Job Description

DEPUTY FIRE MARSHAL - 9070

PAY GRADE - 115

PAY RANGE - $31.16 - $44.42/hr - plus a comprehensive benefits package

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Performs fire prevention inspections and fire investigations; performs directly related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The principal function of an employee in this class is to enforce City and State Fire codes and ordinances. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the Assistant Fire Marshal but considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees, business and homeowners, law enforcement officials, community groups and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed throughout the City in buildings and structures of varying types.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL WORK:

• Conducts arson investigations, including collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses and coordinating investigative procedures with the Manchester Police Department;
• Inspects structures for compliance with the State Building Code, State Fire Code, City and State codes and related ordinances;
• Conducts plan reviews and on-site inspections of fire safety and protection systems;
• Researches code information on a continuing basis to ensure all enforcement procedures are conducted in a timely and current basis;
• Inspects facilities to regulate the use, storage and handling of hazardous materials or operations and processes conducted therein;
• Conducts fire investigations to determine the cause and origin, including collecting physical evidence, photographing, recorded notes and information from Firefighters and command officers;
• Investigates acquired complaints;
• Issues permits through inspections for processes and operations deemed hazardous;
• Issues City citations and notices for non-compliance situations;
• Testifies in criminal and civil cases regarding the cause and/or origin of fire;
• Investigates false alarms;
• Maintains thorough and accurate documentation of all inspection procedures;
• Refers possible violations of other City codes to other City Departments as appropriate;
• Conducts orientations and training sessions for new Firefighters;
• Conducts public education sessions to promote fire prevention and safety practices in schools, businesses, community organizations and related groups;
• Provides guidance and demonstrations to new employees in similar positions;
• Keeps supervisors informed of work progress, issues, and potential solutions;
• Attends meetings and training to stay current on relevant practices and developments;
• Responds to citizen inquiries courteously and promptly;
• Coordinates regularly with others to enhance interdepartmental efficiency; and
• Performs additional duties as required by the classification.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of NFPA 921;
• Thorough knowledge of all applicable City and State ordinances and codes;
• Thorough knowledge of the State Fire Code and State Building Code;
• Thorough knowledge of the Manchester Fire Department rules and regulations;
• Thorough knowledge of the Manchester Fire Department Standard Operational Procedure Manual;
• Thorough knowledge of the City of Manchester Code of Ordinances Title IX (fire prevention codes);
• Thorough knowledge of the geography of the City of Manchester and surrounding areas, (or the ability to learn this information), including hydrant locations, the layout and location of public utilities and potentially hazardous materials and substances;
• Thorough knowledge of the current principles and practices involved in fire investigations;
• Substantial knowledge of fire and arson investigations;
• Substantial knowledge of fire protection systems;
• Substantial knowledge of current fire suppression and firefighting techniques, EMS and hazardous materials response operations, including all related equipment;
• Substantial knowledge in the use of the publications of NFPA 704, DOT Emergency Response Guidebook, Environmental Protection Agency Labels, Occupational Safety and Health Labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS);
• Substantial working knowledge of all equipment used in Fire Department activities, including fire pumpers, snorkel trucks, aerial platforms, straight ladder trucks, ladder trucks with tillers, rescue units, rescue boats, axes (flat head, pick, pry), pike poles, plaster hooks, battering rams, chain saws, ladders, fire hoses (including nozzles, valves and related), vehicle extrication devices, emergency protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), heights rescue equipment, air tools and emergency medical equipment;
• Substantial knowledge of fire records systems, communications equipment and use, fire computer applications and fire reporting procedures;
• Substantial knowledge of hydraulics as applied to water delivery;
• Substantial knowledge of all safety practices involved in fire suppression and firefighting;
• Ability to deal with a wide range of people, often in stressful or difficult situations;
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions;
• Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations;
• Ability to operate or quickly learn to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks;
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions;
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;
• Integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• Graduation from High School, preferably supplemented by additional training in fire sciences; and
• Zero to two years of experience in firefighting; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Driver’s License; Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-B) License, preferred;
• State of New Hampshire Firefighter II certificate; and
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification within one year of date of hire.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to inspects structures;
• Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to collect physical evidence;
• Sufficient strength and endurance with or without reasonable accommodations, which permits the employee to lift, carry and move objects, through a full range of motion, up to 50 pounds occasionally, 30 pounds frequently, and 20 pounds continuously;
• Sufficient strength and endurance to wear work attire/equipment (emergency gear) frequently; weighing approximately 40 pounds;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to have access to all areas of the City.