Fire Marshal

Job Title Summary
As Fire Marshal for the Village of Ruidoso, performs a variety of administrative and professional duties needed to plan, organize, direct and coordinate the management and general operations of the fire inspection and prevention programs. Is regarded as the subject matter expert on all matters related to fire these disciplines. This position will report to the Community Development Director and work closely with all building officials, building inspectors, Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, Deputy Village Manager and Village Manager.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Fire Marshal)

• Serves as the Fire Code Official for the Village of Ruidoso
• Coordinates all departmental fire prevention activities and programs; recommends and develops proposed fire prevention policies, procedures, city ordinances and codes to ensure the safety of the Village and to enhance the effectiveness of the Department
• Manages Village-wide inspection and fire investigation functions: Includes inspections of new and remodeled commercial and public properties for compliance with Village adopted fire codes. Inspect businesses, industrial and lodging, including the schools to ensure compliance with the International Fire Code and the VOR Fire Prevention Code.
• Resolves complaint problems with owners within scope of knowledge and authority.
• Oversee inspection of fire sprinkler systems, and elements of fire prevention or protection systems.
• Studies and analyzes fire prevention codes and ordinance required to keep Village of Ruidoso current and progressive; identifies weaknesses of the same and recommends changes in Village code. Implement changes and educate fire department personnel and the public on new requirements and codes.
• Mitigates public complaints regarding fire code violations and fire hazards.
• Calculates water flow capacity for proposed fire safety systems.
• Examines building construction, storage practices and materials, building activity and occupancy (kind and number), fire prevention equipment, fire exits, electrical and heating appliances and accessories for proper function and safety.
• Develops and oversees effective implementation of fire evacuation plans and trains/tests general knowledge of commercial building occupants in relation to fire prevention, suppression and escape    
• Coordinate with building officials, fire related code review and approval of occupancy loads.
• Attend pre-planning meetings with city staff, contractors, builders, architects, etc.
• Write memorandums regarding fire codes and perceived compliance with project proposals. Negotiates various compliance options. Educates the public regarding the same.
• Issues letters of compliance during pre-construction to ensure needed changes during construction.  
• Attend various planning commission meetings as needed to present Departmental positions on various codes.
• Monitors compliance with hazardous materials regulation storage within residential, business, institutional, commercial and public buildings.
• Issues burn (Open Fire) permits
• Serves as Arson investigator for Department. Responds to all fires in order to investigate cause and origin and to coordinate serious investigations with New Mexico State Fire Marshal (NMSFM). Coordinate all activities of NMSFM investigators engaged in fire cause determination. Gathers evidence when arson is suspected. Analyses evidence and coordinates with police/NMSFM to make arrests of suspected arsonists. Develops and prepares investigative reports, diagrams and summaries. Arrives at conclusions based upon evidence and makes recommendations affecting the status of various cases. Testifies in court as expert witness as needed regarding cause and origin investigations.
• Maintains various files and records pertaining to prevention and investigation activities in a central filing system. Operate computer to store and retrieve file information.
• Collects information on public safety and makes appropriate presentations to the public.         
• Administers various public education programs. Develops public education materials, brochures and posters. Delivers fire prevention addresses at public gatherings, schools, and special interest groups. Demonstrates fire hazards and fire prevention methods and procedures. Trains business employees in the use of extinguishers and hoses.
• Attends public gatherings to ensure observance of fire safety requirements, standards and regulations
• Will assist in the review and approval of construction and development plans for fire code compliance. Examine plans to assure conformity to established state and local fire codes related to fire warning devices, alarm systems, automatic sprinkler devices, emergency exits, retardant materials, hydrant and fire wall locations

Other Responsibilities or Job Requirements

• Completes personal timesheet accurately and timely.  Ensures time is reported based on actual time worked Attend meetings, trainings, and workshops as required or necessary.
• Ensure that any on-the job injury is reported immediately and followed up with appropriate forms and actions.
• Ensure any reports of harassment are immediately reported
• Thorough knowledge of the adopted fire codes, laws, ordinances and regulation affecting goals, objectives and department operations; principals, practices, equipment for and methods of fire prevention, firefighting and suppression.
• Adhere to IT Policies in place by the Village of Ruidoso.
• Must maintain and keep all certifications current and be up to date on all new Federal, State and Local Codes and Ordinances.
• Good Customer Service skills are needed when working with homeowners, businesses and contractors to explain any deficiencies that are found and help them understand what is needed to fix the discrepancy
• The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees in this job.  As a condition of employment, employees are required to perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.
• Responsible for assisting in the Emergency Operations Center when activated and will assume assigned post as needed.

Physical Demands

• Ability to maintain physical condition and stamina appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods of time, driving or riding in vehicles.
• The usual requirements in an office environment may require lifting boxes of supplies, equipment and occasional adjustment of office furniture.
• Occasional pushing, pulling, lifting and/or moving of heavy objects.
• Ability to traverse rough terrain encountered at construction sites.  
• Occasional pushing, pulling, lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds.
• Occasionally required to climb, maintain balance, stoop, kneel, squat, bend or crawl.
• Maintain physical standards needed for emergency responders
• Moderate Duty

Work Environment

• Possess ability to adapt to inclement weather conditions and/or situations.
• Ability to drive, occasionally long distances.
• May work an irregular schedule, long hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to perform duties and adapt to flexible work schedules as established by management.
• May be called when needed.
• Noise levels could be moderate to loud in work environment.
• Ability to work in stressful environment and deal effectively with stress.

Qualifications

• Certification by the International Code Council and/or IFSAC/Pro Board as Fire Inspector I preferred.
• Certification as Fire Investigator through IFSAC/Pro Board, IAAI or NAFI preferred.
• Must possess and maintain valid New Mexico motor vehicle operator’s permit of appropriate classification and endorsement as required.  Must agree to maintain a satisfactory MVR and minimum requirement of insurability as required by law. MVR background checks will be conducted by the Village.  

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as Firefighter, Fire Inspector, Fire Investigator or Fire Marshal
• Knowledge and skill in the principles, procedures, practices, and maintenance of structural and wildland firefighting, the associated equipment and apparatus

Travel Requirements

• Normal travel - ability to travel for activities such as meetings, classes, and workshops in and out of the area.
• Must be able to travel by air as needed to attend training, conferences, and related activities.
• Overnight travel as required.

Knowledge of: 

•  Principles and practices of program administration.
• budget development and preparation; control cost and workflow management
•  common fire and chemical hazards and related safety precautions
• personnel training, management and motivation
• Understands the layout of the Village of Ruidoso.  

Skills Of: 

• Public speaking and interpersonal skills.

Abilities To: 

•  understand and interrupt Departmental rules, policies, and regulations.
• balance a variety of duties, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
•  communicate effectively with all levels of employees and management, both orally and in writing.
• Possess demonstrated ability of personal computer operations within a Windows Microsoft environment, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Closing Statements

• Any position that lists a minimum qualification for education level and/or license/certification will require the applicant to provide proof of documentation if selected for hire into the position.
• In the event of an emergency, employees are required to work to provide for the safety and well-being of the public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services.
• This job description is subject to change as the needs of the Village and Department change or the requirements of this position change.

Salary : $54,787 - $65,749