Fire Inspector I, II or III (DOQ)

Fire Inspector I, II or III (DOQ) Salary $29.89•$50.94 Hourly Location Bellingham, WA 98226 Job Type Full-Time Job Number

F325-F375 0326 E

Department Planning & Development Services Opening Date 03/09/2026 Closing Date 3/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Description Benefits Questions Summary Do you have experience in the fire service or law enforcement? Would you enjoy the challenge of providing a wide spectrum of fire prevention and building safety services to the citizens of Whatcom County? If you answered yes to these questions and are looking for rewarding work that will have a positive impact on our community, we hope to hear about your qualifications to fill this key Fire Inspector role in the Whatcom County's Planning and Development Services Department (PDS). This opportunity is in our Building Services Division in the Fire Marshal's Office and requires a customer focused perspective on the management and completion of Fire plan review and inspections on residential and commercial projects, Life Safety Occupancy Inspections, Open Burning and Fire investigation. Fire Inspector duties range from routine to complex, requiring incumbent to take initiative, make judgment calls and decisions, based on codes and policies, for the projects/processes for which they are assigned. This position performs specialized tasks related to residential and light commercial plans examination and inspections for buildings and life safety features. This position provides customer service in person, by phone and email answering routine and somewhat complex questions pertaining to departmental functions, technical matters providing technical assistance and information as authorized. Customer Service, effective communication, technical writing skills and problem-solving skills are essential for this position.

Job duties include:

Examining residential and commercial building plans, sprinkler plans, and site plans for compliance to the International Fire Code including fire flow requirements and access for emergency response vehicles. Inspecting local businesses on an annual basis to verify or identify any code violations. Examining and recommending correction to building plans/construction to comply with the International Fire Code. Conducting fire origin and cause investigations and preparing investigation reports. Issuing outdoor burning permits and conducting site inspections of those permits. Assisting with fire/arson investigations as assigned, dependent on level of training and certification. Providing customer service and technical assistance to groups and individuals both inside and outside the department.. Answering phone, email and counter questions for Fire Code and perform pre-screening of plans and project proposals. Carrying a rotational pager cell phone and being promptly available for emergency service after hours.

Supervisor:

Building Services Division Manager For more information please review: Fire Inspector I job description Fire Inspector II job description Fire Inspector III job description Whatcom County Fire Marshal's website Apply early for first consideration. First review scheduled for March 23, 2026.

Qualifications Fire Inspector I :

Requires an Associate's degree AND two years continuous part-time volunteer fire service or law enforcement experience OR six years part-time volunteer fire service or law enforcement experience, of which at least two years must be continuous. Must obtain an International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector I certification within 18 months of employment and maintain throughout employment. Must complete International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Basic Fire Investigation course, or equivalent, within 18 months of employment.

Fire Inspector II:

Requires an Associate's degree AND two years continuous part-time volunteer fire service or law enforcement experience OR six years part-time volunteer fire service or law enforcement experience, of which at least two years must be continuous A ND 18 months of fire inspection experience. Must possess an International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector II certification and maintain throughout employment. Successful completion the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Basic Fire Investigation course, or accredited equivalent required. Requires completion of NFPA compliant classes related to fire sprinklers, fire pumps, water tanks, private water mains, fire alarm systems, and other automatic and manual fire protection systems.

Fire Inspector III:

Requires an Associate's degree, one year of fire service experience AND three years of fire inspection experience OR five years of fire service experience AND three years of fire inspection experience. Must possess an International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector II certification and maintain throughout employment. Must possess ICC Fire Plans Examiner certification or complete the National Fire Academy Fire Investigation Essentials course. Must possess certification as a Washington State Certified Fire Investigator, International Association of Arson Investigators Fire Investigation Technician (IAAI-FIT). Requires completion of NFPA compliant classes related to fire sprinklers, fire pumps, water tanks, private water mains, fire alarm systems, and other automatic and manual fire protection systems.

Special Requirements:

Background check, including a pre-employment polygraph examination, must meet County criteria for law enforcement positions. Failure to satisfactorily pass required background check during probationary period is grounds for termination from this position. Must be eligible to cross the border between the United States and Canada. Must be able to meet one-hour response time within unincorporated Whatcom County, excluding Point Roberts, Lummi Island and Newhalem. At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Supplemental Information Salary Range :

Fire Inspector I:

MCBA•Range 140.0 or 140.3

Anticipated Hiring Range:

$29.89•$34.42 per hour

Fire Inspector II:

MCBA•Range 150.3

Anticipated Hiring Range:

$33.29•$35.77 per hour

Fire Inspector III:

MCBA•Range 170.1

Anticipated Hiring Range:

$35.93•$38.65 per hour See link for full Salary Range . Hiring rate depends on qualifications . Hiring rate typically is limited to entry to mid of the posted salary range, subject to required approvals. This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA). PDS seeks employees who are self-managing high performers, accountable for their actions, and dedicated to providing superior customer service. Ideal candidate will be passionate about Building and Fire Services, community and public service, as well as innovative, organized, exceptionally customer-service oriented. The County offers competitive compensation, great benefits, and an amazing quality of life. Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our future. Whatcom County, WA is truly special and a great place to call home ! Whatcom County offers excellent benefits at no cost to employees, including: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family Generous paid leave provisions, including vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays per year Eligibility for a lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees Option to invest in a 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for annual health care and/or dependent care expenses Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Additional benefit information 01 From the list below, please select which qualifications you possess. Check all that apply. Associate's Degree or higher 1•2 years Fire service experience At least 2 years of

CONTINUOUS

fire service experience. At least two years of law enforcement experience At least 2 years of combined experience in fire service or law enforcement field. At least 6 years of combined experience in fire service or law enforcement field. At least 18 months (or more) of fire inspection experience 3 years (or more) of fire inspection experience 02 Please describe your fire service or law enforcement experience including any time worked full-time or in a voluntary capacity. Please include dates of experience and average hours worked per week. 03 If applicable, please describe your experience performing fire inspections related to residential and commercial building fire code compliance. Please include in your response the total number of combined years of experience you have performing fire inspections. 04 Describe your experience conducting plan review for fire protection systems, tenant improvements, and new construction projects. Be specific, describing occupancy classification, types of systems and the specific codes/standards applied. 05 Do you have any experience with digital plan review? Yes No 06 Have you successfully completed any of the following?

Check all that apply:

ICC Fire Inspector I certification ICC Fire Inspector II certification International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Basic Fire Investigation course Haz-Mat Awareness-Level Training Fire Plans Examiner Certification National Fire Academy Fire Investigation Essentials course None of the above 07 Do you have any experience conducting arson investigations and working with an investigation team? If so, please describe your experience. 08 If applicable, please list any trainings or certifications you have completed, pertinent to the position such as NFPA trainings related to fire sprinklers, fire pumps, water tanks, private water mains, fire alarm systems, and other automatic and manual fire protection systems. 09 Are you willing to undergo a law enforcement background check, including a pre-employment polygraph examination? Yes No 10 Are you willing and able to carry a rotation pager cell phone and be able to be promptly available for service within 60 minutes of call out? Yes No 11 This position may require travel to Canada. Canadian officials prohibit entrance into Canada for various reasons. The most common problem is having been convicted of a crime or convicted of driving while under the influence of drugs of alcohol. Based on this information and your personal experiences, are you eligible to cross between the United States and Canada? Yes No Required Question Employer Whatcom County Address 311 Grand Ave, Suite 107 Bellingham, Washington, 98225 Phone (360) 778-5300 Website https://www.whatcomcounty.us/1675/Current-Job-Openings