Fire Inspector/Investigator I
Salary
$6,897.28 - $8,802.89 Monthly
Location
Chula Vista, CA
Job Type
Permanent, Full-Time
Job Number
26553007
Department
Fire - Prevention
Division
Fire Prevention
Opening Date
07/02/2026
Closing Date
7/13/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Description and Essential Functions
To perform a variety of routine fire safety inspections of commercial and residential buildings and facilities and sites of public assembly for compliance with state and local codes and ordinances pertaining to fire prevention; to perform technical work involving weed abatement and hazard reduction inspections and fire prevention educational programs; and to perform related duties as assigned.
This is the entry-level class in the Fire Inspector/Investigator series. The Fire Inspector/ Investigator I class is distinguished from the level II by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the level II. Incumbent works under immediate supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to general supervision as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are learned.
Essential Functions:
Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: perform fire safety inspections of schools, care facilities, hospitals, churches, large day care providers and industrial and commercial buildings; inspect, post and issue weed abatement notices; re-inspect to determine compliance has been achieved on all violations; perform fire and safety clearance inspections for new business licenses; assist Fire Marshal by conducting fire investigations to determine origin and cause, write fire investigation reports, may testify in court; participate in on-call fire investigation coverage rotation; participate in disaster preparedness programs; research and review fire legislation, codes and ordinances; conduct fire prevention educational programs; conduct inspections to ensure proper storage, handling and use of common hazardous materials; assist in responding and investigating citizen complaints of reported fire and/or safety hazards; work with other agencies and City departments as needed; respond to emergency situations in off-hours as required; observe safe work methods and use safety equipment; operate City vehicles skillfully and safely; maintain records pertaining to inspections and actions taken using a computer; build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service; perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education: Completion of the twelfth grade. Successful completion of college level courses in Fire Prevention, Fire Science, Fire Protection, Engineering, Plan Checking, Building Construction is desirable.
Experience: One year of experience in a variety of fire prevention work.
License and/or Certificate: Possession of a valid California drivers license. P.C. 832 Powers of Arrest, California State Fire Marshals courses: Fire Inspector 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D, or Fire Prevention 1A, 1B and 1C, and International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector I certification within one year of appointment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Knowledge of: fire prevention methods and techniques; building materials and construction and fire alarm and suppression systems; pertinent rules, laws, and policies related to area of assignment; safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work; computer equipment related to assignment; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Ability to: learn, interpret, explain and enforce appropriate fire and city codes and ordinances; learn practices, procedures and methods used in fire prevention; learn the principles and techniques of building inspection; learn and perform fire and safety clearance inspections for new business licenses; gain voluntary compliance with code requirements; perform work in accordance with safety regulations, guidelines, and practices; drive City vehicles observing legal and defensive driving practices; use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; prepare written correspondence, reports and keep work related records using a computer; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; work overtime and off-hours shifts as needed; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
On a continuous basis, sit at a desk, walk, or stand up for long periods of time. Intermittently twist and reach office equipment; write or use keyboard to communicate through written means; lift up to 65 pounds and may lift up to 75 pounds with assistance. Drive a motorized vehicle, walk on uneven surfaces, kneel, stoop, bend, and climb up or down slopes while conducting field inspection. See in the normal vision range with or without correction to read typical business documents, computer screens, blueprints, and drafting plans, hear in the normal range with or without correction. Work is performed indoors and outdoors; when indoors is in an office environment in a carpeted and air-conditioned office environment with fluorescent lighting and moderate noise level; when outdoors, is with exposure to a variety of weather conditions; exposure to traffic, noise, physical barriers, and around heavy equipment or around potentially hazardous substances; work in confined spaces and on slippery or uneven surfaces, and work in conditions involving fire, chemicals and fire debris.
Additional Information
The selection process may consist of the following:
Panel Interview - Tentative Dates: July 22, 2026, July 23, 2026
Candidates must successfully pass the panel interview to continue in the selection process.
All dates indicated above are tentative and subject to change without further notice.
Recruitment No. 26553007
To be considered, applicants must submit an online City Application by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date listed. Candidates whose applications indicate education and experience most directly related to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. All notices will be sent via e-mail.
Unless otherwise noted, a passing score must be achieved at each step of the selection process in order to have your name placed on the eligibility list for hiring consideration. The examination materials for this recruitment are validated, copyrighted and/or inappropriate for review.
The eligibility list established as a result of this recruitment will be for a duration of six (6) months, unless otherwise extended.
Pre-Employment Background investigation
A Fire Inspector/Investigator I is considered a "Peace Officer" pursuant to Penal Code section 830.37(b). Pursuant to Government Code section 1031, all "Peace Officers" are required to meet certain requirements, including, "Be found free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition that might adversely affect the exercise the powers of a peace officer."
Final candidate(s) will be required to complete a thorough background investigation (including a polygraph) and Live Scan through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Additionally, successful candidate(s) for Fire Inspector/Investigator I/II are subject to a post-offer, pre-employment psychological and medical evaluation.
IAFF Benefit Summary: Click here
01
The supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this position. Please answer each question accurately and thoroughly. To be considered for this position, the experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of your Employment Application. Failure to complete the "Work History/Experience" section of the employment application will result in your application not being considered. Please do not refer your response to your resume. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications.
02
EDUCATION AND TRAINING Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed?
03
Please indicate your major field of study:
04
Please list any courses you have completed in Fire Prevention, Fire Science, Fire Protection, Engineering, Plan Checking, or Building Construction. If none, please list "None" below.
05
RELATED CERTIFICATES Please indicate which of the following courses and exams, if any, you have completed.
06
Please indicate which of the following certifications, if any, you have completed. Copies of certifications must be attached to the application.
07
EXPERIENCE Which of the following best describes your experience in fire prevention work?
08
Briefly describe your experience in fire prevention.
Your response must include and FOLLOW the format below. Treat each change in position or employer separately. Provide the following for EACH change in position or employer.
A. The name of employer;
B. Your official job title;
C. Length of experience (Number of years/months);
D. Description of duties that support this experience.
NOTE: Responses that are incomplete, do not address all of the items above, "See Resume" response, or responses in a narrative format will result in your application being rejected for lack of information.
If you do not have experience, please indicate "no experience" below.
09
Please describe your experience in performing annual permit and state mandated fire code inspections.
Your response must include and FOLLOW the format below. Treat each change in position or employer separately. Provide the following for EACH change in position or employer.
A. The name of employer;
B. Your official job title;
C. Length of experience (Number of years/months);
D. Description of duties that support this experience.
NOTE: Responses that are incomplete, do not address all of the items above, "See Resume" response, or responses in a narrative format will result in your application being rejected for lack of information.
If you do not have experience, please indicate "no experience" below.
10
Please describe your experience in performing new construction plan reviews.
Your response must include and FOLLOW the format below. Treat each change in position or employer separately. Provide the following for EACH change in position or employer.
A. The name of employer;
B. Your official job title;
C. Length of experience (Number of years/months);
D. Description of duties that support this experience.
NOTE: Responses that are incomplete, do not address all of the items above, "See Resume" response, or responses in a narrative format will result in your application being rejected for lack of information.
If you do not have experience, please indicate "no experience" below.
11
Please choose from the list below the types of plan reviews completed:
12
Please describe your experience in performing new construction inspections.
Your response must include and FOLLOW the format below. Treat each change in position or employer separately. Provide the following for EACH change in position or employer.
A. The name of employer;
B. Your official job title;
C. Length of experience (Number of years/months);
D. Description of duties that support this experience.
NOTE: Responses that are incomplete, do not address all of the items above, "See Resume" response, or responses in a narrative format will result in your application being rejected for lack of information.
If you do not have experience, please indicate "no experience" below.
13
Please describe your experience in performing fire investigations.
Your response must include and FOLLOW the format below. Treat each change in position or employer separately. Provide the following for EACH change in position or employer.
A. The name of employer;
B. Your official job title;
C. Length of experience (Number of years/months);
D. Description of duties that support this experience.
NOTE: Responses that are incomplete, do not address all of the items above, "See Resume" response, or responses in a narrative format will result in your application being rejected for lack of information.
If you do not have experience, please indicate "no experience" below.
14
Please describe your experience in testifying in court for fire investigation cases.
Your response must include and FOLLOW the format below. Treat each change in position or employer separately. Provide the following for EACH change in position or employer.
A. The name of employer;
B. Your official job title;
C. Length of experience (Number of years/months);
D. Description of duties that support this experience.
NOTE: Responses that are incomplete, do not address all of the items above, "See Resume" response, or responses in a narrative format will result in your application being rejected for lack of information.
If you do not have experience, please indicate "no experience" below.
15
APPLICANTS ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL)
The City of Chula Vistas Human Resources Department uses electronic mail (e-mail) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of your application. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, you are hereby advised of the following:
Ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. Do not share email addresses. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept our emails. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails, i.e., for the non-delivery of email or if you fail to check your email-box on a timely basis, etc.
Read any notices we send carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. We recommend that you print and keep a hard copy of our notices for your records.
Required Question
Employer City of Chula Vista
Address 276 Fourth Avenue
Chula Vista, California, 91910
Phone 619-691-5096
Website http://www.chulavistaca.gov