Fire Marshal

A Fire Marshal is a public safety official responsible for fire prevention, investigation, and education programs, as well as enforcing fire and life safety codes. Their duties often involve a combination of field work and administrative tasks.

Under the general direction of a Fire Chief or other designated official, the Fire Marshal performs highly technical, specialized supervisory and administrative work to ensure public safety through the implementation and enforcement of fire and life safety codes and standards. This position typically involves planning, coordinating, and managing the activities of a fire prevention or community risk reduction division. This position will carry the rank of Battalion Chief with supervisory responsibilities and serve as the designated Fire Official for Goochland County.  

• Code Enforcement and Inspections: Performs or oversees fire and life safety inspections of existing commercial, industrial, institutional, and multi-family residential buildings to identify hazards and verify compliance with federal, state, and local fire codes and regulations. Ensuring inspections annually and evacuation routes remain unobstructed.  
• Fire Investigation: Investigates fires, explosions, and hazardous materials incidents to determine their cause and origin. This includes collecting physical evidence, sketching fire scenes, interviewing witnesses and suspects, preparing reports for court, and giving testimony in legal cases.
• Plan Review: Reviews and evaluates new construction and development plans to ensure compliance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (VSFPC) prior to permits being issued.

• Community Development: Demonstrated experience collaborating on community and economic development initiatives, with the ability to effectively interpret and apply the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code. Skilled in balancing life safety priorities with project goals, ensuring code compliance while supporting responsible growth and development within the community.
• Community Risk Reduction: Creates and implements fire and life safety education and training programs for the public, local businesses, schools, and community groups. This may include organizing fire drills and encouraging emergency preparedness.        
• Policy and Program Development: Develops new fire regulations, standards, and operating procedures; assists with the preparation and execution of strategic plans, departmental budgets and manages programs the Knox Box program and hazardous materials storage regulations.
• Emergency Response: Responds to emergency incidents as needed/available, serving in a command or general staff position, and providing technical directions to first responders regarding code compliance or incident investigation.
• Administration and Supervision: Maintains accurate records and databases, prepares comprehensive reports, manages budgets, and may supervise assistant fire marshal and administrative support staff (i.e fire inspectors, Fire Life Safety Educators, etc).
• Other duties as assigned:  The Fire Marshal is expected to perform any other duties assigned by the Fire Chief or designee. 

• Knowledge of sound engineering practices with respect to the design and construction of structures.

• Knowledge of the basic principles of fire prevention and inspection.
• Knowledge of the accepted requirements for means of egress and fire protection systems necessary for the health, safety, and general welfare of building occupants and the public.
• Skill in effective communication, both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications related to the essential functions of the job.
• Ability to establish and maintain a close working relationship with the Building Official’s Office.  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other personnel and the public.
• Ability to clearly express thoughts both orally and in writing. 
• Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, specifications, and plans. 
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with customers while being tactful and sensitive to diverse individuals.  
• Ability to effectively plan, prioritize, coordinate, and schedule inspections to most effectively use time. 
• Ability to research and interpret codes and standards.
• Ability to perform inspections of all types of buildings and structures, to move around buildings and construction sites, and climb and stoop to visually examine materials and structures. 

• An associate's or bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or a related field is often preferred or required.
• Three (3) years of experience in a full-time position at the rank of Captain or Lieutenant. 
• Minimum of five (5) years of fire-related experience as a firefighter, fire officer, licensed professional engineer, or architect, fire or building inspector, contractor, or superintendent of fire-protection related or building construction, OR fire (5) years of fire-related experience after obtaining a degree in architecture or engineering, with a least three years in responsible charge, OR any combination of education or experience that would confer equivalent knowledge and ability.
• Valid Virginia Driver’s License with a driving record that meets HR policy requirements. 
• Must have Virginia Office of EMS Emergency Medical Technician certification. 

• Must have completed the CORE certification through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.  
• Must have attended and successfully completed the Virginia Building Code Academy certification as a Fire Official.  If not certified upon appointment, the candidate would be required to attend within 180 days of appointment and receive certification with one year of appointment, based on availability of courses. 
• Must have NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector and NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator certifications.
• Must have law enforcement certification through the Virginia Department of Fire Programs or have Title 27 law enforcement or Title 9 DCJS law enforcement certification.   If not certified, must be able to obtain with 12 months of being hired. 

• Must have Post Blast certification and Environmental Crimes certification or be able to obtain within 18 months of employment.

• Must be able to perform inspections of all types of buildings and structures, to move around buildings and construction sites, and climb and stoop to examine materials and structures visually.  
• May reside in Goochland County or an adjoining jurisdiction to Goochland County.  
  1. If the fire marshal resides in an adjoining jurisdiction, they must be able to respond and arrive on scene of any incident within 1 hour of being called back to work. 
• Or any other equivalent training, education, and/or experience. 

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: 

• Five (5) years of experience as a fire protection plan reviewer certified through the International Code Council (ICC).  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position may require exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Tasks may require the ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods of time. Additionally, the following physical abilities may be required: climbing, stooping, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for depth perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, use of measuring devices, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in both inside and outside environmental conditions. The worker is exposed to disasters, hazards, oils, and is required to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus. The worker may be placed in stressful and hazardous situations. The worker may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment. The worker is routinely exposed to adverse weather, dust, smoke, noise, and fumes in the field.