Occupation Details
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.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$55,640.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$69,050.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$88,340.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
16,390
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
18,830
+244 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
1,576
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
College Helps - Some college classes or training
Experience Requirements
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education Requirements
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- 35 millimeter cameras
- Adjustable hand wrenches
- Adjustable pipe wrenches
- Ball peen hammers
- Ballistic vests
- Bar levels
- Battery analyzers
- Battery powered smoke detectors
- Bit drivers
- Bolt cutters
- Box end wrenches
- Camera flash attachments
- Camera lenses
- Camera positioning tripods
- Carpet cutters
- Catalytic combustion detectors CCD
- Circuit continuity testers
- Claw hammers
- Cordless drills
- Crosscut saws
- Crowbars
- Decibel meters
- Digital anemometers
- Digital audio recorders
- Digital barometers
- Digital electrical frequency meters
- Digital levels
- Digital light meters
- Digital multimeters
- Digital still cameras
Technology
- Code database software
- Consolidated Model of Fire and Smoke Transport CFAST
- Email software
- Fire Dynamics Software FDS
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- National Fire Incident Reporting System NFIRS
- Web browser software
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- operate cameras
- collect fees
- testify in court for accident and criminal cases
- recommend action to ensure compliance
- conduct training for personnel
- issue licenses or permits
- maintain records, reports, or files
- prepare reports
- estimate size or characteristics of fire
- analyze existing evidence or facts
- determine fire causes
- analyze test data
- test materials or solutions
- compile evidence for court actions
- investigate complaints, disturbances, or violations
- compile information on findings from investigation of accidents
- explain government laws or regulations
- explain government laws or regulations
- explain government rules or policies
- cooperate with court personnel or other law enforcement agencies
- make decisions
- recognize public safety hazards
- recognize public safety hazards
- read maps
- read maps
- gather physical evidence
- interview crime witnesses or victims to obtain descriptive information
- use arrest, search, or seizure legal statutes
- use emergency medical procedures
- use interviewing procedures
- use knowledge of fire, building or other codes
- use knowledge of fire, building or other codes
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use first aid procedures
- use public speaking techniques
- use public speaking techniques
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use knowledge of materials testing procedures
- communicate technical information
- communicate technical information
- make presentations
- make presentations
- serve or issue summonses or subpoenas
- serve or issue summonses or subpoenas
- serve arrest, search or seizure warrants
- enforce laws, ordinances, or regulations
- apprehend or arrest suspect or perpetrator of criminal act
- conduct fire hazard inspections
- conduct fire hazard inspections
- inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
- inspect buildings to detect violations of fire codes
- determine negligence or violation of laws or regulations
- review facts to determine if criminal act or statue violation is involved
- review facts to determine if criminal act or statue violation is involved
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Test sites and materials to establish facts, such as burn patterns and flash points of materials, using test equipment.
- Develop or review fire exit plans.
- 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.
- Coordinate efforts with other organizations, such as law enforcement agencies.
- Attend training classes to maintain current knowledge of fire prevention, safety, and firefighting procedures.
- 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.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Firefighting occupations
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
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