Fire Marshal

Description

This recruitment process is open on a continuous basis and may close at any time. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply immediately.

DEFINITION : Under general supervision, oversees fire prevention staff and activities and reviews proposed construction / equipment projects for compliance with fire code and environmental regulations, investigates fires for cause and origin determinations, and refers criminal activities for legal action.

Essential Job Functions

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :  Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following duties and responsibilities, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of duties and responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities :

• Plans, organizes, directs, and supervises the Fire Prevention Division.
• Schedules, trains, evaluates, and supervises assigned staff. Ensures that Fire Prevention staff meets and respond to the Fire Department's customer service goals, objectives, and standards and are following division and departmental policies and procedures. Assists in hiring staff, initiates corrective and / or disciplinary action and responds to grievances and complaints following established personnel policies and procedures and in consultation with Department management staff and Human Resources.
• Responds to major emergencies to assist fire command staff as assigned and to control fire and life safety systems or initiate fire cause and origin investigations and arson investigations, as required. Reports possible criminal activity to District Attorney and assists in prosecutions.
• Responds to the City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and performs duties and responsibilities, as required.
• Maintains effective working relationships with representatives of other City departments, county, state, and federal agencies involved with the fire service, the general public, community groups, and organizations.
• Formulates and enforces Fire Prevention policies and procedures.
• Makes presentations to City Council and / or represents the Department at City Council and / or civic or professional group meetings.
• Writes and reviews detailed reports, letters, and other material related to Fire Prevention activities.
• Represents the Department on matters relating to the development, promulgation, and enforcement of related codes and ordinances.
• Oversees and performs new construction / equipment plan reviews and indicates necessary corrections for evaluating fire protection / life safety systems, underground storage tanks and hazardous materials facilities; coordinates plan check activities with City functions and outside agencies; attends meetings and performs liaison role for fire / life safety, and environmental and water supply issues; ensures plans meet the requirements of related federal, state, and local fire protection, life safety and environmental codes, regulations and restrictions.
• Reviews proposed projects with and provides technical assistance to developers, consultants, engineers, architects, contractors, City personnel and the public; interprets and explains requirements and restrictions relative to fire / life safety codes, ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures; develops alternative methods to comply with requirements and restrictions.
• Oversees the Department's annual inspection program and inspects businesses for fire hazards, proper operation of suppression devices, adequacy of fire escapes and exits, and general compliance with fire codes, underground storage tank and industrial waste provisions, coordinates and schedules training drills between local facilities and the department.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS :

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required.

Knowledge of :

Skill in :

Working Conditions : May require use of respirator during an emergency response, may come in contact with hazardous substances including smoke and toxic gases. May be required to climb ladders.

QUALIFICATIONS :

A combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be :

Experience : Five (5) years increasingly responsible experience in fire code, environmental compliance, and fire prevention / inspection including experience leading and / or supervising others is required.

Education : Associate's degree in fire science or a related field from an accredited college is required. A Bachelor's degree in fire protection engineering or a related field is desirable.

License / Certificates : Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license with a satisfactory driving record. Must obtain Penal Code (PC) 832 certification within two (2) years of appointment to Fire Marshal. Fire Marshal certificate issued by the California State Fire Marshal is desirable.