This position fulfills the responsibility of Fire Marshal/Arson Investigator/Emergency Management Coordinator/Local Emergency Planning Committee Chairman and Department Head with full authority to initiate and make decisions and policy and see that they are carried out as needed; supervises all personnel attached to the Department, either paid or volunteer, including Inspectors/Assistant Fire Marshals, Volunteer Assistants and Clerical personnel.
 Essential Duties and Responsibilities/Fire Marshal:
Investigates all types of fires, bomb threats, explosions, etc. within the County but outside the municipalities in the County, and adjoining counties as called upon, that damage or destroy property, to find the cause and origin; if found to be suspicious or intentionally ignited, collects and preserves evidence, statements and facts and prepares and presents findings to the proper Courts.

• Causes records and reports to be compiled and kept of all fires which are required to be investigated.
• Enforces all County and State regulations that relate to fires, explosions, or damages of any kind caused by fire or explosion.
• Coordinates the work of the Volunteer Fire Departments, rescue and fire prevention units in the County.
• Coordinates the activities of the Volunteer Firefighters Association.
• Assists local, State, Federal and private investigators with investigating fires, bomb threats, explosions, etc.
• Assists in all types of rescue incidents as necessary.
• Inspects any structure in the interest of safety and fire prevention as per sec. 352.016 Local Government Code, S.O.P., NFPA Life Safety Code 101; if deficiencies are noted, causes the owner or occupant to correct same within a specified time frame.
• Works with architects and contractors on designs for new structures and works with current structure owners to bring their existing structures up to meet National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code.
• Keeps fire prevention before the "public eye", during Fire Prevention Week and throughout the year with programs, media releases, etc.
• Assists with the inspection of fireworks stands to ensure that they meet current State standards, during both fireworks selling seasons.
• Ensures compliance with the Laws of the State of Texas regarding discharging fireworks year round and safe storage of explosives.
• Coordinates the work of the 1st Assistant Fire Marshal/Arson Investigator.
• Participates in weekly rotation with Assistant Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Marshal for answering calls on an "on-call" basis after normal business hours, holidays and weekends.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities/Emergency Management:
Carries out all aspects of Emergency Management responsibilities.

• Is responsible for the preparation of Emergency Management Base Plan, Annexes and Appendices for E.M.A., which as closely as possible meet State standards; distributes same to the proper agencies and departments.
• Is responsible for the planning for, coordination of, response to, mitigation of and recovery from disasters or potential disasters.
• Is responsible for the planning and coordination of annual Emergency Management Preparedness exercises.
• Is responsible for keeping items, as named above, updated and distributed to the proper agencies and departments.
• Is responsible for receiving and disseminating any and all warnings of incidents, real or potential, of natural, man made, technological, or nuclear which involve or may involve Smith County to the proper persons or agencies.
• Is responsible for the implementation and coordination of Smith County Emergency Management plans within the smaller incorporated cities in Smith County.
• Coordinates response resources from law enforcement, fire and rescue, Emergency Medical Services, medical facilities, shelter organizations, feeding organizations and mortuary service in the event of a disaster.
• Works with individuals and agencies in storm spotting during severe weather to verify any related property damage or casualties and to report to the National Weather Service.
• Coordinates disaster damage assessment reports and advises the County Judge and/or Commissioners Court of any requirements or reports.
• Serves as staff advisor to the County Judge on Emergency Management activities and operations.
• Serves as the direction and control manager of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) when it is activated.

Maintains close working relationships with the Texas Division of Emergency Management Regional Liaison Officer and the Texas Department of Public Safety Disaster Chairman.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities/Local Emergency Planning Committee:
Serves as Chairman of the Local Emergency Planning Committee and is responsible for planning, coordinating and conducting meetings with facilities and emergency responders.

• Assists Local Emergency Planning Committee in planning, decision making and carrying out same, to the fulfillment of Federal Law.
• Coordinates emergency responders' response to Hazardous Materials Incidents, Fixed Site or Transportation.
• Is responsible for receiving Superfund Amendment and Reorganization Act (SARA) Title III Texas Tier II reports from hazardous materials facilities and for coordinating emergency facility contacts.
• Coordinates facilities with their responsibilities, according to the Federal Environmental Protection Association and the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission rules and regulations for safe storage, manufacture, and transportation of hazardous materials.
• Is responsible for the planning, coordination and response to an annual LEPC hazardous materials exercise.

Education and Experience Requirements:
High school diploma or general equivalency degree (GED) with college course work in fire science, public administration or a closely related field preferred.

• Five years of fire suppression, emergency medical, investigative and related experience including three years of administrative and supervisory experience.
• Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Three years experience in Emergency Management operations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Requirements:

•  Knowledge of operational characteristics, services and activities of a comprehensive fire investigation, prevention and suppression program.
• Knowledge of Emergency Management procedures, policy and operations.
• Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Knowledge of building construction and electrical service.
• Ability to plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of volunteer fire units.
• Ability to delegate authority and responsibility.
• Ability to develop and administer goals, objectives and procedures for departmental operations.
• Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to adapt to changes in the work environment, manage competing demands and deal with changes, delays or unexpected events.

License and Certification Requirements:
Texas Peace Officers certification with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education.

• Arson Investigators certification with the Texas Commission of Fire Protection.
• Inspector's certification with the Texas Commission of Fire Protection.
• Head of Department certification with the Texas Commission of Fire Protection (not a prerequisite).
• Firefighters certification with the State Firemen's and Fire Marshal's Association.
• Complete and keep current all mandated training for certification by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education, Texas Commission on Fire Protection and the State Firemen's and Fire Marshal's Association.
• Complete all required Emergency Management Professional Development training courses.

Essential Physical Demands:
Crawling, kneeling, bending, climbing ladders; ability to lift up to 50 lbs and to reconstruct fire scenes.