Construction Fire Safety Inspector - R20036

Overview

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Are you looking to build a rewarding career in fire and life safety? Join our Sarasota County Fire Department as a Construction Fire Safety Inspector. This role focuses on ensuring safety in new and existing construction by performing inspections, enforcing fire and life safety codes, and conducting acceptance testing of fire protection systems. You’ll play an essential role in upholding community safety and supporting compliance with national and state standards adopted by County Ordinance and enforced through the County’s Special Master process.

In this role, you will...

• Conduct fire and life safety inspections of commercial and multi-family properties to ensure compliance with local, state, and national fire codes and standards.
• Enforce the Florida Fire Prevention Code, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, and Sarasota County ordinances through the County’s Special Master process.
• Identify and document hazardous materials within businesses and facilities and coordinate with the Hazardous Materials Team for pre-incident planning.
• Verify that flammable, combustible, and hazardous materials are properly handled, stored, and processed per code and manufacturer recommendations.
• Inspect, test, and approve fire protection and suppression systems in both existing and new structures.
• Collaborate with other County departments on Certificate of Occupancy inspections and report discrepancies in codes, standards, or ordinances.
• Support fire and life safety compliance reviews and inspections for areas outside the department’s jurisdiction, as needed.
• Maintain accurate inspection records, reports, and communications with County departments and regulatory agencies.
• Engage with the community through fire safety awareness programs and respond to public inquiries or complaints.

Work Hours:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week.
• Typical Schedule:
  
  Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

As a reminder, all county employees are considered essential and must be prepared to protect and support the community and its citizens. Each employee, without exception, will have a duty assignment and be required to work during a disaster or declared emergency.

To be considered for this role, you must have the following:

• High School Diploma or its equivalent with 1 year of Fire Safety Inspector experience.
• Current/Valid 200-hour Florida Fire Safety Inspector certificate issued by the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.
• Valid Florida driver’s license by date of hire.

The ideal candidate has the following knowledge, skills, and/or abilities. Please note that these are not requirements but bonuses for your consideration.

• 3 years of construction or a related Life Safety Systems Installation experience (Preferred).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear reports and explain inspection findings professionally and tactfully.
• Knowledge of state and local fire safety laws, codes, ordinances, and fire inspection and prevention practices.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, blueprints, and technical documents accurately.
• Proficient in basic computer applications, including word processing, email, and internet research; comfortable using standard office equipment.
• Proven ability to build effective working relationships and remain composed when addressing code violations or public concerns.

Note: This is a Level 1 Classification. As you grow in your role and develop the skills and qualifications for the next level, you ll be encouraged to apply for promotional opportunities as they become available. While advancement isn’t automatic, we value professional growth and evaluate position reclassifications based on overall business needs and available resources.

Subject to Passing Substance Screening: This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment for a period of five years.

Physical Demands: Employees in this role must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 lbs.

Starting…