Fire Inspector (Sworn/Non-Sworn)

Build on your fire prevention experience as a Fire Inspector with the Palo Alto Fire Department, where every inspection helps shape a safer community.

The Fire Prevention Bureau of the Palo Alto Fire Department is seeking qualified candidates for multiple Fire Inspector positions, with opportunities for both sworn or non-sworn candidates. The Fire Inspector (sworn and non-sworn) conducts routine and special inspections of commercial buildings, public assemblies, retail, high rise, and certain residential buildings; checks building plans for compliance with fire and life safety standards, participates in Fire Department public education programs and performs related duties as needed. May act as a liaison with other City departments in the performance of duties. This position is key to the enforcement of fire codes, standards, and city ordinances.

Fire Inspector is a multi-position classification found within the Fire Department, Fire Prevention Bureau and investigation division. The Fire Inspector may be classified as sworn (Public Safety) or non-sworn. This position provides code enforcement activity and may be the technical liaison between the fire department and other agencies, e.g. City Attorney, Building, Planning, Police, Code Enforcement, and Water Quality Control.

Fire Inspector Sworn (EMT): Salary: $181,417.60 - $234,457.60 Annually
Fire Inspector Non-Sworn: Salary: $149,260.80 - $183,289.60 Annually

Essential Duties: The Fire Inspector makes inspections of industrial plants, certain commercial establishments, and places of public assembly, determines compliance with applicable code and ordinances, writes reports and generates necessary correspondence to obtain code compliance and issues appropriate permits. Check plans for new building construction and confers with other concerned city departments to determine compliance with fire and life safety requirements and makes necessary contacts with developers, property owners, architects, engineers, and contractors; follows through with related field inspections and tests. Investigates complaints received by the department and determines whether a fire hazard exists, and issues notices to abate and follows through with the City Attorney's office when necessary to secure abatement. Participates in public education programs, advises public on general and specific fire and life safety matters, advises, and assists in the formation of evacuation and emergency action plan for large public and private buildings. Additionally, he/she makes and maintains records and reports related to all activities. Participates in Fire Department training programs relating to areas of expertise. Participation may be advisory to the training division or may involve organizing lesson plans and providing instruction under direction of the training officer. May issue citations to gain compliance. Conducts investigations related to apprehending and prosecution of suspected arsonists and evaluates fire scenes to determine origin and cause of fires. May be requested to perform complex field inspections for conflict resolution in the areas of architectural, construction, hazardous materials, alarm systems, sprinkler systems as it relates to new or existing buildings.

Requirements: Valid California Driver's License, International Code Council (ICC) Inspector I Certification or completion of State Fire Inspector 1 series or equivalent within 1 year of hire, college level fire science courses in fire prevention and hazardous materials, California Emergency Medical Technician License (sworn position), American Heart Association CPR certification (sworn position), two years fire fighter experience (sworn position)

Salary: $149,260.80 - $234,457.60 Annually

Application Deadline: 2026-10-11