Fire Code Officer

Salary Range
7,004.00 - 8,960.00 Job Summary
As one of the fastest growing cities in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver is building a city of the future through innovation, sustainable development, great leadership and working with an engaged community. Our growth is guided by our core values of livability, sustainability and resiliency, innovation, and equity and inclusion, and we accomplish our work through collaboration, innovation, compassion and empowerment. If who we are speaks to you, and if you’re the type of person who is interested in joining a team dedicated to ensuring the safety of the Vancouver community then the City of Vancouver may be for you.

We’re currently recruiting for a Fire Code Officer. The primary responsibilities for the job are to conduct fire and life safety inspection work including fire code enforcement, permitting, and other related activities.

This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt, revenue dependent position covered by the provisions of an agreement between the City and Vancouver Fire Department Guild. The schedule for this position is Monday-Thursday, 7:30am to 6:00pm.
Fire Code Officer's are governed under Civil Service Rules

Compensation Philosophy
Union Pay Strategy
Salary for this position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement with negotiated step increases based on seniority. Candidates meeting the minimum requirements for the position will be at the beginning of the listed range, equal to Step 1. Directly related experience, certifications and relevant credentials exceeding minimum requirements will be considered for step credit at hire, with such credit not to exceed Step 4, the approximate midpoint of the listed range, unless otherwise stipulated in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Closes on 11/23/2026 or the first 100 applications. Job Details
Essential Functions:

- Conduct fire and life safety code inspections for existing buildings, review and process annual fire protection system reports, and complete fire code permit inspections relevant to buildings and/or property for fire hazards, efficiency of fire protective equipment, adequacy of fire exits, and general compliance with fire prevention laws, codes and standards.

- Drive a city vehicle in a safe and appropriate manner in order to travel efficiently between various worksites.

- Advise property owners on the removal of fire hazards; enforce compliance to correct hazards.

- Receive and investigate complaints regarding fire violations; recommend corrective actions and enforce compliance.

- Maintain a variety of records, files and maps related to fire prevention and safety activities and programs.

- Ensure various equipment used in performing duties is properly maintained.

- Serve as an expert witness testifying in court cases involving fire and code violations.

- Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
Experience and Education
Experience:

- Six (6) months of related experience in education, prevention, or inspection work and/or specialized training in fire science, fire prevention, fire investigation, or a related field. One year of experience preferred

Education:

- Equivalent to a HS Diploma/GED
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills

- Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

- Possession of a valid driver's license. Possession of, or ability to obtain, Fire Inspector I Certification from the International Code Council (ICC) within one year of hire. If unable to obtain ICC Fire Inspector I Certification within one (1) year and if the required performance benchmarks are being satisfied an extension may be considered by the Fire Marshal.

Knowledge

- Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive

- Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player

- Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.

- Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.

- Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.

- Technical report writing;

- Fire hazards and the related prevention and abatement methods

- Fire prevention inspection principles, methods and techniques State laws and local ordinances pertaining to fire code inspections, plans review and acceptance testing of fire protection appliances and/or equipment, the International Fire Code, International Building Code and applicable national standards with fire prevention

- Safe work practices and procedures Public relations as they relate to obtaining cooperation and compliance to fire codes and laws

- Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment

- Use of personal computers and basic software

Abilities

- Conduct fire inspection and code enforcement work effectively and efficiently

- Detect fire hazards and make recommendations for their correction

- Instruct public on ways to prevent and eliminate fire hazards

- Respond to inquiries, complaints and requests for service in a fair, tactful and firm manner

- Observe and record findings during inspections

- Properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations and policies Communicate effectively with property owners, managers and the general public in difficult work situations

- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

- Multitask and adhere to inspection assignments and inspection performance benchmarks

- Read and interpret codes, regulations & technical reports

- Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community

- Operate a personal computer and appropriate software

- Work in a manner consistent6 with the City of Vancouver's Operating Principles

- Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees

- Provide a high level of customer service at all times

- Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work

- Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others

- Consistently provide quality service

- Maintain regular and dependable attendance

Selection Process:
Application Review : Candidates will be evaluated based on the content of their application and those deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.
Practical Exam (Pass/Fail): This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.
Oral Interview (Pass/Fail based on 70%): Questions will be job related and may include but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Minimum passing score of 70% is required. The oral board will consist of a three to five member interview panel who will ask the same position-related, pre[1]established written questions of all candidates. The panelists' evaluations will be combined resulting in candidate interview scores. Those passing with a 70% or higher will be placed on an eligibility list.
Final Interview: As positions become available up to the top three candidates from the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a final selection interview.

This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, a basic criminal background check, a driving abstract and a medical evaluation.

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you’ll consider joining us on the journey!
Safety: The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.
Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.
Veterans’ Preference: Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans’ preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans’ preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 360-487-8417 or email hrfront1@cityofvancouver.us

Job Posting End Date
November 23, 2026