Assistant Fire Marshal

Fire Inspector

Under direction of the Fire Marshal, conduct inspections of commercial, business and public occupancies for fire code compliance and applicable state and federal laws. Prepare and maintain all records pertinent to position. Recommend changes and additions to fire and building codes. Conduct fire investigations including origin and cause, interviewing and essential duties of an investigator. Assist the Fire Marshal as needed. Any situation that involves contact with the citizens of The Colony or other City departments shall be considered as an opportunity to promote the city and the fire department in the most professional and positive image possible.

Examples Of Duties

• Enforce the laws of the City of The Colony and the State of Texas pertaining to fire prevention and arson.
• Conduct inspections of commercial businesses, public buildings, Certificate of Occupancies, and state licensed facilities. Inspects all related occupancies at least once a year.
• Inspect new construction projects to ensure compliance with adopted codes, ordinances, state and federal laws.
• Complete fire inspection forms, offense reports, and other miscellaneous forms used by the department.
• Prepare clear and concise inspection reports in accordance with applicable codes and standards within the city limits.
• Evaluate fire protection and detection systems and equipment, ensuring that they are compliant with the occupancy or hazard being protected.
• Process permits and / or plan review applications and render decision based on applicable city codes, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Analyze plans, specifications, calculations and construction documents for buildings, processes, operations, and fire protection and detection systems and equipment to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards in city ordinances and procedures.
• Conduct fire investigations. Inspect and evaluate fire scene to determine area or point of origin, source of ignition, material ignited, and act or activity that brought ignition source and materials together. Assess the subsequent progression, extinguishment and containment of the fire.
• Document fire scene. May include diagramming the scene, photographing, and taking field notes to compile a final report.
• Collect evidence from the fire scene in compliance with proper physical and legal procedures.
• Conduct interviews so that pertinent information needed for proper documentation or follow-up questions are asked, responses to all questions are elicited, and the response to each question is documented accurately.
• Testify during legal proceedings so that all pertinent investigative information and evidence is presented clearly and accurately.
• Issue citations for fire code violations and be prepared to provide court testimony regarding them.
• Coordinate and present life and fire safety / prevention programs to citizens and groups within the city limits.
• Requires being on call for response to fire scenes after regular work hours as needed.
• Attend and complete all training as required for certification requirements and departmental standards.
• Perform duties necessary to ensure success of the organizational objectives during the absence of the Fire Marshal.
• Assist the Fire Operations Division in developing pre-fire plans.
• Provide assistance to the Fire Operations Division in data collection of vital statistics during inspection activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Must have an extensive working knowledge of fire prevention, inspections, and fire prevention techniques, laws codes and regulations relating to fire prevention and general working knowledge of the fire department. Must have excellent communicative skills including reading, writing, and public relation skills. To perform the essential functions of the job, must be able to work under stress; exhibit emotional stability; work in adverse environment; ability to see, hear, walk, talk, perform physical activity, crawling, bending, kneeling, climb on and off equipment; make quick sound decisions, and work other hours as needed.

Education And Experience

Requires an Associate degree in Fire Protection Technology. A Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred. Must have minimum three years experience as a Fire Inspector or Investigator. Must also have a minimum of Basic Fire Inspector Certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, Basic Firefighter from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, Basic Texas Peace Officer Certification from TCOLE, and Basic Arson Investigator Certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. Must have a valid Texas driver's license and a good driving record.