33-2021.00Apprenticeship

Fire Inspectors & Investigators

Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.

Career Cluster:Public Service & Safety
Job Family:Protective Service
Job Zone:Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Industry:Government
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Technology Tools

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Key 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.
  • Subpoena and interview witnesses, property owners, and building occupants to obtain information and sworn testimony.
  • Photograph damage and evidence related to causes of fires or explosions to document investigation findings.
  • Inspect buildings to locate hazardous conditions and fire code violations, such as accumulations of combustible material, electrical wiring problems, and inadequate or non-functional fire exits.
  • Examine fire sites and collect evidence such as glass, metal fragments, charred wood, and accelerant residue for use in determining the cause of a fire.
  • Instruct children about the dangers of fire.
  • Conduct fire code compliance follow-ups to ensure that corrective actions have been taken in cases where violations were found.
  • Inspect properties that store, handle, and use hazardous materials to ensure compliance with laws, codes, and regulations, and issue hazardous materials permits to facilities found in compliance.
  • Write detailed reports of fire inspections performed, fire code violations observed, and corrective recommendations offered.
  • Conduct internal investigation to determine negligence and violation of laws and regulations by fire department employees.
  • Test sites and materials to establish facts, such as burn patterns and flash points of materials, using test equipment.
  • Identify corrective actions necessary to bring properties into compliance with applicable fire codes, laws, regulations, and standards, and explain these measures to property owners or their representatives.
  • Inspect and test fire protection or fire detection systems to verify that such systems are installed in accordance with appropriate laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards.
  • Develop or review fire exit plans.
  • Attend training classes to maintain current knowledge of fire prevention, safety, and firefighting procedures.
  • Coordinate efforts with other organizations, such as law enforcement agencies.
  • Review blueprints and plans for new or remodeled buildings to ensure the structures meet fire safety codes.
  • Dust evidence or portions of fire scenes for latent fingerprints.
  • Teach fire investigation techniques to other firefighter personnel.
  • Arrange for the replacement of defective fire fighting equipment and for repair of fire alarm and sprinkler systems, making minor repairs such as servicing fire extinguishers when feasible.
  • Conduct fire exit drills to monitor and evaluate evacuation procedures.
  • Issue permits for public assemblies.
  • Supervise staff, training them, planning their work, and evaluating their performance.
  • Teach public education programs on fire safety and prevention.
  • Develop and coordinate fire prevention programs, such as false alarm billing, fire inspection reporting, and hazardous materials management.
  • Recommend changes to fire prevention, inspection, and fire code endorsement procedures.

Skills

Active Listening
66%
Speaking
63%
Writing
63%
Critical Thinking
63%
Reading Comprehension
60%
Social Perceptiveness
60%
Service Orientation
56%
Persuasion
56%
Instructing
56%
Monitoring
56%
Active Learning
53%
Complex Problem Solving
53%
Judgment and Decision Making
53%
Coordination
50%
Time Management
50%
Systems Evaluation
50%
Learning Strategies
50%
Negotiation
47%
Systems Analysis
44%
Quality Control Analysis
44%
Management of Personnel Resources
41%
Operations Monitoring
41%
Mathematics
38%
Troubleshooting
35%
Management of Material Resources
28%
Operation and Control
28%
Management of Financial Resources
28%
Science
22%
Operations Analysis
22%
Technology Design
22%
Programming
16%
Repairing
6%
Equipment Selection
3%
Equipment Maintenance
3%
Installation
0%

Knowledge

Public Safety and Security
93%
Customer and Personal Service
82%
Building and Construction
81%
Law and Government
77%
Education and Training
75%
English Language
68%
Administration and Management
51%
Mathematics
48%
Psychology
48%
Personnel and Human Resources
48%
Computers and Electronics
48%
Chemistry
48%
Mechanical
47%
Physics
46%
Communications and Media
45%
Telecommunications
45%
Administrative
43%
Transportation
42%
Design
37%
Engineering and Technology
36%
Geography
35%
Medicine and Dentistry
33%
Sociology and Anthropology
29%
Philosophy and Theology
25%
Therapy and Counseling
24%
Economics and Accounting
20%
Production and Processing
20%
Foreign Language
19%
History and Archeology
17%
Biology
17%
Sales and Marketing
12%
Food Production
10%
Fine Arts
3%

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Abilities

Problem Sensitivity
78%
Oral Comprehension
75%
Written Comprehension
75%
Written Expression
75%
Deductive Reasoning
72%
Oral Expression
72%
Inductive Reasoning
69%
Information Ordering
69%
Near Vision
66%
Category Flexibility
63%
Flexibility of Closure
63%
Speech Clarity
60%
Speech Recognition
60%
Selective Attention
60%
Far Vision
53%
Fluency of Ideas
53%
Visual Color Discrimination
53%
Originality
50%
Perceptual Speed
47%
Visualization
44%
Trunk Strength
44%
Speed of Closure
41%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
41%
Time Sharing
41%
Memorization
41%
Number Facility
38%
Auditory Attention
38%
Depth Perception
38%
Manual Dexterity
38%
Hearing Sensitivity
35%
Mathematical Reasoning
35%
Peripheral Vision
35%
Multilimb Coordination
35%
Spatial Orientation
35%
Extent Flexibility
31%
Stamina
31%
Static Strength
31%
Finger Dexterity
31%
Dynamic Strength
31%
Gross Body Equilibrium
31%
Control Precision
31%
Glare Sensitivity
31%
Wrist-Finger Speed
31%
Explosive Strength
28%
Reaction Time
25%
Night Vision
25%
Sound Localization
25%
Response Orientation
25%
Rate Control
22%
Gross Body Coordination
19%
Speed of Limb Movement
6%
Dynamic Flexibility
3%

Work Activities

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
92%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
90%
Documenting/Recording Information
90%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
88%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
88%
Getting Information
87%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
85%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
83%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
83%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
80%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
76%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
75%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
75%
Working with Computers
74%
Scheduling Work and Activities
71%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
71%
Performing General Physical Activities
69%
Processing Information
68%
Analyzing Data or Information
67%
Assisting and Caring for Others
66%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
64%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
61%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
61%
Developing and Building Teams
60%
Performing Administrative Activities
59%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
59%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
58%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
58%
Training and Teaching Others
58%
Thinking Creatively
54%
Handling and Moving Objects
53%
Coaching and Developing Others
52%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
52%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
51%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
43%
Staffing Organizational Units
37%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
37%
Selling or Influencing Others
36%
Controlling Machines and Processes
35%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
30%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
21%

Work Context

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

99%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

98%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

98%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

98%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

92%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

92%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

92%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

89%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

88%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

86%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

85%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

83%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

80%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

78%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

74%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

72%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

72%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

71%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

67%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

64%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

63%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

63%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

63%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

62%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

61%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

61%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

61%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

56%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

56%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

56%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

54%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

53%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

53%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

52%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

51%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

42%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

41%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

41%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

40%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

39%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

38%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

38%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

38%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

38%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

36%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

32%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

30%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

26%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

25%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

23%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

20%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

19%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

14%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

10%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

8%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

8%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

3%

Education

Post-secondary certificate

27%

Some college, no degree

26%

High school diploma or equivalent

23%

Interests

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, t

74

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 hum

70

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 f

56

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

38

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

27

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

1

Work Styles

Integrity
98%
Attention to Detail
92%
Dependability
88%
Cautiousness
87%
Self-Control
74%
Stress Tolerance
71%
Perseverance
65%
Achievement Orientation
61%
Intellectual Curiosity
57%
Self-Confidence
57%
Adaptability
54%
Initiative
54%
Cooperation
53%
Leadership Orientation
47%
Sincerity
47%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
42%
Social Orientation
33%
Empathy
29%
Optimism
19%
Innovation
14%
Humility
10%

Work Values

Achievement
70%
Independence
70%
Support
70%
Working Conditions
61%
Recognition
58%
Relationships
53%

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