Fire Inspector II

Posting number: FY26-00629

Department: Permits and Inspection

Job classification: Fire Inspector II

Posting type: Open

Categories: Building Maintenance, Code Enforcement, Planning and Development, Maintenance, Construction Trades

Summary

Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible; additional compensation to include annual work boot allowance); full-time; 40 hours per week; varied schedule between the regular working hours of Monday - Friday; 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) full-benefits

This technical position performs residential and commercial fire and life safety inspections, plan reviews, and system acceptance testing for Frederick County. The Fire Inspector II works independently and serves as a technical resource and mentor to Fire Inspector I staff, providing guidance on inspections and code interpretation. Work at this level involves handling atypical or sensitive projects requiring in-depth technical knowledge, coordination with multiple stakeholders, and the application of advanced fire protection and life safety building code principles. The position exercises independent judgment in interpreting and applying codes, with decisions that may influence public safety, project costs, and operational outcomes. 

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy.  For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate, with limited exception.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members.  If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.  

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan 
  • Vesting after 5 years of service
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan

NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year. 

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

Examples of duties

• Enforce County and State Fire Codes and the fire laws of Maryland as they pertain to new permits
• Perform on-site inspections at in-progress construction sites to assure full compliance with fire and life safety codes in residential and commercial construction 
• Participate in training sessions related to fire prevention and safety in order to maintain certifications and current practice
• Witness initial functional performance tests of fire protection, extinguishing and alarm systems
• Compile and prepare formal inspection reports, memos, letters and other technical documents
• Review and utilize applicable codes, ordinances, etc. published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other recognized standards
• Assist and interact with architects, engineers, developers, contractors, building owners, tenants and the general public
• Perform permit review functions for suppression systems, alarms, pumps, etc. as needed
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee's position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.

Qualifications

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job 

• High school diploma or equivalent 
• Minimum of 5 years of work experience in fire service operations including fire alarm, pumps, suppression systems and life safety code inspections
• Possession of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1030 consolidated Fire Inspector and Plans Examiner Certification (or equivalent International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector I (FI) and Fire Inspector II (FII), Pro Board Certification)
• Possession of a valid driver's license

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:

• Advanced knowledge of applicable fire codes, life safety codes, ordinances, etc. with ability to effectively interpret and apply appropriate regulations (including state, local, NFPA and IBC)
• Knowledge of inspection techniques, processes, and procedures
• Knowledge of fire and safety systems
• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, plans, specifications and site plans quickly and accurately, and compare them to construction in process
• Skilled at spoken and written (English) communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present clear and concise reports, investigative findings, correspondence, etc.
• Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, contractors, other business professionals and the general public
• Ability to lead and guide other inspectors

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently sit, walk, climb/ascend/descend, stoop/kneel/crouch, reach, perform repetitive motions and drive; and rarely crawl and lift up to 20 pounds
• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently work indoors, outdoors, walk on uneven ground, work in dirty/dusty and noisy environments; and rarely work at heights, and below ground level 

Supplemental information

• Available for varied working hours as needed
• This position is subject to random drug testing
• All required certifications/licenses must be maintained current throughout employment