Life Safety Inspector Trainee
Salary
$46,530.00 - $67,210.00 Annually
Location
Public Safety Building, 150 Eslinger Way, Sanford, FL
Job Type
Full Time Employment
Job Number
2026-03858/24140/24138/24133
Department
FD EMS/Fire/Rescue
Opening Date
07/06/2026
Closing Date
7/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
Under direct supervision, this trainee-level position is designed to prepare employees for certification and independent service as a Fire/Life Safety Inspector within the Fire Prevention Division. Employees in this classification participate in a structured training and development program consisting of classroom instruction, field training, supervised inspections, plan review exposure, and code enforcement education.
The Recruit Fire Inspector performs inspection, fire prevention, and public education activities under the direct supervision of certified Fire Inspectors, Preceptors, and supervisory personnel. Employees are responsible for successfully completing all phases of the Seminole County Fire Department Non-Certified Recruit Fire Inspector Training Program, obtaining State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I certification, and demonstrating competency in inspection, code application, and fire prevention functions.
Successful completion of the training program, State certification requirements, task book requirements, and departmental approval shall result in eligibility for reclassification to the position of Life Safety Inspector I.
Essential Functions
Participates in all phases of the Seminole County Fire Inspector Training Program, including orientation, classroom instruction, field training, precepting, and competency evaluations.
Attends and successfully completes all required State of Florida Fire Inspector certification courses and departmental training programs.
Observes and assists certified Fire Inspectors in conducting inspections of commercial, multi-family residential, industrial, educational, healthcare, assembly, and other occupancies to identify fire and life safety hazards.
Assists with inspection documentation, report preparation, permit processing, records management, and code compliance tracking.
Learns and applies provisions of the Florida Fire Prevention Code, Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Code, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, County ordinances, and departmental policies.
Participates in field inspections, plan reviews, fire protection system evaluations, and occupancy classifications under direct supervision.
Assists in investigating complaints related to fire and life safety concerns and participates in follow-up inspections to verify corrective actions.
Participates in fire prevention and public education activities, including community outreach events, fire extinguisher training, evacuation planning, and Fire Prevention Month programs.
Completes assigned task book requirements and demonstrates competency in required inspection categories, fire protection systems, and special operations activities.
Maintains accurate records of training activities, inspections, coursework completion, and performance evaluations.
Observes and participates in emergency incident response, fire scene operations, damage assessment activities, and post-incident reviews as assigned.
Responds to fire and emergency medical calls as required.
Attends continuing education programs in firefighting, fire prevention, life safety, and first aid.
May be required to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, or be placed on-call as operational needs dictate.
Additional Duties:
Performs other duties as assigned.
In the event of an emergency, all employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties.
Participates in damage assessment activities and Emergency Operations Center support functions when required.
Minimum Qualifications
High School diploma or equivalent.
Additional Requirements
Ability to successfully complete the Seminole County Fire Department Non-Certified Recruit Fire Inspector Training Program.
Ability to obtain State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I certification within the timeframe established by department policy.
Ability to obtain and maintain CPR certification.
Ability to meet all physical and working condition requirements established for the Life Safety Inspector classification.
Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license
Must successfully complete all phases of the Recruit Fire Inspector Training Program.
Must complete all required State Fire Inspector coursework, including:
Must pass the State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I Certification Examination.
Must complete all assigned task book requirements and receive approval from the assigned Preceptor, Assistant Fire Marshal, and Fire Marshal prior to independent duty status.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, businesses, and the public.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Knowledge of personal computers, office software, and electronic records management systems.
Ability to learn and apply fire prevention principles, inspection techniques, building construction concepts, fire protection systems, and life safety codes.
Must possess strong customer service skills and professional demeanor.
All employees must attend Seminole County required training, including department-specific training, as required.
County-paid benefits for employees
Competitive Wages: Our compensation system includes competitive hiring salaries.
Paid Time Off: New full-time employees accrue 20 days per year of Paid Time Off (16 days for 24-hour shift personnel). New part-time employees accrue 83 hours per year of Paid Time Off. Accrual rates increase with service time.
Paid Holidays: We observe 12 paid holidays which includes an employee birthday holiday and a floating Work/Life Day.
Bereavement Leave: Employees may receive up to one week paid leave per fiscal year for absence due to the death of an immediate family member.
Florida Retirement System: All employees in regularly established positions are automatically covered from the first day of employment. Seminole County makes contribution on behalf of the employee and the employee is also required to make a 3% contribution.
Employees Assistance Program: Our EAP provider can help employees and their families with issues such as personal/family matters, financial debt counseling, substance abuse, etc.
Training and Development Program: The Employee Learning Center provides training opportunities for employees which promote performance, enhance employees' work life experiences, and support the organization.
Employee Awards and Recognition: A program to reward outstanding performance and enhance service to the citizens of Seminole County.
Wellness Center: Includes exercise equipment, resource library, and educational programs.
Health Insurance: Health Insurance is effective the first of the month after completing 30 calendar days of employment. Seminole County offers a Point of Service (POS) plan. Dependent coverage is also available, the cost is split between the employee and employer. This benefit is not extended to part-time employees.
Life Insurance: Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance for employees, equal to one times annual salary. Not extended to part-time employees.
Long-Term Disability: Provides 60% of salary after 6 months of disability. Not extended to part-time employees.
Optional benefits (employee-paid) for full-time employees:
Deferred Compensation Plan (457): Employees may choose to have pre-tax payroll deductions made for deposit into this savings plan up to an IRS-established maximum.
Dental Insurance: A choice of 3 plans is available for employees and dependents at employee expense.
Additional Life Insurance: At employee expense, additional life insurance up to five times annual salary; dependent coverage also available.
Short-Term Disability Insurance: 60% of salary for the first six months of disability at employee expense.
Cancer and Specified Disease: Pays a benefit directly to the employee if being treated for this disease.
Flexible Spending Account: A pre-tax account for childcare and un-reimbursed medical expenses.
Pre-Tax Payroll Deductions: Under Section 125 of the IRS Code, certain payroll deductions for insurance coverage may be taken out prior to income being taxed.
01
In 300 words or less, explain why you believe you would be successful in a Fire Inspector Trainee position, even if you have no prior inspection experience. Include examples of your work ethic, ability to learn, and commitment to public service.
02
This position requires inspecting a variety of occupancies, climbing stairs and ladders, walking for extended periods, and occasionally working outdoors in varying weather conditions. Are you able to perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation?
03
This position may require occasional attendance at training, meetings, or inspections outside normal business hours. Are you willing to work a flexible schedule when operationally necessary?
04
Do you possess a valid drivers license that allows you to operate a motor vehicle in Florida prior to employment?
05
This position is considered an entry-level trainee position. No Fire Inspector certification is required at the time of hire; however, employees are expected to successfully complete all required training and certification while employed. Failure to do so may result in separation from employment. Do you understand and accept this condition?
Required Question
Employer Seminole County/Board of County Commissioners
Address 1101 East First Street
Sanford, Florida, 32771
Phone (407) 665-7944
Website http://seminolecountyfl.gov