Fire Inspector/Investigator

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

• All documents MUST be submitted prior to the deadline indicated in the “Filing Deadline” area of the posting- NO EXCEPTIONS 
• No determinations of eligibility to participate in the promotional process 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 in reference to educational points.      
• If you have applied in prior years, you MUST resubmit all required documents along with your application       
• To check the status of your application, you may log in to Job Aps or contact Employment Services directly at 813-274-8911

An employee in this class is responsible for enforcing fire prevention codes. Work is of more than average difficulty and requires the application of specialized and previously acquired knowledge, abilities and skills. This class is distinguished from that of Assistant Fire Inspector in that work is performed more independently and greater reliance is placed on an employee's exercise of judgment, discretion and initiative in making arrests, determining courses of action to pursue during inspections, and detecting of inconspicuous fire hazards. Most functions are performed in the field, requiring the operation of a lightweight motor vehicle to travel among worksites, and involve extensive public contact. Employees must be capable of maintaining accurate records, drafting complete and concise written reports, and performing tasks requiring light to moderate physical exertion. 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. Although under general supervision, employees are often physically removed from superiors and might be required to provide leadership and training to lower level inspectors and others. Work is reviewed through consultation, observation and submitted reports.

Performs activities which may be of a very dangerous nature while at the fire scene and while developing latent investigations such as: identifies and collects physical evidence; properly interviews witnesses, suspects, property owners, and others as required; effects arrests.

Investigates fires; cites code violations in buildings; investigates complaints; writes "fire lane" parking violation tickets; responds to Arson Task Force investigations where fire-caused death or life threatening injuries occur; conducts surveillance and stakeout operations; performs special assignments and assists other governmental agencies.

Maintains accurate records; writes complete and concise reports; performs records checks.

Performs related work as required.

Fire Inspector

Considerable 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 life and property from fire.

Working knowledge of: 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; performs 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.

Fire Investigator

Considerable knowledge of: pertinent State statutes regarding the crime of arson and companion crimes; fire prevention and inspection techniques.

Working knowledge of: building materials, construction practices and mechanical systems related to fire prevention, fire suppression and the protection of lives and property from fire; laws, court decisions, and legal opinions relating to the investigation and prosecution of arsonists; firefighting principles and practices.

Ability to: conduct thorough fire investigations in compliance with legal requirements and procedures; perform physical tasks requiring light to moderate exertion; prepare written and oral reports and impart them effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, law enforcement agencies and the public; conduct after hours fire inspections as required.

Skill in: crime scene photography and its various applications.

• Eight (8) years of experience in the fire service including three (3) as an Assistant Inspector/Investigator. 
• Must currently be an Assistant Inspector/Investigator to be promoted.

Possession of:

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

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

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.