Fire Marshal

Description

This position is open until filled.
The Human Resources Office is unable to provide status updates by telephone.
The salary range is listed above. Starting salary will depend on qualifications and experience.

An employee in this class performs varied tasks to include coordination with volunteer fire departments, management of fire districts, investigations of suspicious fires, inspections to enforce the state fire inspection code, and public education. Employee is responsible for the fire prevention programs to ensure compliance with State and local fire laws, codes, rules, and regulations. Employee performs large and small-scale investigations for suspicious fires and prepares documentation for presentation in criminal and civil court. The employee also conducts fire education and safety programs. Considerable independence and judgement are required in fire inspections and investigations. Considerable public contact requires that the employee exhibit tact and diplomacy in coordination of volunteer fire programs in the County. The employee is subject to hazards associated with fire investigation in extreme cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as high heat, chemicals, and in the proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, and working in high places. Employee is also exposed to atmospheric conditions and blood borne pathogens, is sometimes required to wear a respirator, and may be required to work in close quarters. Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated through observation, conferences, and written reports concerning the quality and effectiveness of work performed.

Essential Job Functions

• Supervises and participates in investigating fires of suspicious origins or fire deaths; coordinates investigations with local fire departments, NC Department of Insurance, local law enforcement, ATF and SBI; conducts interviews, gathers evidence, prepares reports and testifies in court.
• Prepares and maintains records and reports of departmental activities; assists volunteer departments with training and regulatory compliance and record-keeping. Before submission to County Finance/Payroll, review payroll for paid volunteer staff at approved designated stations.
• Reviews contractor's plans to ensure compliance to fire code including fire alarm and fire sprinkler permits.
• Provides liaison, coordination and technical guidance for volunteer fire departments, and with the NC Insurance Department; manages County fire districts; establishes contracts between fire departments and the County; takes contracts to the County Commissioners for approval.
• Instructs various segments of the community on fire safety through education of the existing codes, laws, and regulations.
• Prepares and administers work unit budget.
• Supervises and participates in fire code inspections and enforcement; performs plan review; works with businesses and places of public assembly to insure fire safety and prevention.
• Provides public and media information regarding fires, fire safety and related matters.
• Responds to hazardous material spills and structure fires and may participate in incident command, safety, and/or fire suppression; coordinates billing of private contractors for hazardous materials mitigation.
• Coordinates fire district boundaries and maintains fire contracts with county fire departments; works with volunteer departments to identify and encourage actions that will improve ISO fire ratings; provides assistance to fire departments in grant identification, development and administration.
• Enforces burn permits.
• Participates with other staff in responding to various emergency conditions and disasters.
• Works with all departments to maintain and improve ISO ratings
• Coordinate with EM on hazardous material mitigation
• Identify and encourage actions to improve ISO ratings
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:
Completion of an Associate degree in fire science supplemented by prevention schools and advanced courses and seminars in the fire service and considerable experience in the fire prevention and/or suppression work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Licenses or Certifications:
Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
Possession of Fire Investigator certification.
Possession of Fire Code Enforcement Inspection level III.
Possession of Hazardous Materials Operations Level certification.
Possession of Firefighter II certification.
Prefer Fire Instruction certification.
Special Requirements:

• Must be able to obtain medical clearance to wear a respirator per NFPA & OSHA standards.
• Must be living within a distance that requires no more than a thirty (30) minute drive to the station when driving the legal speed limit.
• Must be able to work extended hours and shift work.

• Considerable knowledge of the types of industrial and commercial operations in the County and any related potential hazards.
• Considerable knowledge of the methods of readily ascertaining the presence of existing or potential fire hazards.
• Considerable knowledge of the laws and regulations covering fire prevention.
• Considerable knowledge of the sources and use of information about current fire prevention, and skill in their teaching and application.
• Considerable knowledge of fire equipment operation and maintenance, and skill in its operation.
• Considerable knowledge of the fire prevention sections of the state building codes.
• Considerable knowledge of building structure and causes and sources of fires.
• Working knowledge of hazardous materials handling, labeling, containment and remediation.
• Working knowledge of the application of information technology to the work.
• Working knowledge of modern and effective supervisory skills.
• Skill in collaborative conflict resolution, public speaking and public contact skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other employees, business and civic leaders, fire department personnel, and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively; ability to prepare and submit clear and concise reports in criminal and civil court.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and detailed records.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and perform repetitive motions. Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Must possess the visual acuity to perform administrative and computer related tasks and to inspect buildings.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work environment involves high risks with exposure to potentially dangerous situations or unusual environmental stress which require a range of safety precautions; work demands considerable heavy effort that is intense in nature. The employee is subject to hazards in fire services work including working in both inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, hazardous fumes, dusts, odors, mists, and gases and working in close quarters. Work may expose the employee to human blood or body fluids and thus the job is subject to the OSHA requirements on blood borne pathogens.

Please Note:
If offered a position, official transcripts/verification of education must be submitted directly to the Human Resources Office from the educational institution(s) listed on application. Positions requiring a minimum education/certification must also have official documents submitted to the Human Resources Office. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted by the candidate with the application for consideration of meeting minimum job requirements.

Vance County is an Equal Opportunity Employer