and respond to public complaints concerning fire safety and response made to requests for service and assistance; demonstrate strong customer service skills and engagement with the public.
  • Coordinate inspection activities with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies.
  • Monitor inspectors work productivity, schedule, and reports to verify department goals and objectives are being met.
  • Work closely with supervision on improving work-flow processes to keep up with technology advancement.
  • Resolve conflicts between inspectors, contractors, and property owners; handle stressful situations with tact and provide high level skill for the resolution of challenging situations.
  • Serve as primary training coordinator for Inspector I and II personnel.
  • Serve as Deputy Fire Marshal as needed.
  • Perform other similar duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Education: High School graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED) supplemented by college level courses in Fire or Building Inspection, Code Enforcement, Hazardous Materials, Fire Protection Systems and Building Components, or closely related coursework.Experience: Four (4) years of experience performing fire safety inspection duties or previous experience as Fire Marshal, Deputy Fire Marshal, Fire Plan Review Engineer or equivalent, or Senior Fire Inspector. Licenses and Certifications: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid, Class “C” California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.Possession of California State Fire Marshal certification as Fire Inspector I and Fire Inspector II or certification as a Fire Code Inspector or Fire Inspector II from the International Conference Council at time of employment.California State Fire Marshal certification as a Fire Marshal, Fire Protection Specialist, or Fire Plans Examiner or International Code Council certification as a Fire Plans Examiner within 12 months of employment.Possession of a Certificate of Completion for PC-832 (Arrests and Procedures) training within 12 months of employment. Possession of State of California certificate for the 24-hour HAZWOPER FRA course within 6 months of employment.

Possession of an Above Ground Petroleum Storage Act (APSA) Inspector certification within 6 months of employment.

Highly Desirable Qualification:

Four (4) years of experience performing fire safety inspection duties equivalent to a Fire Safety Inspector II.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Work is done in a standard office environment and in the field with exposure to construction materials, hazards, chemicals, and other adverse conditions utilizing agency provided safety gear. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Selection Process

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS:
If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self-schedule your appointment.  You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self-scheduling instructions.  Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment.

The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.  

It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.  

Appointment may be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, drug screen, and/or medical/physical examination.

NOTE:  The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards.   Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list.  

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Proof of education listed in your application will be requested at the time of conditional offer. Acceptable documentation consists of transcripts or degree, if applicable, by the accredited U.S. college or university.

Education obtained outside the United States (US) require one of the following options:

  1. An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at http://www.naces.org/members.html or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at http://aice-eval.org/members/.
  2. An advanced-level degree from an accredited US college or university.

All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement.THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.

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