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Occupation AtlasFire Inspectors and Investigators

O*NET · 33-2021.00

Fire Inspectors and 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.

Also called Alarm Inspector · Alarm Sprinkler Inspector · Arson and Bomb Investigator · Arson Investigator · Bomb Investigator · Building Inspector · Canine Handler (K9 Handler) · Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI)
43 more

Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) · Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI) · CFEI · CFI · Code Official · CVFI · Fire Alarm and Fire Sprinkler Inspector · Fire Alarm Inspector · Fire Alarm Systems Tech · Fire Alarm Systems Technician (Fire Alarm Systems Tech) · Fire Alarm Tech · Fire Alarm Technician (Fire Alarm Tech) · Fire and Explosion Investigator · Fire Code Inspector · Fire Equipment Inspector · Fire Extinguisher Inspector · Fire Extinguisher Sprinkler Inspector · Fire Extinguisher Tech · Fire Extinguisher Technician (Fire Extinguisher Tech) · Fire Hazard Inspector · Fire Inspector · Fire Investigator · Fire Marshall · Fire Official · Fire Prevention Inspector · Fire Prevention Officer · Fire Prevention Specialist · Fire Protection Fabricator · Fire Protection Inspector · Fire Protection Specialist · Fire Safety Inspector · Fire Safety Officer · Fire Safety Specialist · Fire Sprinkler Apparatus Inspector · Fire Sprinkler Foreman · Fire Sprinkler Inspector · Fire System Inspector · Fire Systems Inspector · Inspector · K9 Handler · Smoke Inspector · Sprinkler Inspector · Water-Based Fire Protection Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Technician

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Dietetic Technicians

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic5.49
  • C Conventional5.18
  • I Investigative4.33
  • E Enterprising3.32
  • S Social2.59
  • A Artistic1.02

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma7%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent23%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate28%
  • Some College Courses26%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree13%
  • Bachelor's Degree2%
  • Master's Degree2%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (25%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (32%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (27%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active Listeningbasic3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Speakingbasic3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Writingbasic3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Social Perceptiveness3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Monitoringbasic3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Service Orientation3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Persuasion3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • Instructing3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Complex Problem Solving3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Active Learningbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
Show the other 23
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Coordination3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Time Management3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Systems Evaluation3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Negotiation2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Systems Analysis2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Quality Control Analysis2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Operations Monitoring2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Mathematicsbasic2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Troubleshooting2.41.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Management of Material Resources2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Operation and Control2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Management of Financial Resources2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Operations Analysis1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Sciencebasic1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Technology Design1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Programming1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Repairing1.3—
  • Equipment Maintenance1.1—
  • Equipment Selection1.1—
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

22 core · 8 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Prepare and maintain reports of investigation results, and records of convicted arsonists and arson suspects.4.9
  2. Testify in court cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false alarms.4.8
  3. Package collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers, such as bags, crates, or boxes, to protect them.4.8
  4. Conduct inspections and acceptance testing of newly installed fire protection systems.4.7
  5. Analyze evidence and other information to determine probable cause of fire or explosion.4.6
  6. Photograph damage and evidence related to causes of fires or explosions to document investigation findings.4.6
  7. 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.4.6
  8. 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.4.6
  9. Instruct children about the dangers of fire.4.5
  10. Conduct fire code compliance follow-ups to ensure that corrective actions have been taken in cases where violations were found.4.5
  11. 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.4.4
  12. Write detailed reports of fire inspections performed, fire code violations observed, and corrective recommendations offered.4.4
Show the other 18
  1. 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.4.4
  2. Develop or review fire exit plans.4.3
  3. 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.4.3
  4. Coordinate efforts with other organizations, such as law enforcement agencies.4.3
  5. Attend training classes to maintain current knowledge of fire prevention, safety, and firefighting procedures.4.3
  6. Review blueprints and plans for new or remodeled buildings to ensure the structures meet fire safety codes.4.2
  7. Teach fire investigation techniques to other firefighter personnel.4.1
  8. Conduct fire exit drills to monitor and evaluate evacuation procedures.4.0
  9. Teach public education programs on fire safety and prevention.3.9
  10. Recommend changes to fire prevention, inspection, and fire code endorsement procedures.3.7
  11. Subpoena and interview witnesses, property owners, and building occupants to obtain information and sworn testimony.4.6
  12. Conduct internal investigation to determine negligence and violation of laws and regulations by fire department employees.4.4
  13. Test sites and materials to establish facts, such as burn patterns and flash points of materials, using test equipment.4.4
  14. Dust evidence or portions of fire scenes for latent fingerprints.4.1
  15. 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.4.0
  16. Issue permits for public assemblies.4.0
  17. Supervise staff, training them, planning their work, and evaluating their performance.3.9
  18. Develop and coordinate fire prevention programs, such as false alarm billing, fire inspection reporting, and hazardous materials management.3.8

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Public Safety and Security4.74.9Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Customer and Personal Service4.36.0Level 7 looks like: Respond to a citizen's request for assistance after a major disaster
  • Building and Construction4.24.3Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
  • Law and Government4.14.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • Education and Training4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • English Language3.73.9Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Administration and Management3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Chemistry2.92.9
Show all 33
  • Computers and Electronics2.93.7Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Mathematics2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Mechanical2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.92.7
  • Physics2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Psychology2.93.9Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • Communications and Media2.83.2Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Telecommunications2.82.6
  • Administrative2.73.5Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Transportation2.72.8
  • Design2.52.8
  • Engineering and Technology2.42.9
  • Geography2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Medicine and Dentistry2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Philosophy and Theology2.02.1Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Therapy and Counseling2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Economics and Accounting1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Production and Processing1.81.0Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Biology1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Foreign Language1.70.9Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • History and Archeology1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Sales and Marketing1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Food Production1.4—
  • Fine Arts1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Problem Sensitivity4.13.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Written Comprehension4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written Expression4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Deductive Reasoning3.94.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Oral Expression3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Inductive Reasoning3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information Ordering3.83.6Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
Show all 52
  • Near Vision3.63.4Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Category Flexibility3.53.6Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Flexibility of Closure3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Selective Attention3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Speech Clarity3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Far Vision3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Fluency of Ideas3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.12.6
  • Originality3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Perceptual Speed2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Trunk Strength2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visualization2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Memorization2.62.9
  • Speed of Closure2.62.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Time Sharing2.62.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Auditory Attention2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Depth Perception2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Manual Dexterity2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Number Facility2.52.4Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Multilimb Coordination2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Peripheral Vision2.41.6Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Spatial Orientation2.42.5Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Control Precision2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Dynamic Strength2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Extent Flexibility2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Finger Dexterity2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Glare Sensitivity2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.31.9Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Stamina2.31.5Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Static Strength2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Explosive Strength2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Night Vision2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Reaction Time2.02.3Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Response Orientation2.01.6Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Sound Localization2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Rate Control1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Gross Body Coordination1.81.8Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.3—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.1—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.75.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.64.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public4.65.3Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization4.55.3Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Getting Information4.54.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.55.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.44.6Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.34.9Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
Show all 41
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.35.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.24.6Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.15.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others4.03.7Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.94.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Working with Computers3.93.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.74.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.74.8Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Processing Information3.74.5Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.64.5Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.64.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.54.5Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Developing and Building Teams3.43.2Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.43.0Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Training and Teaching Others3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Thinking Creatively3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.14.5Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.52.6
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.42.6
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams5.0
  • Contact With Others4.9
  • E-Mail4.9
  • Telephone Conversations4.9
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.7
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.7
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment4.7
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.5
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.5
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.4

Technology

13 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (4)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot
  • Microsoft Wordhot

Hot (2; 4 more marked hot above)

  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
Other tools (7)
  • Code database software
  • Consolidated Model of Fire and Smoke Transport CFAST
  • Email software
  • Fire Dynamics Software FDS
  • National Fire Incident Reporting System NFIRS
  • Web browser software
  • Xerox Government systems FIREHOUSE Software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers
  2. Firefighters
  3. Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
  4. First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
  5. Construction and Building Inspectors
  6. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
  7. Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
  8. Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
  9. Aviation Inspectors
  10. Environmental Compliance Inspectors

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.