Job Summary

This is the senior level in the Deputy Fire Marshal job family. The Sr. Deputy Fire Marshal classification is distinguished from the first level by the advanced work performed. Incumbents must have extensive and advanced knowledge in all areas of fire inspection and investigation, and be trained as specially commissioned officers with regard to fire investigations. At the Sr. Deputy Fire Marshal level, incumbents are expected to possess all requisite knowledge, skills, and ability to handle the full range of work in the job family. Incumbents work with significant independence.

Work is performed under general supervision of the Fire Marshal and is reviewed through periodic conferences, reports and through the adequacy and accuracy of the resultant records, reports, and functions.

The Deputy Fire Marshal is the first level in the alternately staffed Deputy Fire Marshal/Sr. Deputy Fire Marshal job family. The Deputy Fire Marshal classification is distinguished from the next level by the advanced work the Sr. Deputy Fire Marshal performs and the independence in which it is performed. The Deputy is the first level of appeal in situations of conflict or where interpretation is necessary. Deputy Fire Marshals are the enforcement agents for the Fire Marshal’s Office for the purpose of Fire Code enforcement.

Incumbents at the Deputy Fire Marshal level are eligible for promotion to the senior level with manager approval when they demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to fully perform the higher level work and when they achieve the required certifications in arson investigation.

General supervision of the Deputy is provided by the Fire Marshal.

Qualifications

Senior Fire Marshal:

Education and Experience: Five years of professional fire service experience with a fire fighting background and career emphasis in any combination of fire inspection, fire investigation, commercial plan review (fire related) or public education.

Completion of or significant study towards a recognized degree program in fire science, administration or a closely related field at an established college or university may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis up to a maximum of two years.

Volunteer or part-time fire service experience may be substituted for career experience at the rate of two years volunteer or part time for one year of career experience.  Experience in an occupationally related field may be considered as career experience.

Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license.

Certifications:

• International Code Council Fire Inspector II certification.
• International Code Council Fire Plans Examiner certification.

Additional Requirements: Completion of an approved course of instruction for meeting the law enforcement requirements for Fire Marshals in accordance with RCW 43.44.050(6) within 2 years of the date of employment is required.

Certification in fire investigation from a recognized organization such as the National Association of Fire Investigators, International Association of Arson Investigators, IFSAC, etc., as approved by the Fire Marshal.

Knowledge of: fire prevention laws, codes and standards; laws which affect fire prevention inspections, fire scene examination and criminal investigations; law enforcement techniques.

Ability to: express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; carry out written and oral instructions; enforce laws, ordinances, codes and regulations with firmness, tact and impartiality; recognize and define fire hazards or conditions which do not meet the conditions of the applicable code or standard and to recommend effective remedial measures; review plans for building, fire protection systems, special systems or uses and land use applications for compliance with applicable fire codes, ordinances, standards, etc.; investigate thoroughly and completely the origin, cause and circumstances of all types of fires occurring in or on fixed or mobile properties; develop, follow through, compile and present prosecutable cases for fires which involve criminal action; work on an on-call rotating schedule involving fire investigations during off-duty hours; prepare and present fire prevention, educational and informational programs to targeted audiences of varying ages and interests.

Deputy Fire Marshal:

Education and Experience: Three years of professional fire service experience with a fire fighting background and career emphasis in any combination of fire inspection, fire investigation, commercial plan review (fire related) or public education.  Completion of or significant st