Fire Inspector I-III / Arson Investigator Page 1 of 4
April 2026
FIRE INSPECTOR/INVESTIGATOR I-III
JOB FAMILY: Fire District
EEO CATEGORY: Protective Service Worker (NonSworn)
FLSA: Non-Exempt
PAY PLAN: Full-Time Pay Plan
UNION STATUS: Represented
PURPOSE STATEMENT:
Under the direction of the assigned administrator, the Fire Inspector/Investigator I/II/III assesses information, develops and executes activities of a specialized nature in the areas of inspections, fire origin and cause investigations, public education, and special events as they pertain to the assigned job function within the Fire Prevention Division; performs related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND TASKS:
The following list of functions, duties, and tasks is typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform other closely related or departmentspecific functions, duties, and tasks from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
• Plans and develops various educational programs related to fire prevention, safety and burn prevention, disaster preparedness, and earthquake preparedness. • Reviews and evaluates various educational needs within the community relative to fire and life safety; implements programs to address these needs.
• Presents and/or coordinates programs for various community groups and organizations, such as homeowner groups, public and private schools, civic organizations, businesses, and industries. • Reviews fire incident statistical data to determine what areas of the community require emphasis in fire prevention.
• Coordinates engine company-level activities and their involvement in fire and life education programs.
• Performs a variety of administrative and research assignments in response to requests from management; conducts studies of organizational policies, procedures, and practices relative to state and federal mandated fire prevention program.
• Investigates the cause and origin of fires occurring within the jurisdiction, as well as other criminal and civil investigations; follows the course of the investigation until a final determination or adjudication is made.
• Collects and maintains control of evidence and executes search warrants.
Job Classification Description
Equal Employment Opportunity
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• Conducts victim, witness, and suspect interviews.
• Based on probable cause derived from an investigation, make arrests and work with the Barstow Police Department to transport offenders.
• Researches, compiles, and prepares documents and files; coordinates prosecution with members of the District Attorney’s Office to obtain prosecution of criminal cases. • Has knowledge and ability to apply codes, regulations, standards, and laws pertaining to criminal and civil prosecution; maintains awareness of changing or new laws and regulations. • Inspects residential dwellings, buildings, vacant lots, businesses, and commercial properties to ensure compliance with applicable codes.
• Investigates reports and complaints of possible code violations, documents found violations with photographs and written reports, and conducts follow-up inspections to ensure compliance. • Issues and delivers notices, warnings, citations, and compliance orders to violators. • Develops and maintains case files.
• Researches ownership documents and legal property descriptions. • Coordinates communications with complainants, violators, attorneys, and related agencies. • Performs technical fire safety inspections of industrial, commercial, and residential properties to determine compliance with state and local fire and building codes. • Uses computer data systems to collect, analyze trends, and report on the effectiveness of the fire inspection program.
• Performs miscellaneous inspections (i.e., sprinkler systems, fire alarms, and special extinguishing systems) as assigned. Recommends alternate methods and materials when appropriate. • May respond to major fires to assist in routine investigations and to determine cause and origin. • Prepares letters, memos, inspection records, and technical reports. • Monitors commercial and industrial use of hazardous substances through permits and inspections and makes recommendations to the Fire Marshall/Building Official. • Assists in plan check duties as required.
OTHER DUTIES:
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
(At time of application)
Knowledge of:
• City and State policies, rules, and regulations pertaining to building, zoning, and public nuisance • Techniques and methodologies for dealing with irate people • Standard office procedures, methods, computers, and radio equipment • Proper procedures for the maintenance of activity logs and reports • Local, state, and federal laws, codes, and ordinances pertaining to fire safety, prevention, and enforcement, including California Health and Safety Codes, CCR Titles 19 and 24, California Building Code, California Fire Code, and NFPA Standards and Codes and fire inspections and educational methods used in fire prevention; public relations techniques; and appropriate safety Fire Inspector I-III / Arson Investigator Page 3 of 4
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precautions and procedures
Skills and Abilities to:
• Compile and maintain case files and logs
• Interpret and enforce city and state codes and ordinances • Operate a motor vehicle safely
• Observe and retain details and incidents accurately
• Follow oral and written directions
• Maintain an appropriate professional demeanor when dealing with irate members of the public • Use photographic equipment
• Plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines • Perform inspections and detect violations of applicable codes and regulations • Read and interpret codes, regulations, technical reports, building plans, parcels, and maps • Establish and maintain credibility and effective working relationships with city employees and the public
• Use good judgment within the scope of the assigned authority • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing • Operate modern office equipment including a computer and assigned software • Understand and respond to requests from the public and staff for assistance in person and by phone
• Prepare reports, perform mathematical calculations, and sort or file documents • Perform the duties of an emergency worker in the event of a natural or other disaster • Relate well, communicate, and work effectively with diverse groups of stakeholders who represent a range of ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds JOB QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:
(At time of application and in addition to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed above.) EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, abilities and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the qualifications would be:
FIRE INSPECTOR/INVESTIGATOR I: High school diploma or equivalent and one year of experience in the field of fire prevention, fire safety, or a closely related field of investigations. This experience must include at least 6 months of specialized experience relating to the specified job.
FIRE INSPECTOR/INVESTIGATOR II: High school diploma or equivalent and three years of experience in the field of fire prevention, fire safety, or a closely related field of investigations. This experience must include at least two years of specialized experience relating to the specified job.
FIRE INSPECTOR/INVESTIGATOR III: High school diploma or equivalent and five years of experience in the field of fire prevention, fire safety, or a closely related field of investigations. This experience must Fire Inspector I-III / Arson Investigator Page 4 of 4
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include at least three years of specialized experience relating to the specified job.
LICENSE(S) REQUIRED:
• Valid state-issued Driver’s License and a good driving record.
CERTIFICATIONS AND TESTING REQUIRED:
• FIRE INSPECTOR/INVESTIGATOR I:
o Must possess and maintain PC832 Arrest certification (or current Peace Officer status) within 1 year of appointment
o Must possess CA State Fire Marshal Fire Investigation 1A certification within 1 year of appointment
o Must possess CA State Fire Marshal Fire Inspectors 1 series within 1 year of appointment • FIRE INSPECTOR/INVESTIGATOR II: in addition to the above requirements o Must possess CA State Fire Marshal Fire Investigation certification o Must possess ICC Fire Inspector 1 license
o Possession of a 2-year vocational degree in fire science is desirable • FIRE INSPECTOR/INVESTIGATOR III: in addition to the above requirements o Must possess CA State Fire Marshal Fire Inspectors 2 series certification o Must possess ICC Fire Inspector 2 license
o Possession of a 2-year vocational degree in fire science WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
(Must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations) • This position works primarily in an outdoor environment. • Positions in this class typically require: reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Medium Work: exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally (up to 1/3 of workday), and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of workday), and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly (2/3 or more of workday) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.