Fire Inspector

The Bozeman Fire Department is now accepting applications for a Fire Inspector to help protect lives and property by ensuring buildings and fire protection systems meet critical safety standards. In this dynamic role, you will conduct inspections, identify hazards, and work directly with property owners, developers, and the community to promote fire and life safety.

This is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by joining the City of Bozeman! You will be part of a passionate team driving positive change while enjoying a fantastic benefits package. Full-time City of Bozeman employees receive top-tier benefits including 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, 12 holidays, 8 weeks of paid parental leave, bilingual pay, excellent retirement options, comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, discounted ski tickets and gym memberships, and much more!

• Schedules and conducts annual fire inspections of designated buildings or structures.
• Conducts inspections and field tests on fire alarms, fire sprinklers, and fire systems to ensure compliance with all applicable fire and life safety codes.
• Responds to reports of fire hazards, evaluates conditions, identifies potential hazards, and recommends the appropriate corrective action.
• Documents and maintains complete and accurate records of all inspections and any regulatory actions taken, including preparing written reports and correspondence, and issuing notices to correct code violations.
• Stays abreast of issues related to fire prevention technology, methods, materials, including attending scheduled training sessions as required, conducting in-service training sessions, and attending conventions and conferences that relate specifically to fire prevention and code compliance.
• Addresses any complaints or problems from concerned parties, and takes appropriate measures to ensure an expedient resolution or customer satisfaction in a timely and courteous manner.
• Interprets fire and life safety codes and explains compliance conditions to developers, engineers, architects, property owners, and others regarding code requirements as requested.
• Takes necessary measures to ensure prosecution of code violators, including initiating legal actions against violators, gathering and compiling evidence and proper documentation for court procedures, and presenting cases in court as necessary.
• May assist in investigations surrounding the probable cause of fire, as assigned.
• Advises the Deputy Chief Fire Marshal and Chief Building Official on technical issues.
• Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.
• Responds to citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
• Performs other duties consistent with the role and function of this classification.

• Associate’s Degree in Fire Science, Architectural Design, Structural Engineering, or closely related field; and
• Considerable (3 years) experience in fire, construction, or other building trades; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

• Thorough knowledge of fire prevention and life safety codes.
• Thorough knowledge of fire investigation techniques and methods of inspection.
• Thorough knowledge of the operation of fire prevention systems and related equipment, including fire alarms, fire sprinklers, fire suppression, extinguishers, generators, and other related equipment.
• Ability to quickly learn the Fire Department and Building Department policies and procedures.
• Ability to analyze maps, codes, and legal descriptions, and make appropriate judgments on compliance or non-compliance issues.
• Ability to read and comprehend fire safety documents and plans.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with businesses, citizens, employees, and the general public.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and make recommendations on construction plans, construction codes, ordinances and blueprints.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions for extended periods of time.
• Ability to effectively and assertively enforce specifications and regulations in a fair and impartial manner.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and reliable records.
• Ability to train and instruct firefighters and building inspectors in fire and life safety principles, practices, and techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions.
• Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations.
• Ability to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks.
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions.
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology.
• Demonstrates integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.
• Consistently performs assignments in accordance with the City’s Core Values of Integrity, Leadership, Service, and Teamwork.

• Must have a valid Montana Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within six (6) months of employment.
• Must obtain the ICC Fire Inspector I and ICC Commercial Building Inspector Certifications within 12 months of employment.