State Fire Marshal - Anticipated Vacancy

Location: Augusta, ME,None,None

Department of Public Safety - Office of the State Fire Marshal

State Fire Marshal 

-Anticipated Vacancy-

Job Class Code:  HM02
Grade: 32 (Major Policy Influencing)
Salary: $77,896 - $117,977.60/Annually

Location: Augusta, ME

Opening Date: July 11, 2024

Closing Date:  July 31, 2024

The Maine Department of Public Safety is seeking an individual to serve as the State Fire Marshal.  The mission of the Office of State Fire Marshal is to prevent loss of life and property for those that live, work, and visit the State of Maine.  The goal is to protect against the devastation of fire, explosions and life safety hazards with integrity and fairness through fire prevention, public education, planning, research, investigation and enforcement of enacted laws and rules.

The programs of the State Fire Marshal have primary goals of

• Investigation of the origin and cause of fires and explosions.
• Arson investigation, evidence gathering, and case preparation for possible prosecution
• Regulate, permit, and inspect for the use of explosives, fireworks, and certain flammable liquids.
• Inspect approximately 25 different types of buildings and facilities with the primary focus to enforce life safety codes and standards.
• Review plans to issue permits for construction and alteration of public buildings, handicap accessibility, installation of fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems, installation of above ground fuel storage tanks, amusement rides, and new self-service gas stations
• Conduct and offer specialized training for trade professionals, care givers, code enforcement officials, and fire and law enforcement professionals
• Coordinate efforts of specialty subject areas such as the Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Task Force
• Implement, manage, and report on Maine's Reduced Ignition Propensity Cigarette law
• Develop and deliver public education and awareness programs on fire prevention and safety to Maine's most vulnerable populations
• Conduct research and analysis of the state fire burden for use in the development, implementation, and improvement of new and existing programs.

The State Fire Marshal is the head of the Office of the State Fire Marshal which is one of ten independent bureaus within the Department of Public Safety.  The Department is overseen by the Commissioner who serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Department.  The State Fire Marshal establishes the strategic direction, objectives, priorities, and regulatory goals for the Bureau.

The State Fire Marshal is appointed by the Governor and is subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Maine Legislature having jurisdiction over public safety matters and to confirmation by the Legislature. Once appointed, the State Fire Marshal serves a four-year term coterminous with the Governor. The State Fire Marshal may be removed by impeachment or by the Governor on the address of both branches of the Legislature. 

Major Duties:

• The prevention and containment of fire and the protection of life and property from fire through code application, engineering, and enforcement.
• The suppression of arson and investigation of cause, origin and circumstances of fires, the storage, sale and use of combustibles, flammables, incendiary devices, and explosives.
• Assuring the adequacy of means of egress, in the case of fire, from buildings, occupancies and places in which persons work, live or congregate from time to time for any purpose which comes within the scope of the current edition of the National Fire Protection Association No. 101, Life Safety Code.
• Provide consultive, professional advice and expertise about significant issues to the Commissioner of Public Safety and the Governor. 
• A working knowledge of appropriate codes and standards as adopted by APA rulemaking.
• A working knowledge of the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code.
• A working knowledge of utilizing alternative code compliance for application in circumstances where building occupancy and use cannot meet strict code application.
• Work with the Maine Fire Protection Services Commission to monitor and evaluate the State's fire protection services system on a continuing basis and to p