Description
Lead and manage the fire prevention division, directing code enforcement, life safety inspections, plan review, public education, and fire investigation programs; supervise staff, set policy, and coordinate with operations and external agencies to reduce community risk and ensure compliance with fire and life safety codes.
- • Plan, direct, and evaluate fire prevention, code enforcement, and community risk reduction programs.
- • Supervise, schedule, and mentor fire inspectors, investigators, and public education staff.
- • Establish divisional policies, procedures, and performance standards.
- • Review building plans and fire protection system submittals for code compliance.
- • Approve and issue operational and construction permits for hazardous materials, special events, and high-risk occupancies.
- • Oversee inspections of properties and occupancies for compliance with fire and life safety codes and ordinances.
- • Direct testing and acceptance of fire alarm, sprinkler, standpipe, and other fire protection systems.
- • Lead origin-and-cause investigations; coordinate with law enforcement on suspected arson cases.
- • Prepare and present inspection, investigation, and enforcement reports to leadership and governing bodies.
- • Develop and manage the division budget; monitor revenues and expenditures.
- • Analyze fire incident and inspection data to identify trends and set prevention priorities.
- • Coordinate pre-incident planning and access considerations with operations companies.
- • Develop evacuation plans and fire safety guidelines for nonresidential and assembly occupancies.
- • Train personnel on codes, inspection techniques, investigation practices, and public education.
- • Assign instructors and track training completion; report training status to command staff.
- • Evaluate employee performance and recommend hiring, promotion, discipline, or corrective action.
- • Manage complaint intake and enforcement actions, including notices, citations, and hearings.
- • Recommend adoption of new codes, amendments, and local ordinances.
- • Collaborate with building, planning, and public works departments on development reviews.
- • Oversee hazard abatement programs, including defensible space and WUI mitigation where applicable.
- • Direct smoke alarm, sprinkler outreach, and risk-reduction campaigns for target populations.
- • Maintain required records, maps, permits, and inspection databases; ensure data integrity.
- • Prepare correspondence, policies, and annual work plans with measurable objectives.
- • Recommend and procure inspection, investigation, and testing equipment and software.
- • Ensure staff compliance with safety standards and professional certifications.
- • Serve as duty officer for significant incidents, providing code and occupancy intelligence to command.
- • Represent the department at community meetings, boards, and media briefings as needed.
- • Develop false alarm reduction and system impairment management procedures.
- • Coordinate open burning permits and enforce burn restrictions when authorized.
- • Support emergency operations planning and business continuity outreach with local partners.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Available on paid plans only
Interview time
Related Pathways
Public Service & Safety
View
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
