DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF - FIRE MARSHAL

DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF / FIRE MARSHAL

The Lake Havasu City Fire Department is seeking a dynamic, highly qualified leader to join its command staff as the Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal. This pivotal executive role oversees the Fire Prevention Division, controls community risk reduction initiatives, and provides direct oversight of fire inspections, plan reviews, investigations, and public education. The successful candidate will exercise a high level of independent judgment and act as the Fire Chief when necessary.

Opening Date: October 2, 2026
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Department: Fire
FLSA Status: Exempt
Grade: CP20
Salary: $4,893.59 - $7098.09 Biweekly

The start date for this position is anticipated to be January 2027.

OC26-365

To View the Detailed Job Description: Click Here

Core Responsibilities

• Division Leadership: Directs, trains, and evaluates professional-level staff including inspectors, public education specialists, and fire investigators.
• Code Enforcement & Plan Review: Conducts construction document reviews; approves permits for fire protection systems; partners with building and zoning officials.
• Community Risk Reduction: Forecasts fire and life safety needs; secures grants; develops emergency preparedness and pre-fire plans.
• Emergency Response: Responds to complex emergency incidents, manages fire origin/cause investigations, and assumes command roles during fire, rescue, or hazardous materials emergencies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Fire Services, Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Overall Experience: Ten (10) years of progressively more responsible experience in fire services.
• Fire Prevention/Command Experience: Five (5) years of experience serving specifically as a Battalion Chief with the Lake Havasu City Fire Department, or with a municipal, district, or county fire department of comparable size and complexity.
• Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Special Qualifications (Required at Hire)

• Firefighter Certifications: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Firefighter I and II certifications issued by the Office of the Arizona State Fire Marshal, Arizona Center for Fire Service Excellence, or state/federal NFPA equivalent.
• Medical Certifications: Arizona State or National Registry Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Certified Emergency Paramedic (CEP). Must obtain and maintain medical control under the Fire Department’s Medical Director.
• Fire Officer Standards: Meet job performance requirements for Fire Officer IV as outlined in the NFPA 1021 Standard.
• Instructor & Inspection Credentials: Fire Instructor I & II certifications, NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector I & II certifications, and NFPA 1521 Incident Safety Officer certification.
• Incident Command Systems: Completion of ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800.
• Must meet all requirements of the NFPA 1582 medical standards and possess a valid Driver's License of the appropriate class.

Special Qualifications (Required Within 1 Year of Hire)

• Blue Card Command: Completion of the Blue Card Incident Command (IC) training program for NIMS Type IV & V incidents.
• Arson Investigation: Completion of International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Fire Investigation training through the IAAI or National Fire Academy (NFA).

Special Qualifications (Required Within 2 Year of Hire)

• Completion of International Code Council (ICC) Fire Plans Examiner and Fire Marshal Certifications.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Fire Services, Emergency Services, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Executive Fire Officer (EFO) designation.
• Proven experience in Fire and EMS-related budget development and oversight.
Advanced Emergency Management certifications tailored for Emergency Operations Center (EOC) operations.

• Lake Havasu City offers an exceptional benefits package for full-time (FTE) Employees:
• Employer-provided Medical/Rx (EPO or HDHP)
• Dental/Vision
• Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Account/Health Savings Account
• Employer-Provided Basic Life Insurance
• Optional Additional Life Insurance
• Optional Insurance-Critical Illness, Hospitalization, Indemnity
• 11 Paid Holidays Annually
• Bereavement Leave
• Paid Vacation
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Opportunities for advancement
• Applicable State Retirement System
• Optional Deferred Compensation
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Service Awards

Additional Comments

Lake Havasu City is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Applicants for employment opportunities should be aware of the Lake Havasu City policies concerning the use of drugs and alcohol. These policies have not been altered by the passage of Proposition 207. The use of recreational marijuana is a violation of the City's Drug Free Workplace Policy. All positions within the City are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test. A positive result for drugs tested under the policy, including recreational marijuana, may be grounds for withdrawal of an offer of employment.