Deputy Fire Marshal I / II / III

Job Description

***NOTE*** To be considered for this position, please apply at the Skagit County Job Opportunity site:

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/skagitwa/default.cfm

Responsible for improving standards of public safety through fire prevention activities and securing compliance by permits or enforcement through fire prevention laws, ordinances, and standards.  Investigates the origin and cause of fires and performs follow-up investigations as required.  Presents public education programs and answers specific requests for assistance from the public.

Deputy Fire Marshals are on-call 24-hours as a fill in, to rotating fire investigative staff.  Hours not included in the normal 40-hour work week are paid as on-call time for investigation.

• Salary upon hire is  $37.52 to $46.12 per hour (step 1 through 3) depending upon qualifications. See qualifications matrix below.
• Progressive increases are based upon years of service with Skagit County, up to step 8:
  Top step for Deputy Fire Marshal I is $47.73/hr.). and is is Range 17 of the PROTEC17 Union salary schedule. 
  Top step for Deputy Fire Marshal II is $51.13/hr.). and is is Range 18 of the PROTEC17 Union salary schedule. 
  Top step for Deputy Fire Marshal III is $54.77/hr.). and is is Range 19 of the PROTEC17 Union salary schedule. 

Essential Functions:
Reviews plans for new commercial and residential buildings for fire flow, hydrant placement, fire protection, signaling and special systems, along with construction type, and any fire separations for compliance with county, state and federal laws, fire codes, ordinances and regulations.

Reviews, conducts site visits and inspects for commercial and residential driveways and private roads for fire apparatus access and turnaround.

Inspect premises of new commercial and residential occupancies. Conduct annual fire code inspections for all commercial occupancies.

Inspect commercial and residential development for fire hydrant placement, extinguishing, protection, signaling and special systems to ensure operability and compliance of accepted plans and standards.

Reviews and inspects residential and commercial fuel tanks placed above or below ground.

Reviews and inspects for special events, fireworks stands, and fire work displays.

Reviews and inspects for special units such as party tents and food trailers.

Conducts origin and cause fire investigations.   Gathers witness statements, collects evidence and photographs to determine cause. Prepares detailed report on investigation and when needed performs follow-up investigations for those fires determined to have other than an accidental or providential cause. These investigations may require working evenings, weekends, and holidays during inclement weather on a rotating shift basis.

May be called as an expert witness regarding a fire investigation.

Conducts fire inspections of existing buildings by complaint or request.

Conducts annual inspections along with necessary follow-up procedures for schools, hotels, motels, dormitories, stores, factories, and all other commercial businesses.

Participates in defining the goals and objectives and aids in the development of policies and procedures for these programs.  Helps with the day-to-day operation of programs, inspections, plan reviews, follow-up investigations, etc. There may be one or more inspectors or other Deputies assigned to a program.

Participates in fire prevention education programs which may include public presentations at schools, businesses, civic organizations or other audiences.  These programs often require cooperation with Skagit County Public Information Officers (PIO).

Attends and participates in after-hour meetings as related to the fire service.

Maintains effective working relationships with various County Department – Planning and Development Services, Code Enforcement, Public Works, Skagit County Sheriff’s Office, Skagit County Prosecutor’s Office, Skagit County Fire Districts and Fire -Chiefs, State Fire Marshal’s Office, Northwest Clean Air Agency, insurance companies and related agencies.

Expresses a courteous and helpful attitude when dealing with the public and other departments or agencies.

Accomplishes long and short-term planning as directed on issues related to fire and life safety.

Ensures the efficient and effective utilization of departmental personnel, funds, materials, and facilities.

Prepares detailed reports on all investigation work performed, files correspondence and other routine office functions including the use of computers, typing reports, and answering telephones, etc.

Ability summary:

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 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.

Supervisory:

None.

 

Other Job Functions:

May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

 

Minimum Qualifications:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical path to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Completion of, or significant study towards, a recognized degree program in fire science, administration or a closely related field at a 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 part time for one year of career experience.
• Experience in an occupationally related field may be considered as career experience.

 

Required experience:

• Deputy I
  • 2 years
• Deputy II
  • 2 years as a Deputy Fire Marshal
• Deputy III
  • 4 years as a Deputy Fire Marshal

All these certifications are required:

• Deputy I
  • Fire Inspector I
• Deputy II
  • Fire Inspector I
  • Fire Inspector II
• Deputy III
  • Fire Inspector I
  • Fire Inspector II
  • Fire Inspector III

At least one of these certifications is additionally required within 2 years:

• Deputy I
  • IFSAC Certified Fire Investigator
  • Residential Fire Sprinkler Inspector
  • Residential Fire Plans Examiner
• Deputy II
  • IFSAC certified Fire Investigator
  • Residential Fire Sprinkler Inspector
  • Residential Fire Plans Examiner
  • Commercial Fire Sprinkler Plans Examiner
• Deputy III
  • Residential Fire Sprinkler Inspector
  • Residential Fire Plans Examiner
  • Commercial Fire Sprinkler/Alarm Inspector
  • Commercial Fire Sprinkler/Alarm Plans Examiner

REQUIRES KNOWLEDGE OF:

• The principles of fire investigation sufficient to conduct cause and origin investigation in fire districts throughout the County
• The principles of arson investigation and rules of evidence sufficient to aid the Sheriff’s Office in the efficient investigation and prosecution of arson cases
• The principles and practices of fire prevention and control with a thorough knowledge of the chemistry of fire and ability in the field of code research and application
• Blueprint reading, and a drafting ability sufficient to interpret plans for new construction
• Knowledge of the International Fire Code
• The fields of planning and construction techniques, construction materials, and a working knowledge of available building materials required
• The working procedure of local government

REQUIRES THE ABILITY TO:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, other employees, and the public
• Prepare and direct preparation of comprehensive reports, budgets, departmental materials, and correspondence
• Assist in planning and organizing work, assigns and checks work of or assists and instructs others
• Interpret and translate facts and information
• Explain situations and issues to people and advise them of alternative or appropriate courses of actions
• Interview and develop information from others
• Communicate both verbally and in writing
• Handle problems or situations that are critical to certain projects and services performed
• Adapt and overcome certain situations to perform duties in the safest way possible
• Spend extended periods of time on the computer writing reports along with preparing policy changes, ordinance updates, and job analysis questionnaires
• Work long hours in all weather and lighting conditions
• Work as a team
• Continue training as required

LICENSES and/or CERTIFICATIONS:

Valid Washington State driver’s license required.

Qualifications vary based on position level. Certifications are accepted from the International Code Council (preferred), National Association of Fire Investigators, National Fire Protection Association, or the Washington State Patrol Fire Protection Bureau. Equivalent experience, training, or certification may be accepted.

 

Supplemental Information:

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is conducted both in an office environment involving sitting/standing at a desk and a computer, in a meeting setting, or at a wide range of sites and conditions including but not limited to construction sites and fire investigation scenes, hazardous materials incidents, and natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, landslides, and forest fires, all involve bending, lifting in excess of 25 pounds, crawling, digging, and climbing ladders.  Person should have the ability to traverse different types of terrains without injury to oneself and others.

Work is rotating, on-call 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and requires being available by phone.

HAZARDS:

Repetitive ergonomics in office conditions. Standard driving hazards while mobilizing to and from scenes/sites. Construction site hazards and fire scene hazards, animal hazards (pet or not). Human interaction with property owner’s, witnesses, and neighbors.

 

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The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination with regard to race, color religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status and/or physical or mental disability in its employment practices.