Fire Inspector III/Plans Examiner

Fire Inspector III/Plans Examiner

Salary

$94,295.34 - $114,616.53 Annually

Location

Fairfield, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-00061

Department

FIRE

Division

Fire - General

Opening Date

08/13/2026

Closing Date

9/10/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

FEA

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

The Fairfield Fire Department is seeking a motivated and highly qualified individual to join our Fire Prevention Division as a Fire Plans Examiner/Inspector III. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of the California Fire Code, California Building/Residential Codes, NFPA standards, fire protection systems, and plan review and inspection processes. This position offers an excellent opportunity to serve the community, work alongside a professional fire prevention team, and contribute to maintaining a safe and compliant built environment within the City of Fairfield.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed both in an office and outdoors. The incumbent in this position works in all weather conditions including wet, hot and cold. The position entails working in situations that may expose the employee to fumes or airborne particles, electrical shock or mechanical hazards. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders, drive motorized vehicles and often work with interruptions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movements. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment. The need to lift and transport equipment and supplies weighing 25 pounds or more is also required.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CITY USES AN ELECTRONIC REFERENCE CHECK PROCESS. REFER TO THE "REFERENCE CHECKS" SECTION AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS JOB POSTING FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE:

• Two (2) years of experience equivalent to that of a Fire Inspector II with the City of Fairfield performing commercial inspections is required.
• Experience in plan checking that involves fire protection systems and mechanical structures is highly desirable.

EDUCATION:

• Possession of a High School diploma or GED is required.
• An Associates degree with major course work in fire science, fire prevention, fire safety or related field is highly desirable.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California drivers license is required.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan, organize and perform the full array of fire inspection and prevention duties for residential, commercial and industrial structures, including plan checking, the issuance of permits and the enforcement of applicable codes and ordinances; inspect and test fire alarms, hydrants and suppression systems; educate the public in fire prevention.
• Oversee, organize, and perform on-site inspections of required fire protection systems; schedule and inspect mandated facilities, such as schools for State fire and life safety violations; perform the complex inspections, such as high-pile storage, hazardous materials and major manufacturing in a variety of occupancies; respond to and resolve fire hazard complaints; inspect the operation of fireworks shows; issue notices of violation and pre-citations where appropriate; provide compliance recommendations; develop and approve compliance mediation measures.
• Oversee, organize, and conduct tests on fire hydrants, alarms and sprinkler systems in accordance with approved fire protection plans; implement fire prevention and inspection plans; prepare and maintain statistical data and reports; develop and maintain Fire Department Prevention standards; provide and participate in continuing fire prevention training programs.
• Review parcel maps and subdivision maps, as well as residential, commercial and industrial projects for fire protection system requirements; review for acceptability of parcel maps and subdivisions for fire protection measures dictated by conditions of review; review conditional use permits, rezoning applications and General Plan Amendments for applicable fire and life safety requirements; interpret and explain complex codes, standards and federal and state regulations to establish conditions of approval and mitigation measures; coordinate activities with other City departments and outside agencies.
• Interpret codes and regulations; explain required inspections and fire prevention requirements to owners, architects, engineers, contractors and the public; advise owners on matters related to applicable permits; maintain records and files of inspections made and actions taken.
• Respond to questions and concerns from the general public, business, commercial and industrial property owners and applicants; provide information as appropriate and resolve public service complaints; conduct public education and outreach programs, including school programs and public workshops; create promotional materials, including press releases and public service announcements.
• May assist with and/or administer special projects, such as open houses and seasonal weed abatement programs; coordinate specific projects, including fostering cooperative working relationships with civic groups, inter-governmental agencies and City staff; help develop, implement and maintain goals, objectives, policies and priorities for assigned projects and service areas; help ensure that established goals and priorities are achieved.
• Attend training courses to keep current on current codes and standards most applicable to this position.
• Provide technical assistance at commercial or industrial emergency incidents.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge & Abilities

For the complete job description please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/fairfield/classspecs

THE SELECTION PROCESS:

Based on the information provided in the application documents, the best-qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the examination may consist of an application screening, written and/or practical exam, oral interview, or any combination.

HOW TO APPLY:

Candidates must submit an online application via NeoGov/Governmentjobs.com by 5:00 p.m. of the closing date. If you have any difficulties submitting your online application, please call NeoGovs Applicant Support Line at (855) 524-5627.

Mac users please note: To ensure compatibility, please use Google Chrome and ensure iOS settings are up-to-date.

If you feel you will need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the testing/interview process, please contact Human Resources at (707) 428-7394 at least 1 week prior to the application deadline or examination date.

REFERENCE CHECKS:

The City utilizes an electronic reference check process to gather references of candidates once mutual interest is established. Please note that if you include your current supervisor in the "References" section of your application, they may be contacted once you have accepted a conditional job offer from the City.

Candidates are encouraged to notify anyone they list in the "References" section to help ensure a timely response. When listing references, please identify persons who can assess your professional qualifications in the context of the workplace. Examples include former colleagues/supervisors, mentors, etc. If you have limited or no work experience, you may identify personal references familiar with your qualifications that correlate to workplace experiences. Examples include teachers, volunteer coordinators, mentors, etc.

The City of Fairfield is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism.

FULL-TIME/PRO-RATA POSITIONS - The City of Fairfield offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes City contribution toward the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and deferred savings; medical, dental and vision; life insurance; paid holidays, vacation, personal leave and sick leave. For a more detailed overview of the benefit package, please click on the following link: FEA Employee Benefits.*

PART-TIME POSITIONS - For benefits associated with part-time positions, please see the Fairfield Part-Time Employees Association (FPTEA) Memorandum of Understanding.*

• Benefits, terms and conditions of employment may be amended or modified through the collective bargaining process.

01

The following questions are designed to help you present your qualifications for this position. Your responses to these questions will be used to determine whether you are among the most qualified of the applicants. The information provided in your application must support your answers. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal. "See resume" is not an acceptable answer to the questions.

• Yes, I understand.

02

Which best describes your highest level of education?

• Less than High School
• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or Higher

03

Do you possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California Drivers License at the time of appointment?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have a California State Fire Marshal Fire Plans Examiner Certification? If yes, please attach a copy to your application.

• Yes
• No

05

Describe your experience conducting fire protection plan reviews. Identify the types of plans and fire protection systems you have reviewed and the applicable California Fire Code and NFPA standards you have used.

06

Describe your experience reviewing or inspecting fire protection systems, such as automatic fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, underground fire service mains, fire pumps, standpipes, or special hazard systems. Identify the applicable California Codes & NFPA standards you have used.

07

Describe your experience conducting fire and life-safety inspections. Include the types of occupancies you have inspected, the deficiencies you have identified, and how you determined the appropriate code requirements.

08

Describe your experience working with contractors, design professionals, property owners, and other agencies regarding fire and life-safety requirements. Provide an example of a situation where you had to explain or enforce a code requirement that was disputed or misunderstood.

Required Question

Employer City of Fairfield

Address 1000 Webster Street

4th Floor

Fairfield, California, 94533

Phone 707-428-7394

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/fairfield/