Fire Inspectors and Investigators
What is a Fire Inspectors and Investigators?
Fire Inspectors and Investigators are professionals who play a critical role in fire safety and prevention. Their primary responsibility is to conduct inspections of buildings, facilities, and various properties to ensure compliance with fire codes and regulations. They evaluate the fire safety measures in place and identify potential hazards that could lead to fires or hazardous conditions. In addition to prevention, these specialists also investigate the origins of fires, determining the cause of fires, whether accidental, deliberate, or resulting from negligence. Through meticulous examination, they collect evidence, interview witnesses, and collaborate with other emergency service professionals to provide detailed reports. Fire Inspectors and Investigators contribute to public safety by educating communities on fire prevention practices, advocating for safer building designs, and improving fire safety standards within their jurisdictions. Their work not only helps to minimize fire risks but also plays a vital role in protecting lives and property from devastating fire incidents.
Tasks
- Prepare and maintain reports of investigation results, and records of convicted arsonists and arson suspects.
- Testify in court cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false alarms.
- Package collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers, such as bags, crates, or boxes, to protect them.
- Conduct inspections and acceptance testing of newly installed fire protection systems.
- Analyze evidence and other information to determine probable cause of fire or explosion.
Technology Skills
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Data base user interface and query software
- Code database software
- Microsoft Access
- National Fire Incident Reporting System NFIRS
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook
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Analytical or scientific software
- Consolidated Model of Fire and Smoke Transport CFAST
- Fire Dynamics Software FDS
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Tools Used
- Screwdrivers
- Levels
- Fire suppression system
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
Knowledge
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
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Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
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Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Abilities
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
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Some college, no degree
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Work Activities
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
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Communicating with People Outside the Organization
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Detailed Work Activities
- Prepare investigation or incident reports.
- Record information about suspects or criminals.
- Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
- Process forensic or legal evidence in accordance with procedures.
- Inspect equipment to ensure safety or proper functioning.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$46360.0 - $137220.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.