Fire Inspector / Senior Fire Inspector (Ventura City Fire Department)

Job Description:

Fire Inspector / Senior Fire Inspector (Ventura City Fire Department)

Description

Applications are accepted exclusively through the City of Ventura Career Site:
www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs . Submissions through other websites or methods will not be accepted.

Pay & Benefits

Whether you're starting your career journey or seeking new opportunities, we welcome all and offer:

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Strong supportfor professional development
• Flexible schedules (9/80, 4/10), including hybrid options ( Select positions and with Department approval)
• Eligibility as a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer

Salary Range (DOQ):

• Fire Inspector - $72,679.98 - $88,343.22 Annually DOQ
• Senior Fire Inspector - $79,904.24 - $97,123.73 Annually DOQ

About the Opportunity

The City of Ventura is excited to announce an outstanding opportunity to join our Fire Department as a Fire Inspector or Senior Fire Inspector. Our Fire Inspectors play a vital role in protecting the safety of residents, businesses, and visitors by ensuring compliance with fire and life safety codes. If you’re passionate about public safety, enjoy working in the field, and take pride in serving your community, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

As a valued member of a dedicated and collaborative team, you’ll help uphold the City’s commitment to exceptional service and community well-being by making a meaningful difference every day. In this role, you will perform a variety of technical inspections and investigations to ensure compliance with municipal, state, and federal fire prevention and hazardous materials regulations. You’ll work closely with property owners, contractors, and partner agencies to promote fire and life safety standards citywide. This is a non-sworn (civilian) position.

This Inspector classification series is flexibly staffed and positions may be filled at any level depending on the needs of the City and the qualifications of the incumbent. Learn more about the distinguishing characteristics of the Fire Inspector and Senior Fire Inspector levels on the job description Senior Fire Inspector .

About the Department

The Ventura Fire Department provides all-hazards emergency response out of six fire stations that serve an area of approximately 32 square miles. The Department is staffed with 93 sworn and 13 non-sworn personnel in three Divisions: Administration, Operations, and Fire Prevention. Last year, the Fire Department responded to over 18,000 fire, emergency medical, hazardous materials, and rescue calls. The department takes pride in its team-oriented working environment, and genuine commitment to serve the community.

To learn more about the Ventura Fire Department, visit: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/177/Fire-Department .

Key Responsibilities

Depending on assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct inspections of new and existing buildings and occupancies to ensure compliance with fire and life safety codes.
• Investigate complaints and potential violations, prepare detailed reports, and issue notices or citations as appropriate.
• Coordinate with property owners, contractors, and other agencies to resolve code deficiencies and promote compliance.
• Participate in public education and community outreach activities to increase fire prevention awareness.
• Provide technical expertise and post-incident analysis support during emergency responses.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for Fire Department staff, other City departments, and the public.
• Depending on assignment, oversee specialized programs such as hazardous materials inspections, weed abatement, or fire protection system testing.

The Ideal Candidate - Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will:

• Possess a strong understanding of fire prevention principles, fire and building codes, and inspection practices.
• Exercise sound judgment and attention to detail when identifying and resolving code violations.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with contractors, property owners, and the public to ensure understanding and compliance.
• Be adept at interpreting plans, reviewing permits, and applying technical standards in practical situations.
• Excel in a field-based environment and remain flexible in response to changing conditions and priorities.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a strong commitment to public service.
• Collaborate effectively with Fire Department staff and other City departments to achieve shared goals.
• Remain calm and composed when handling difficult or confrontational situations.
• Take initiative in learning new regulations, inspection techniques, and technology tools.
• Take pride in promoting community safety and representing the City of Ventura with excellence.

Minimum Qualifications - Required

Fire Inspector: A combination of education, training, and experience equivalent to the completion of high school and one year of experience interpreting and enforcing laws and regulations with a governmental agency, including research, investigation and preparation of reports for Municipal Code Enforcement or Fire Prevention is required. College course work in Fire or Construction Technology, Environmental Studies, Chemistry, Criminal Justice, or a closely related field is highly desirable .

Senior Fire Inspector: In addition to the requirements of a Fire Inspector, 18 months of experience equivalent to that of a Fire Inspector with the City of Ventura is required.

Licenses/Certificates:

License: Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required.

Certificates:

• Completion of PC 832 is highly desirable prior to appointment and required within 12 months of appointment.
• Certification by the International Code Council (ICC) in Fire Prevention or Hazardous Materials is highly desirable .
• Successful completion of California State Fire Marshal Fire Inspector 1A, 1B, or Fire Prevention I series courses is highly desirable.

How to Apply & Selection Process

Submit your online City job application and supplemental questionnaire by the filing deadline. Resumes may be attached but will not replace a completed application or supplemental questionnaire. All communication regarding your application will be via email, so please check your inbox regularly and ensure your contact information is current.

Application Deadline: Monday, November 3, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

Selection Process Timeline:

• Week of November 17, 2025 - Oral Panel Interviews (in-person)
• Department Selection Interviews - will be scheduled promptly after the oral panel interviews have been completed.

The Eligibility List established for this classification may be used to fill other regular and temporary vacancies at the discretion of the City.

Additional Information

To learn more about the City’s hiring process, visit the City of Ventura Hiring Process page .

Questions? Contact the Recruitment Team:
recruitment@cityofventura.ca.gov

(805) 654-7802

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need an accommodation in a selection process, please notify the Human Resources Department in writing by the final filing date of the position you are interested in. The Human Resources address is: 501 Poli Street, Room 210, Ventura, CA 93001, (805) 654-7853, e-mail: recruitment@cityofventura.ca.gov.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to attract qualified applicants from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create an environment that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our workforce. We welcome you to join our team!

Salary:

$72,679.98 - 88,343.22 Annually