Fire Inspector

Position Summary

The City of Kings Mountain is seeking a Fire Inspector to carry out technical and administrative duties related to fire safety inspections and code enforcement. The role focuses on reviewing residential, commercial, and public buildings to help ensure compliance with state fire prevention requirements, local ordinances, and applicable building code amendments.

Role Overview

This position involves intermediate-level fire prevention and life safety enforcement work. The inspector interprets and applies the North Carolina State Fire Prevention Code, North Carolina amendments to the International Building Code, hazardous materials rules, and local regulations. The work includes site inspections, plan review, hazard identification, enforcement actions, recordkeeping, public education, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders. Independent judgment, discretion, tact, and firmness are essential, along with the ability to maintain cooperative relationships while securing compliance.

Key Duties

• Inspect existing and newly built residential, commercial, institutional, and other occupancies to spot fire hazards and confirm compliance with state and local fire code requirements.
• Examine building plans, drawings, site layouts, blueprints, and specifications for adherence to fire protection, access, hazardous materials, and occupancy standards.
• Track construction, renovation, and demolition activity to verify that approved plans and code requirements are being followed within the inspector’s certification and authority.
• Evaluate fire protection equipment and systems such as alarms, sprinklers, standpipes, and other suppression or detection systems, including acceptance testing when needed.
• Document code violations and hazards, inform responsible parties of deficiencies, and issue corrective notices, citations, summonses, or other authorized enforcement actions.
• Coordinate with inspectors from other agencies and trades on projects and inspections that require joint oversight.
• Return for follow-up visits to confirm that violations have been corrected and compliance has been achieved.
• Respond to citizen complaints and reports of unsafe conditions, investigate concerns, and take appropriate corrective or enforcement action.
• Maintain inspection and enforcement records, update departmental systems, and prepare correspondence, statistical summaries, and weekly activity reports for the Fire Chief.
• Share inspection results with suppression and prevention staff to support pre-incident planning and community risk reduction efforts.
• Deliver fire and life safety education, technical advice, and compliance support to property owners, occupants, contractors, schools, businesses, and the broader public through outreach, presentations, and training.
• Assist with fire safety planning, evacuation planning, and review of fire drills as assigned.
• Carry out other related duties as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of fire prevention codes, building construction, occupancy classifications, fire protection systems, hazardous materials risks, and community risk reduction practices. The role also calls for solid computer skills, including Microsoft Office and inspection or records management software, along with the ability to communicate clearly, resolve conflicts, and work effectively with a wide range of people. Accurate documentation, fair and consistent code enforcement, and sound judgment are key success factors.

Education and Experience

A high school diploma or GED is required, along with fire science coursework or related study. Candidates should have 2 to 4 years of experience in fire inspections, code enforcement, or fire and rescue services. A comparable mix of education and experience that provides the needed knowledge and abilities may also be considered.

Special Requirements

• A valid North Carolina Class C driver’s license is required.
• North Carolina OSFM Fire Inspector Level II Certification is required.
• The selected candidate must be able to earn Level III Certification within two years of hire.
• All required certifications and continuing education mandated by the State of North Carolina and the Office of State Fire Marshal must be maintained.
• The role requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and emergency response assignments when necessary.

Working Conditions

The job may involve indoor and outdoor work, working at heights, exposure to extreme heat and cold, noise, vibration, moving parts, electrical current, high temperatures, chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, gases, poor ventilation, oils, and confined spaces.

Physical Requirements

The position requires the ability to climb, stoop, kneel, reach, stand, walk, finger, grasp, talk, hear, and repeat motions. It is classified as medium work, with the capacity to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects with up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly. Visual ability is needed for data analysis, computer use, site inspections, measuring devices, and driving, while clear spoken communication and hearing are necessary for everyday interaction.

Salary

The posted pay range is $54,085 to $81,128 per year.

Acknowledgement

The employee acknowledges review of the job description and understands that the City may revise it at any time without prior notice. Signing confirms understanding of the current position requirements and agreement to meet them.