Fire Safety Inspector

Fire Safety Inspectors within the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) are civilian positions responsible for enforcing the  State Fire Prevention Code - PDF to protect life and property.

Core duties

Fire Inspectors  work under the direction of Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal, a Deputy State Fire Marshal or a Fire Protection Engineer.

• Conducting Inspections: Inspectors perform fire safety surveys of new and existing structures, including public assemblies (bars, restaurants), commercial buildings, hotels, and healthcare facilities.
• Code enforcement: They identify fire code violations, determine compliance timeframes, and ensure corrective actions are taken.
• Systems testing: They witness operational tests of fire protection systems, such as sprinklers, alarms, and portable extinguishers.
• Inspection reports: They  prepare inspection reports and other correspondence.
• Legal proceedings: Inspectors may testify at Fire Prevention Commission hearings or other judicial bodies regarding code disputes. 

Qualifications

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1031 standards sets professional qualification standards for Fire Inspectors, outlining the knowledge and skills needed for tasks like code compliance, building plan review, and ensuring life safety in complex environments, covering various performance levels.

• Education: High school diploma or GED is required.
• Experience: None is typically required for the entry-level Fire Safety Inspector I role, though relevant military or professional fire inspection experience can be substituted for education.
• Certification: Employees must meet NFPA 1031 standards for Fire Safety Inspectors before completing their probationary period.
• Screening: Candidates must pass a physical examination, drug screening, and a complete criminal background investigation

Required skills

• Know federal and State laws, codes and regulations pertaining to fire prevention and safety;
• Learn construction and building fire prevention codes;
• Understand blueprints and engineering drawings;
• Understand and apply State fire prevention laws, codes and regulations to specific inspection requirements;
• Learn fire prevention and safety inspection methods and techniques;
• Explain relevant laws, codes and regulations to property owners, local government officials and the general public;
• Exercise diplomacy, fairness and good judgment;
• Prepare reports and other documents.

Applications

Applications are completed and submitted at the Maryland State Employment Center. 

Questions?