Senior Deputy Fire Marshal - Fire Marshal's Department

  • Clark County
  • Vancouver, WA
  • Jan 25, 2024
Full time Government

Job Description

Job Summary

Responsible for improving standards of public safety through fire prevention activities and securing compliance with fire prevention laws, ordinances and standards. Investigates the origin and cause of fires and performs follow-up investigation as required. Presents public education programs and answers specific requests for assistance from the public.

Sr. Deputy Fire Marshals are on a 24-hour, seven day rotation for fire investigative purposes. Hours not included in the normal 40 hour work week are paid as standby.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Five years of professional fire service experience with a fire fighting background and career emphasis in any combination of fire inspection, fire investigation, commercial plan review (fire related) or public education.

Completion of or significant study towards a recognized degree program in fire science, administration or a closely related field at an established college or university may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis up to a maximum of two years.

Volunteer or part-time fire service experience may be substituted for career experience at the rate of two years volunteer or part time for one year of career experience.  Experience in an occupationally related field may be considered as career experience.

Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license.

Certifications:

International Code Council Fire Inspector II certification.

International Code Council Fire Plans Examiner certification.

Additional Requirements:

Completion of an approved course of instruction for meeting the law enforcement requirements for Fire Marshals in accordance with RCW 43.44.050(6) within 2 years of the date of employment is required.

Certification in fire investigation from a recognized organization such as the National Association of Fire Investigators, International Association of Arson Investigators, IFSAC, etc., as approved by the Fire Marshal.

Knowledge of:  Fire prevention laws, codes and standards; laws which affect fire prevention inspections, fire scene examination and criminal investigations; law enforcement techniques.

Ability to:  Express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; carry out written and oral instructions; enforce laws, ordinances, codes and regulations with firmness, tact and impartiality; recognize and define fire hazards or conditions which do not meet the conditions of the applicable code or standard and to recommend effective remedial measures; review plans for building, fire protection systems, special systems or uses and land use applications for compliance with applicable fire codes, ordinances, standards, etc.; investigate thoroughly and completely the origin, cause and circumstances of all types of fires occurring in or on fixed or mobile properties; develop, follow through, compile and present prosecutable cases for fires which involve criminal action; work on an on-call rotating schedule involving fire investigations during off-duty hours; prepare and present fire prevention, educational and informational programs to targeted audiences of varying ages and interests.

SELECTION PROCESS:

If you wish to upload a resume or other documents: Resumes and documents must be attached together in the ‘Resume Upload’ section of the application.  Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application. 

Application Review (Pass/Fail) – An online application is required.  Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Practical Exam (Pass/Fail) – This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not be limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Oral Interview – The interview will be job related and may include, but not be limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Top candidate(s) will continue in the process.

Employment References will be conducted for the final candidates and may include verification of education.

It is the general policy of the County that new employees should be hired at the lower steps of the applicable range and advance through the range at the normal progression.

Position will remain open until filled.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

  • Inspects premises of all new and existing commercial occupancies for compliance with county, state and federal laws, codes, ordinances and regulations.

  • Inspects and approves fire extinguishing, protection, signaling and special systems to insure operability and compliance with approved plans and standards.

  • Reviews and approves plans for new building construction, fire protection systems and land use applications for compliance with codes, regulations, ordinances, etc.

  • Conducts origin and cause fire investigations.  Performs follow-up investigation as needed for those fires which are determined to have other than an accidental or providential cause. These investigations may require working evenings, weekends and holidays during inclement weather on a rotating shift basis.

  • Provides a lead role for various program areas such as new construction, existing occupancy inspections, fire investigations, and hazardous materials.  Participates in defining the goals and objectives and develops policies and procedures for these programs.  Responsible for the day-to-day operation of the program, scheduling inspections, plan reviews, follow-up investigations, etc. May have one or more inspectors or other Deputies assigned to a program.

  • Participates in fire prevention education programs which may include public presentations at schools, businesses, civic organizations or other audiences.  These programs often require cooperation with the news media.

  • Maintains a current knowledge (and or certifications) of changes in applicable codes, laws, ordinances and standards.

  • Prepares detailed reports on all work performed.

  • Expresses a courteous and helpful attitude when dealing with the public and other departments or agencies.

  • Maintains effective working relationship with State Fire Marshal's Office, County Fire Districts, County Sheriff's Office, County Prosecutor's Office, insurance companies and related agencies.

Salary Grade

Local 307.12A

Salary Range

$36.15 - $52.85- per hour

For complete job announcement, application requirements, and to apply on-line (applications on external sites are not monitored), please visit our website at:

https://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/explore-careers-clark-county