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Department:

Emergency Services

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Are you looking to build a rewarding career in fire and life safety? Join our Sarasota County Fire Department as a Construction Fire Safety Inspector. This role focuses on ensuring safety in new and existing construction by performing inspections, enforcing fire and life safety codes, and conducting acceptance testing of fire protection systems. You’ll play an essential role in upholding community safety and supporting compliance with national and state standards adopted by County Ordinance and enforced through the County’s Special Master process.

The ideal candidate has 3 (or more) years of construction or related Life Safety Systems installation experience, is detail-oriented and professional, with strong communication skills, and the ability to clearly explain inspection findings. You should have a solid understanding of fire safety laws, codes, and inspection practices, as well as the ability to interpret blueprints and technical documents. Proficiency in basic computer applications and a commitment to teamwork and excellent public service will help you thrive in this role. To be considered, candidates must have at least one year of related work experience and hold a current, valid Florida Fire Safety Inspector Certificate. Apply today!

About the Position

In this role, you will...

+ Conduct fire and life safety inspections of commercial and multi-family properties to ensure compliance with local, state, and national fire codes and standards.

+ Enforce the Florida Fire Prevention Code, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, and Sarasota County ordinances through the County’s Special Master process.

+ Identify and document hazardous materials within businesses and facilities and coordinate with the Hazardous Materials Team for pre-incident planning.

+ Verify that flammable, combustible, and hazardous materials are properly handled, stored, and processed per code and manufacturer recommendations.

+ Inspect, test, and approve fire protection and suppression systems in both existing and new structures.

+ Collaborate with other County departments on Certificate of Occupancy inspections and report discrepancies in codes, standards, or ordinances.

+ Support fire and life safety compliance reviews and inspections for areas outside the department’s jurisdiction, as needed.

+ Maintain accurate inspection records, reports, and communications with County departments and regulatory agencies.

+ Engage with the community through fire safety awareness programs and respond to public inquiries or complaints.

About the Schedule

Work Hours:

+ Full-time, 40 hours per week.

+ Typical Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

As a reminder, all county employees are considered essential and must be prepared to protect and support the community and its citizens. Each employee, without exception, will have a duty assignment and be required to work during a disaster or declared emergency.

About You

To be considered for this role, you must have the following:

+ High School Diploma or its equivalent with 1 year of Fire Safety Inspector experience.

+ Current/Valid 200-hour Florida Fire Safety Inspector certificate issued by the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.

+ Valid Florida driver's license by date of hire.

The ideal candidate has the following knowledge, skills, and/or abilities:

Please note that these are not requirements but bonuses for your consideration.

+ 3 years of construction or a related Life Safety Systems Installation experience (Preferred).

+ Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear reports and explain inspection findings professionally and tactfully.

+ Knowledge of state and local fire safety laws, codes, ordinances, and fire inspection and prevention practices.

+ Ability to read and interpret construction plans, blueprints, and technical documents accurately.

+ Proficient in basic computer applications, including word processing, email, and internet research; comfortable using standard office equipment.

+ Proven ability to build effective working relationships and remain composed when addressing code violations or public concerns.

Note: This is a Level 1 Classification. As you grow in your role and develop the skills and qualifications for the next level, you'll be encouraged to apply for promotional opportunities as they become available. While advancement isn’t automatic, we value professional growth and evaluate position reclassifications based on overall business needs and available resources.

Subject to Passing Substance Screening: This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment for a period of five years.

Physical Demands: Employees in this role must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 lbs.

About Everything Else

Starting Pay Range: $26.99 - $28.00

Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s).

If you are selected to join our team, please click on this link to review the Required First Day Documents (http://www.scgov.net/home/showpublisheddocument/66596/638617478290291353) . You will need to present the following items on your first day:

1. I-9 Acceptable Documents to show your identity and authorization to work. Use this link to learn more and review the different document options: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

+ If your position requires a Florida Driver’s License, this must be one of your documents. (Your Florida Driver’s License can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List B Documents.)

2. U.S. Social Security Card (signed, physical card). This is a requirement of our Payroll Department and failure to provide this document could jeopardize timely compensation. (Your U.S. Social Security Card can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List C Documents.)

Benefits:

+ Enjoy great benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Florida Retirement System (FRS) and many, many more! C hoose one of three great medical plans, including one with a $0 premium option, with completed preventative visits!

+ For more information about employee benefits, please click this link or visit SCGov.net (https://www.scgov.net/government/human-resources/employee-health-and-benefits) for additional information.

+ Utilize our award-winning wellness program including free gyms at multiple Sarasota County Government locations.

+ Enjoy 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days and 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service. (That adds up to a possible 30 days off in your 1st year!)​​

A different blend of voices prompt better conversations, choices and results for everyone. Sarasota County – Many Voices, One Team.

We celebrate and value the experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, talents and strengths that make us different.

Our vision is to attract, develop, retain and engage a talented workforce broadly representative of the citizens and communities we serve. To further value creativity, innovation, collaboration and great customer service – internally and externally.

A job applicant with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in the application/selection process is requested to make known the need for an accommodation to Human Resources or appropriate county staff members. For assistance with the application, please call 941-861-5353.

Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net (keywords: ADA Compliance).

Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace.