Fire Prevention Inspector 1

Full Job Description

FIRE PREVENTION INSPECTOR 1

Regular, Full-Time Employment Opportunity

The recruitment process for positions in the Department of Public Safety requires a comprehensive background investigation.

Come join Sunnyvale’s Fire Prevention Division! We build community trust by delivering exceptional services. Our core values of public service are integrity, leadership, and respect.

We are recruiting for the position of Fire Prevention Inspector I.

The primary role of the position is to perform technical inspections for fire prevention purposes; inspect fire protection systems, construction sites, occupancies, structures, buildings, storage and usage to ensure an appropriate level of fire protection and compliance with applicable state and local ordinances; enforce City and State fire prevention and life safety laws; and coordinate fire prevention and life safety education programs.

City of Sunnyvale Benefits:

• CalPERS retirement pension
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Retiree medical benefit
• 11 paid Holidays
• 30 hours* of Floating Holidays (*Prorated based on date of hire)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accruals
• Employee Wellness Programs

For a complete job description, please click here: Fire Prevention Inspector 1/2

Under close or general direction, in a civilian capacity, performs technical inspections for fire prevention purposes; inspects fire protection systems, construction sites, occupancies, structures, buildings, storage and usage to ensure an appropriate level of fire protection and compliance with applicable state and local ordinances; enforces City and State fire prevention and life safety laws; coordinates fire prevention and life safety education programs; and, performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Fire Prevention Inspector I
This is the entry level classification within the Fire Prevention Inspector series. This classification is distinguished from the Fire Prevention Inspector II classification by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to this classification.

Positions in the Fire Prevention Inspector II class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level once the incumbent meets the qualification standards of the II level, demonstrates an ability to perform the full scope of work, and meets performance expectations. Incumbents are not automatically promoted to the higher level; the needs of the department determine the level of assignment.

Requirements

(May include, but are not limited to, the following):

• Conducts inspections of buildings and property for compliance with fire codes, efficiency of fire protective equipment, adequacy of fire exits, and overall compliance with codes and regulations pertaining to fire and life safety; and, as necessary, develops plans of correction.
• Investigates citizen complaints of violations of fire codes and regulations and takes corrective action; responds to inquiries regarding fire and life safety codes and standards.
• Promotes public relations through public education programs; speaks to various civic and professional organizations to promote the goals of the City; meets with industrial and business representatives to promote cooperation and provide information regarding fire codes and standards; and, makes presentations and participates in promotional events, demonstrations, and fire and life safety programs.
• Assists with fire scene investigation to determine cause and origin; notifies appropriate authorities; coordinates cleanup; participates in post-fire investigation and analysis; testifies in legal proceedings when required; and, completes required documents.
• Prepares and maintains forms, records, technical letters files and reports; issues permits and corrective action correspondence.
• Reviews pre-fire plans and assists with the research, development, and revision of new codes, standards and policies.
• Stays current on the legal and technical developments in the fire prevention field, fire investigation field and other areas of assignment; participates in professional meetings and associations.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces, reaching, climbing, crawling, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties. Work is performed in the office and at various sites throughout the community; both indoors and outdoors with or without protection from the weather, in restricted or confined spaces while wearing a respirator. The need to lift, drag and push files, debris and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, such as a portable generator is also required. The field and/or investigation setting may expose the incumbent to smoke residue, chemicals, hazardous materials, skin irritants, fumes, solvents, and air contaminates. Vision, may be correctable, for visual inspections, observation of conditions, reading reports and regulations is required. Hearing of alarms, radio and telephone communications, and the ability to communicate over a radio and have conversations with the public is also required. The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles, work in a variety of conditions and be able to perform duties while wearing a respirator. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

Fire Prevention Inspector I:
An Associate's degree or 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university in Fire Science/Technology or Fire Protection;

OR

An Associate's degree or 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university in Building Design, Construction, Chemistry, Engineering, Architecture, or related field; AND completion of the following five classes from an accredited community college is required: Fire Protection Organization; Fire Prevention Technology; Fire Protection Equipment and Systems; Building Construction for Fire Protection; and, Fire Behavior and Combustion.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Applicable national, state and local laws, regulations, codes, standards, ordinances and policies related to contemporary fire protection, building inspection, fire prevention and life safety principles, practices and techniques.
• Practices, procedures and equipment used in fire investigations, including fire cause, determination principles and practices of investigation and interviewing techniques.
• Methods and techniques of developing effective public education, public relations and community presentations.
• Building plans.
• Map reading.
• Mathematical principles for purposes of, but not limited to, reading plans and maps.
• Effective communication techniques for gathering, evaluating and transmitting information.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping and filing techniques.
• Office practices, methods and equipment, including a computer and applicable software.

Ability to:

• Perform fire prevention inspections, apply fire codes consistently and accurately, identify violations of applicable codes and regulations, and develop a reasonable and prudent plan of correction.
• Identify and investigate applicable code violations.
• Plan, coordinate and prioritize inspection workload to ensure timely inspection of assigned occupancies.
• Read and accurately interpret codes, regulations, technical reports, building plans.
• Perform fire cause determination; assist with or conduct fire investigations; and, testify in legal proceedings, as necessary.
• Prepare and present professional fire and life safety presentations to civic organizations, including, but not limited to, schools and community events.
• Express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, to groups and individuals.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Read, interpret and record data accurately.
• Prepare and maintain clear, accurate and concise records, correspondence and reports.
• Represent the City in a professional manner and deal effectively with the public to gain their cooperation in resolving problems and concerns.
• Physically perform the duties, including the ability to be fit tested and successfully complete periodic physical examinations required for the use of respirators.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Adhere to the appropriate chain of command; work effectively on an assigned task force; or in an ICS (Incident Command Structure).
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Observe safety principles and practices and work in a safe manner.

Willingness to:

• Work on call hours and overtime to respond to fires, emergencies or other events.
• Participate in public education and outreach events after hours and on weekends.
• Wear a Department-issued uniform and protective equipment.
• Obtain the required certifications and complete the required training courses within the established time frames or in accordance with an extended time line as approved by management.
• Attend and successfully complete the Fire Investigation 1A and 1B classes through the California Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Certificates/Licenses/Other Requirements

Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license and a safe driving record.

Fire Prevention Inspector I: Fire Inspector I certification (Fire Inspector 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D) is required within one year of appointment.

During emergencies, incumbents will be required to wear protective equipment. Incumbents will be required to wear a respirator under certain circumstances and in specific environments. Safety regulations prohibit incumbents from wearing beards or other facial hair which prevents a proper respiratory fit.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience working for a municipality
• Possession of a current, related International Code Council (ICC) certificate.
• Experience performing fire investigations.

Additional Information

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS & PROCESS

The application submitted must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the job description in order to move forward in the recruitment process with the City of Sunnyvale.

The information provided in the Work Experience, Education, and Certificates/Licenses sections of the application will be used to determine if the application meets the minimum qualifications.

A resume, employment history provided elsewhere in the application, or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application.

Note: The minimum qualifications for experience are based on full-time experience (40 hours per week).

Experience included in the Work Experience section of the application is calculated to the full-time equivalent (hours are pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week).

Volunteer experience is not considered qualifying experience.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources by Monday, March 9, 2026 at 5:00pm.

Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City's employment page at Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

EXAM PROCESS

Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position.

Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the oral examination process scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

(Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources.)

SELECTION PROCESS

Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies.

Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview with the department.

Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire.

Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history.

A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination.

Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

A valid California Class C driver's license and a safe driving record is required for this position at the time of appointment. Should you move forward to be hired for this position, you will be required to turn in a current copy of your DMV driving record.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION

Any successful candidate, selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e. original copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts).

A candidate with education obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate's expense to determine its equivalency in the United States.

Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation.

If you search ‘education equivalency verification’ or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Positions in this job classification are represented by the Sunnyvale Employees Association (SEA).

For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:

• How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job- YouTube (5:13)

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state, or local laws. The City of Sunnyvale is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 730-7490 or recruitments@sunnyvale.ca.gov.