Job Description

Posting number: DeputyFMSep26

Department: Fire Marshal

Job classification: Deputy Fire Marshal

Posting type: Open

Categories: Code Enforcement, Legal, Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Investigative, Emergency Management, Criminology

Summary

Performs professional and technical task-level work for the County; assists with the County’s comprehensive risk reduction program to reduce or eliminate the loss of life and property by fire, explosion or the unauthorized discharge of hazardous materials.

Examples of duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintains regular and timely attendance at work.
• Answers phone calls and emails; responds to call-outs within thirty (30) minutes of receiving a request.
• Enforces state and County regulations relating to fires, explosions, or dangers of any kind caused by fire or explosions throughout the County.
• Performs plan review.
• Conducts complex fire investigations to determine fire origin, cause, and circumstances within the County.
• Takes photographs and secures available materials, evidence, and/or information related to investigations.
• Interviews or interrogates individuals; takes statements or testimony and prepares detailed reports including charts and graphs.
• Makes arrests, as appropriate, of those committing the act of arson and related crime(s).
• Works with County prosecutor’s offices to ensure legal prosecution of those found guilty of violating laws and/or committing criminal acts related to fire and environmental crimes.
• Works with other regulatory agencies in environmental crime investigations involving fires, explosions, hazardous material releases, and other incidents.
• Works with other agencies and private or public entities, as needed to conduct fire prevention education meetings.
• Assists with fire prevention and safety programs for County employees, businesses, civic organizations, first responders, and the general public.
• Conducts fire prevention programs, fire and life safety inspections, and assists in maintaining an effective plan to manage fire and explosions and other related emergency situations in the County.
• Conducts planning and development meetings.
• Enforces local laws and ordinances relating to the adopted County Fire Code.
• Inspects commercial and residential structures/properties/sites, etc., to ensure compliance with local laws, ordinances, or rules, and identifies conditions that may endanger life or property.
• Attends required training and maintains appropriate certifications as required.
• Monitors and keeps updated on local, state, and federal laws charged with enforcing.
• Generates reports on all duties performed.
• Assists with emergency management activities as needed.
• Serves as “essential personnel” and remains available for immediate call-in due to any natural or manmade disaster, or any other event the Fire Marshal or County Judge deems necessary.
• Acts on issues in the absence of the County Fire Marshal.
• Communicates and works hand in hand with other agencies, contractors, and the general public to ensure all responsibilities of the Fire Marshal’s Office.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Experience and Training Guidelines:

Associate’s degree in a related field; AND four years of related experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience as determined by Human Resources.

Knowledge of:

• Fire science principles and practices.
• Firefighting standards.
• Fire codes.
• Building codes.
• Ordinances.
• Fire prevention and enforcement.
• Emergency operations plans, procedures, and operation concepts.
• Fire suppression operations, safety, and tactics.
• Fire and rescue operations.
• Fire and life safety evaluations.
• Fire detection and alarm systems.
• Fire apparatus.
• Fire testing, system design, and specifications.
• Fire protection and engineering principles and practices.
• Hazardous materials
• Fire and safety system, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical system inspection techniques and practices.
• Fire, arson, and explosive investigations, including fingerprinting analysis and DNA collection.
• Forensic evidence examinations.
• Crisis management and emergency response principles and practices.

Skill in:

• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with managers, supervisors, employees, elected officials, local/state/federal staff, police and fire departments, volunteer organizations, civic organizations, schools, day care organizations, engineers, architects, developers, private companies, civic groups, and the general public.
• Assisting with defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions.
• Working effectively within strict time frames and under pressure.
• Using power and hand tools and measuring equipment.
• Operating a personal computer and various software applications.

LICENSE & CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Texas Basic Certified Peace Officer.

Texas Basic Fire Investigator License

Texas Basic fire Inspector License

NIMS 100, 200, 700, and 800

Hazardous Materials Awareness.

Valid Texas Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed both in an office and outdoor work environment. May be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, potential physical harm, hazardous chemicals and infectious diseases. May be required to climb ladders and work at high locations. The noise level in the work environment may vary. May be required to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Supplemental information

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.