Fire Inspector

Under the general direction of the Deputy Fire Chief, this position performs, but is not limited to, conducting inspections of facilities for compliance  with  adopted  fire  and  building  codes,  the  inspection  and  supervision  of  testing  of fire  protection  systems  in  accordance  with  approved  plans,  and  the  acceptance  and  approval  of  installed  systems.  Additional assigned duties may include: the investigation of all assigned fires, attempts at fire, explosions, and other incidents for the purpose of determining the origin and cause, conducting the review of plans for fire code compliance, conducting fire‐code inspections of hazardous materials facilities, and/or managing specific programs or areas of focus relating to risk reduction for the Town of Vail.  Additional responsibilities include fire safety inspections in connection with the issuance of permits, certificates of occupancy, and in connection with code enforcement actions.  This position requires taking initiative and the use of independent judgment. The incumbent must demonstrate the ability to provide the necessary information to allow for the consistent and standard interpretation of Fire Codes enforced by the Town of Vail within the jurisdiction.     

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Performs building and construction inspections as necessary and as required by state law, local ordinances, and codes in effect within the jurisdiction as related to the issuance of construction and operational permits under applicable laws, rules, ordinances and codes. 
• Responds to requests for information concerning fire codes and related standards, and advises architects, builders, property owners, developers, and members of the public with respect to fire code(s) requirements, equipment, and system specifications and related fire prevention, detection, and suppression requirements of the Town of Vail. 
• Investigates complaints by the public and/or other entities concerning violations under the fire code and standards. 
• Participates in the review of fire codes and standards, including researching, analyzing, and interpreting the Fire Codes and standards adopted by a jurisdiction within the Town of Vail to facilitate uniform application.  
• Participates in the development of fire prevention methods; reviews local, state and national fire codes and standards relating to fire protection; observes fire protection equipment installation, the installation of water supplies for firefighting purposes, and the construction of egress/access roads for the purpose of evaluating compliance with minimum fire code requirements. 
• Assists Town of Vail, Vail Fire & Emergency Services shift personnel, and Building Department   with technical inspection of occupancies for compliance with all applicable fire codes and standards. 
• Prepares reports concerning inspections and investigations completed by the Vail Fire & Emergency Services   
• Participate on the Special Event Review Committee and provides input and direction for special events that require permitting in the Town of Vail. 
• Serve the citizens and guests of the Town of Vail by abiding by all Town of Vail core values. 
• Perform job in accordance with all Town of Vail and Vail Fire and Emergency Services safety practices. 
• Able to work off-scheduled regular work hours for special situations such as inspection needs, investigations, or other fire department needs
• Other duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Fire safety standards, building materials, and methods of construction including water supply systems, building and area access requirements. 
• National, state, and local fire and building codes, related laws and ordinances.  Knowledge and experience in the administration of the International Fire Code is desired. 
• Modern methods, practices, and techniques for fire prevention and control, community risk reduction, and fire scene investigations 
• Knowledge  of  fire  detection,  extinguishing  and  protection  systems  and  devices,  including installation, operation, testing and maintenance. 
• Interpret  and  analyze  building  plans,  specifications,  mechanical  and  design  documents  in  relation  to the requirements of codes and standards. 
• Possess communications skills that will enable the preparation of clear, concise, and accurate written reviews and reports, and effectively present ideas and instructions orally. 
• Keep accurate records and reports as appropriate for the position. 
• Ability to use logic to solve difficult problems, probing all sources for answers, looking beyond the obvious, and past the first answers to explore all reasonable possibilities. 
• Establish and sustain working relationships with staff and field personnel, other governmental officials, and the general public. 
• Willingness and ability to recognize and deliver excellent customer service. 
• Self‐motivated, self‐disciplined, takes initiative, and conducts work in line with organizational goals. 
• Work with frequent interruptions and adhere to deadlines in stressful or difficult situations. 
• Utilize Microsoft office, fire records management system, plan review and permit software systems 
• Manage multiple responsibilities, projects and tasks simultaneously, work under deadlines and meet deadlines in stressful or difficult situations. 
• Education, Experience and Certificates 
• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent, supplemented with an Associate’s degree in Fire Science, Civil Engineering, Construction Technology or a closely related field. 
• Three (3) years of experience in the fire inspections/safety inspections service or a closely‐related field 
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered that demonstrates the ability to perform the necessary essential functions of the job. 

Certifications: 

• Colorado Driver’s License or be able to obtain within 30 days of hire. 
• ICC/NFPA certified Fire Inspector I or able to obtain within 1 year of hire. 
• ICC/NFPA certified Fire Inspector II or able to obtain within 1 year of hire. 
• CO Plans Examiner Certification or equivalent or able to obtain within 1 year of hire. 
• State of Colorado Fire Suppression System inspector/plan reviewer certification or able to obtain within 1 year of hire. 
• IAAI FIT certification or able to obtain after hire based on business need (at Deputy Fire Chief  and Fire Chief’s discretion) 
• ICS-100 and IS-700 or able to obtain within 1 year of hire 

Desirable: 

• NWCG S-130/S-190 or able to obtain within 1 year of hire. 
• NWCG FI-210 and INVF 

Our values-based culture is nurtured by the employees’ strong desire to foster teamwork, take ownership in Vail’s future and an overall pride for serving their community. 

Year-Round Benefits (2025 Benefits Plan)

The Town of Vail offers an excellent benefits and compensation package to our Full-time employees. This includes health and dental coverage, town-funded retirement, 457 pre-tax savings plan, life/survivor insurance, tennis pass, golf pass and other ski pass/wellness benefits.

What’s more, the town offers many other benefits to help employees make Vail their “home” including employee housing options, home buyer/renter assistance programs, day care assistance, education reimbursements, professional development opportunities and much, much more.