Assistant Fire Inspector/Investigator

Please read the entire Job Posting as it will provide important information regarding the application process and promotional exam.       

• All documents MUST be submitted prior to the deadline indicated in the “Filing Deadline” area of the posting- NO EXCEPTIONS   
• If you have applied or taken an exam in prior years, you MUST resubmit all required documents along with your application.      
• No determinations of eligibility to participate in the promotional exam will be made in person, via phone or email or prior to the referenced time frame. 
• Communication will be sent to the email on your application. It is suggested that a personal email address be used to allow access to information at any time.
• Documents received after the filing deadline will NOT be accepted by Employment Services.            
• There is an outline and checklist attached to the application for your reference and to use a resource for what documents need to be submitted and education points
• To check the status of your application, you may log in to Job Aps or after job posting closes you may contact Employment Services directly at 813-274-8911

An employee in this class is responsible for serving as an advanced apprentice in order to acquire additional training and experience necessary to qualify for promotion to Fire Inspector. Work is of average difficulty and includes limited responsibility for enforcing fire prevention codes. Previous experience in this activity is required as employees exercise some initiative and independent judgement in performing the less difficult inspectional tasks. More advanced inspections, which are performed under the immediate supervision of an experience inspector or supervisor, are also important aspects of work in this class. Employees must be capable of maintaining accurate records, drafting complete and concise reports, and performing tasks requiring light to moderate physical exertion. Most activities are performed in the field, requiring the operation of a lightweight motor vehicle in traveling among work sites as well as extensive public contact. Employees are required to maintain combat firefighter readiness as they are subject to deployment in that capacity. Work schedules vary and might include nights, weekends and holidays on a regular or irregular basis. Work is reviewed through consultations, observation and submitted reports.

Conducts fire prevention inspections of commercial, industrial and multi-family structures including childcare facilities, apartment houses, theaters, and places of public assembly; inspects existing structures and facilities under construction for compliance with fire prevention ordinances. 

Inspects for: placement and accessibility of fire exits; type, number and placement of fire extinguishers; heat from electrical service and boxes; placement and pressure of sprinkler systems and heads; use of required fire retardant materials; placement and functioning of heat and smoke detectors; conformance to occupancy requirements; and, other fire hazards and potential hazards. 

Informs owners, managers and other responsible parties of violations detected; explains corrections necessary and date by which corrections must be instituted; issues citations when voluntary compliance is not obtained. 

Conducts public information programs, explaining fire prevention and safety measures through lectures, demonstrations and audiovisual presentations. 

Receives classroom and on-the-job training in the inspection of liquefied petroleum gas installations for proximity to potential fire sources, fire containment provisions and adequacy of security measures.   

Maintains records of scheduled and completed assignments; documents findings in narrative and statistical reports; drafts written summaries sufficiently detailed and accurate for use in legal proceedings. 

Performs related work as required.

Working knowledge of: fire prevention laws, codes and ordinances; fire prevention and inspection techniques; building materials, construction practices and mechanical systems related to fire prevention, fire suppression, and the safeguarding of lives and property from fire; firefighting principles and practices.

Ability to: enforce fire prevention codes and ordinances firmly, tactfully and impartially; prepare written and oral reports and impart them effectively; perform tasks requiring light to moderate physical exertion; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, law enforcement and inspectional services personnel, builders, property owners, and the public.

• Four (4) years of experience in the fire service.

Eligibility to Take Exam: Must be a current employee with three (3) years of experience in fire service and License(s) and/or certifications listed below.

Eligibility for Promotion: Must be a current employee with four (4) years of experience in fire service and License(s) and/or certifications listed below.

NOTE: All of the required education for eligibility purposes must be submitted prior to the deadline.  Required experience must be obtained by the date of the test.

Education points will be awarded as referenced in appendix F of the IAFF contract. A copy of the diploma should be submitted if a degree was conferred.  If a copy of the diploma is not available, an official transcript clearly showing a diploma conferred date can be used as proof of graduation. Acceptable certifications listed in appendix F or proof of degree must be submitted prior to the posted filing deadline.

Submit all applicable licensures and certifications with application.  

Possession of:

• A valid Florida driver's license.
• State of Florida Fire Inspector's certificate.

**Note:  Assignment of an employee to an investigations position will require the employee to satisfactorily complete the Basic Recruit Law Enforcement Officer’s Training within one (1) year of assignment.  That period may be extended at the discretion of the Fire Marshal if the scheduling/availability of academy classes does not accommodate that time period.

Evaluation of education and experience

SOURCE MATERIAL FOR EXAM: *** In effect the date of this announcement***

Standard Operating Guidelines

Rules and Regulations       

Current Collective Bargaining Agreement

EXAMINATION FORMAT: Written Test 100%

Education and Seniority points will be added after a score of 60% is obtained.(Submit all applicable degrees, transcripts and certifications with application. All documents must be submitted prior to the posting deadline date/time).    

EXAMINATION DATE: June 23, 2022

During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency

HELPFUL HINTS FOR COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION: Please register before you begin the application process. This will enable you to view and re-use information from previously submitted applications to complete and submit any future applications. Please make certain your application is complete and the information you provide clearly demonstrates that you possess the minimum job qualifications as stated in the job announcement. Resumes can be submitted in support of an application, but not in lieu of an application. Resumes and copies of certifications or other required documents may be attached to your online application.