State Fire Marshal

Join our Department of Public Safety as the Director (State Fire Marshal) of the Division of Fire Safety. We are seeking an experienced Fire Marshal to oversee responsibilities of the division including the voluntary training of emergency personnel, establishing and maintaining statewide fire reporting systems, conducting fire investigations, and inspecting private premises for licensing compliance. [LJ1] This leadership role offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on public safety in Missouri by leading efforts to promote fire prevention and safety across the state.

The State Fire Marshal administers and enforces the provisions of the Revised Missouri State Statutes (RSMo), Chapter 320 as well as the applicable sections of RSMo chapters 701, 650, 316, 319, and 210.

The Missouri Division of Fire Safety is the State of Missouri’s regulatory oversight and enforcement division for fire investigations, fire inspections, elevator and amusement ride safety, boiler and pressure vessel safety, and firefighter training and certification within the Department of Public Safety. The Division provides services to over 25,000 firefighters in Missouri.

Our vision is to work with Missouri’s Fire Service and other partners to provide a safer environment for the citizens and visitors of Missouri by minimizing the threat of death, injury, and property loss.

Our mission is to provide proactive statutory enforcement, regulatory oversight, and education to protect all lives and property from the devastation of fires, explosions, and life safety perils.

Responsibilities – What You’ll Do

• Provide leadership to the Division of Fire Safety in carrying out all duties defined by law or assigned by Department of Public Safety Director or the Governor of the State of Missouri.
• Oversee the financial, personnel, and all managerial aspects of the Division.
• Be responsible for the voluntary training of firefighters, investigators, inspectors, public or private employees or volunteers in the field of emergency response, rescue, fire prevention or preparedness, fireworks, and fire safety compliant cigarettes.
• Establish and maintain a statewide reporting system, which shall, as a minimum, include the records required by section 320.235 and a record of all fires occurring in Missouri showing
• Establish and maintain a voluntary training and certification program based upon nationally recognized standards.
• Possesses the authority to promulgate rules and regulations under the provisions of section 536.024 to carry out the provisions of this section.
• May supervise fire investigations in the field involving very large fires or where a major loss of life has occurred.
• Serve as a liaison between state government agencies, local governments, and private organizations to provide fire safety protocols and support emergency preparedness efforts.
• Represent the state at regional and national conferences, interagency meetings, and public events.
• Provide recommendations to the DPS Director needed legislation in the areas of fire prevention, safety, arson control, responder-related training, elevator safety, amusement ride safety, boiler/pressure vessel safety, fireworks, and fire safety compliant cigarettes.
  
  

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Possess a working knowledge of all fire laws and regulations of the State of Missouri including arson and explosives.
• Possess a working knowledge of all aspects of the fire service to include, but not limited to, fire investigation, criminal investigation, fire prevention, and public education.
• Skilled in the organization and operations of both career, volunteer and combination career/volunteer fire service organizations, and law enforcement agencies.
• Be knowledgeable in personnel management techniques to include supervision, leadership, evaluation, and training.
• Be able to perform and direct staff in obtaining facts and accurately report findings of investigations consistent with division standards.
• Be able to collaborate with diverse groups of individuals.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Must be a tax paying resident of Missouri for at least three (3) years immediately preceding appointment and be tax compliant at time of appointment. (RSMo Chapter 105)
• Must possess and maintain a valid Missouri motor vehicle operator's license and be able to operate a motor vehicle.
• Must be willing to travel same day or overnight.
• A minimum of ten years' experience in the area of fire protection, fire prevention, or fire investigation, which may include experience with any state, municipal, military, or industrial fire protection agency.
• Administrative experience in obtaining facts and accurately report findings of investigations.
  
  

Lack of post‐secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

Salary Will Be Commensurate With Experience For This Position.

The salary provided to the individual selected represents a base pay rate. If the individual selected or the position is eligible for a pay differential (e.g., shift, security, or years of service), it will be added to the total compensation in your paycheck. A pay differential does not raise your base pay.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety is an equal opportunity employer. Those with limited English proficiency or who need auxiliary aids or other services, can contact DPS.HumanResources@dps.mo.gov. For Relay Missouri, please dial 711. For TTY/TDD, please dial.800-735-2966.