Fire Inspector
Under the general supervision of the LBNL Fire Marshal/Managing Fire Protection Engineer, you will deliver fire and life safety services across the main site and off-site locations. You will apply fire protection principles to develop and implement prevention programs that reduce injury and property loss, using technical expertise to analyze issues and resolve complex problems.
You will ensure compliance with DOE Contract 31 and fire protection requirements, as well as applicable OSHA, NFPA, California Building Standards Code, EPA, and other regulations. Key duties involve conducting fire inspections, managing system maintenance and impairments, closing code violations, and overseeing permits and safety reviews.
All Office of the Fire Marshal staff support emergency response. This role requires 24/7 recall and may involve extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as part of the Lab’s Critical Incident Management Group.
We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
Why join Berkeley Lab?
We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:
Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans
Opportunities to grow in your career - check out our Tuition Assistance Program
A culture where you’ll belong - we are invested in our teams!
In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.
Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)
Pet insurance
You will:
Supports fire and life safety compliance across all LBNL buildings by assisting with inspections, documenting deficiencies, and ensuring corrective actions are completed. Participates in operational permitting, fire extinguisher oversight, and inspection/testing/maintenance (ITM) of fire protection systems, including reviewing vendor reports and coordinating fixes. Assists with plan reviews, construction inspections, and commissioning to verify compliance with DOE orders and fire/building codes.
Prepares reports, presentations, and communications; collaborates with Facilities, EHS, and external stakeholders to implement fire protection programs and meet regulatory requirements. Tracks corrective actions to closure and supports development of policies and procedures. Contributes to assessments and stays current on fire prevention practices.
Provides support to emergency planning and response, including participation in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), updating building pre-plans, and serving in an on-call Emergency Response Organization (ERO) role as needed.
Requirements:
1+ year technical knowledge/experience in functional specialty closely aligned with relevant programs (fire inspection, fire prevention education, code enforcement)
Documented progress towards Fire Inspector 1 OR NICET Level 1 in Fire Alarm OR NICET Level 1 Fire Sprinkler system, or equivalent by nationally recognized testing and certification agency.
Ability to achieve and maintain specialized working knowledge of UC, LBNL, BSO, DOE, and State Fire Marshal policies, procedures, and requirements as related to fire protection program planning and management.
Basic knowledge in the areas of: fire protection program planning and management; fire alarm and detection systems; building design review for fire and life safety systems; inspection, testing, and maintenance procedures for fire alarm and water-based suppression systems; hot work and other operational permits; fire prevention training; and fire response protocols and procedures.
Experience writing administrative reports demonstrating technical writing skills.
Demonstrated ability to apply professional judgment, initiative and problem-solving skills within procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
Demonstrated computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and common business and electronic mail applications.
Ability to successfully interact and collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders.
The work is approximately 30-40% sedentary and is accomplished while the employee is comfortably seated at a desk or table. Other required physical activity such as standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, working on ladders or elevated surfaces, lifting up to 20 pounds, crawling and similar activities are required in the conduct of building inspections, verification activities, and in response to field events and emergencies.
In the performance of field inspections, evaluations, and incident scenes, may be required to use protective clothing or gear such as helmet, masks, eye protection, hearing protection, reflective safety clothing, and protective footwear.
Desired skills/knowledge:
Knowledge of basic plan review requirements of Building and Fire Protection Systems including a general knowledge of applicable California Title 19 and 24 Codes and Regulations, NFPA 13, NFPA 25, NFPA 72, and NFPA 101.
Knowledge and experience in performing basic building evaluations and audits for compliance with wide ranging Codes and Standards, including the California Fire Code and NFPA 101.
Familiarity with NFPA 45, DOE Order 420.1C, and DOE Standard 1066 is desirable.
Basic understanding of hazardous materials and related code requirements.
Knowledge of the Lab’s organizational structure, understanding of the Lab’s organizational culture.
Certification as Fire Inspector 1
Additional information:
Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by 5/22/26 Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
Appointment type: This is a full-time, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
Salary range: The expected salary for this position is $100K - $115K depending upon the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).
Relocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
Work authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.