Description
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.
Interests
- Realistic
- Conventional
- Investigative
Work Values
- Achievement
- Independence
- Support
Work Styles
- Integrity
- Cooperation
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Initiative
Tasks
- 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.
Work Activities
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Detailed Work Activities
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Technology Skills
- Data base user interface and query software
- Presentation software
- Electronic mail software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Spreadsheet software
Abilities
- Problem Sensitivity
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
Skills
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Writing
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- Building and Construction
- Law and Government
- Education and Training
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Fire and Smoke Damper TechnicianCertifying Organization
International Certification Board
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified Fire Investigation InstructorCertifying Organization
National Association of Fire Investigators
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified Vehicle Fire InvestigatorCertifying Organization
National Association of Fire Investigators
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
Certified Building Official -Technology ModuleCertifying Organization
International Code Council
Type
Core
Certificate name
Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm SystemsCertifying Organization
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
Type
Core
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $53,999 |
| Median (50%) | $67,762 |
| High (90%) | $87,552 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $65,965 |
| Mid Level | $73,820 |
| Senior Level | $78,427 |
| Expert Level | $97,143 |
Employability
There are currently 14,900 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 15,500 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 5%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 5%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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