Job Description

Posting number: 2026.32.230

Department: Fire Department

Division: Fire Department

Job classification: Fire Marshal

Posting type: Open

Categories: Administration, Building & Safety, Code Enforcement, Community Services, Public Safety, Risk Management, Management, Investigative, Professional, Miscellaneous, Fire & EMS, Safety, Emergency Management, Program Management

Summary

CITY OF JANESVILLE DIVERSITY STATEMENT

The residents of Janesville choose this community, not just as a place to live, but as a place to realize life’s opportunities. We strive to sustain a community culture where differences are recognized, understood, and appreciated. As such, the City of Janesville recognizes the importance of developing an environment where diversity is not merely accepted but embraced and celebrated. As public servants, we believe everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. To this end, we will diligently recruit and retain the most talented employees in an environment that fosters the maximization of one’s potential. Therefore, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to consider employment with the City of Janesville and serve the residents of “Wisconsin’s Park Place.”

OBJECTIVE

The Fire Marshal is an administrative, sworn position assigned to the Fire Prevention Bureau of the Janesville Fire Department. Under the general direction of the Fire Chief, the Fire Marshal leads, administers, and oversees the Department’s fire prevention and life-safety activities, including code administration and enforcement, fire inspections, fire protection and life-safety system compliance, fire investigation, public education and Community Risk Reduction activities, development and pre-construction coordination, pre-fire planning, permitting, personnel training, program administration, and related fire prevention functions.

The Fire Marshal provides direct supervision of Fire Prevention Bureau personnel and functional oversight and technical direction to fire suppression personnel while performing assigned fire prevention duties. The Fire Marshal leads the Department’s Fire Investigator Team and is responsible for administration and coordination of the Department’s fire investigation program.

The Fire Marshal administers the Fire Prevention Bureau’s assigned budget and resources and identifies and recommends additional personnel, funding, equipment, training, and other resources through the appropriate departmental and City approval processes.

The position requires considerable independent judgment, discretion, technical expertise, leadership, communication, and decision-making consistent with applicable laws, codes, City and Department policies, and the goals and objectives of the Janesville Fire Department.

RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Fire Chief

Directly Supervises: Fire Inspector(s) and other Fire Prevention Bureau personnel as assigned.

Functional/Technical Oversight: Provides direction, training, technical guidance, and oversight to fire suppression personnel while performing assigned fire prevention, inspection, public education, code enforcement, pre-fire planning, and fire investigation responsibilities. This functional oversight does not replace the established operational chain of command.

The Fire Marshal maintains frequent professional contact with elected and appointed City officials; City departments and divisions; Fire Department personnel; law enforcement; governmental and regulatory agencies; court officials and attorneys; contractors; architects, engineers, and design professionals; developers; property and business owners; community organizations; educational institutions; media representatives; and members of the public.

The Fire Marshal leads and oversees the Janesville Fire Department Fire Investigator Team and participates in or leads other designated teams, committees, and working groups as assigned.

Examples of duties

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. This list is illustrative and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by the incumbent. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Performs and oversees fire and life-safety inspections of applicable occupancy classifications, facilities, operations, and processes to determine compliance with adopted fire codes, ordinances, statutes, administrative rules, and other applicable requirements. Enforces fire and life-safety requirements; issues Orders to Correct as necessary; and coordinates or participates in specialized inspections, acceptance testing, and compliance activities involving fire protection and life-safety systems.
2. Collaborates with other City departments and divisions throughout the development and construction process to identify and address applicable fire and life-safety requirements. Participates in Development Assistance Group (DAG) meetings with prospective property owners, developers, designers, and other stakeholders during the preliminary stages of proposed projects to provide early fire code, fire department access, and emergency-response guidance. Participates in site plan reviews and final occupancy inspections as appropriate and provides fire and life-safety guidance throughout the development process.
3. Investigates fire and life-safety complaints and concerns received from the public, City departments, Fire Department personnel, and other sources. Reviews and follows up on inspections conducted by fire suppression personnel; communicates inspection findings and required corrective actions to property owners, occupants, and responsible parties; conducts or oversees follow-up inspections; initiates appropriate compliance and enforcement actions; and coordinates unresolved or escalated enforcement matters with the City Attorney in accordance with established departmental and City procedures.
4. Provides direct supervision, leadership, training, and performance evaluation of Fire Prevention Bureau personnel. Provides functional oversight and technical direction to fire suppression personnel while performing assigned fire prevention duties. Provides input and recommendations through the established chain of command regarding personnel performance, training, corrective action, staffing, and other personnel matters within the scope of the Fire Marshal’s responsibilities.
5. Administers and oversees applicable fire code permitting processes, including the review, issuance, documentation, and enforcement of permits required by adopted codes, ordinances, and departmental procedures.
6. Administers and oversees Fire Prevention Bureau programs and regulatory responsibilities, including but not limited to the Department’s rapid-entry key box program, required fire and evacuation drills, fire protection and life-safety system compliance, and other fire prevention programs as assigned or required.
7. Develops, coordinates, and oversees fire and life-safety education, community outreach, and Community Risk Reduction activities for the public, schools, community organizations, businesses, and other groups. Coordinates appropriate scheduling, staffing, and program delivery and ensures educational content reflects current fire and life-safety practices appropriate for the intended audience and identified community needs.
8. Manages and oversees the Survive Alive House fire and life-safety education program for third-grade students, including curriculum development, scheduling, staffing, instructor training, and coordination with participating schools. Ensures program content reflects current, effective, and age-appropriate fire and life-safety practices.
9. Assists with the review, adoption, and implementation of new or revised fire and life-safety codes, standards, statutes, administrative rules, and other regulatory requirements affecting the Janesville Fire Department. Provides technical recommendations regarding proposed code changes and assists with implementation, education, and enforcement following adoption or enactment.
10. Oversees the third-party reporting system used for inspection, testing, and maintenance documentation of fire protection and life-safety systems within the City of Janesville, including review and appropriate follow-up of reported deficiencies and noncompliant conditions.
11. Administers and enforces applicable fire and life-safety codes, statutes, administrative rules, and ordinances within the City of Janesville and provides fire prevention and inspection services to other jurisdictions served by the Janesville Fire Department in accordance with applicable laws, jurisdictional authority, and contractual agreements.
12. Leads and oversees the Janesville Fire Department Fire Investigator Team and administers the Department’s fire investigation program. Conducts and coordinates fire origin and cause investigations; provides direction, training, and technical guidance to fire investigators; ensures appropriate investigative documentation and evidence procedures; and coordinates with law enforcement, regulatory agencies, and other organizations as necessary. Responds when requested to significant, complex, suspicious, or undetermined fires and other incidents requiring Fire Marshal or Fire Investigator Team expertise.
13. Coordinates with officers in charge and training personnel regarding pre-fire planning for commercial, industrial, high-hazard, and other significant occupancies and facilities. Trains and provides technical guidance to fire suppression personnel assigned fire inspection duties regarding code application, inspection procedures, documentation, enforcement practices, and their fire prevention responsibilities.
14. Keeps the Fire Chief and appropriate Fire Department personnel informed of significant developments, hazards, or conditions that may affect fire prevention, emergency response, or firefighter safety, including new construction or changes in occupancy; hazardous materials or processes; conditions affecting fire department access or water supplies; impaired fire protection systems; vacant, abandoned, or compromised structures; unusual operational hazards; and new or revised regulatory requirements.
15. Maintains and oversees accurate Fire Prevention Bureau records and reporting systems relating to fire inspections, investigations, enforcement activities, permits, fire protection systems, public education, and other Bureau activities in accordance with applicable departmental, City, state, and records-retention requirements. Ensures reporting and records-management systems support the operational, documentation, statistical, and regulatory needs of Fire Prevention Bureau and fire suppression personnel.
16. Manages and monitors the Fire Prevention Bureau’s assigned budget and financial resources and, through the Fire Chief, identifies and recommends additional funding, personnel, equipment, technology, training, or other resources as needed through appropriate departmental and City approval processes.
17. Ensures departmental compliance with applicable Wisconsin statutes and administrative code requirements, including Wis. Stat. Chapter 101 and SPS 314, as they relate to fire inspections, public education, required audit processes, and other fire prevention duties and responsibilities established by applicable law and administrative code.
18. Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are necessary to perform the essential duties of the position. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered as determined by the Human Resources Office.

1. Associate degree in Fire Science, Fire Protection, Emergency Management, Public Administration, or a closely related field required.
2. Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in fire prevention, fire code administration, fire inspection, and fire origin and cause investigation required.
3. Minimum of four (4) years of supervisory or progressively responsible leadership experience involving personnel supervision, work assignment, training, performance evaluation, or program management required.
4. Possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license or otherwise meet City requirements for operation of City vehicles.
5. Possess and maintain required State of Wisconsin Fire Inspector certification, or obtain such certification within a period established by the Department following appointment.
6. Possess appropriate fire investigation training and qualifications or obtain Department-required fire investigation certification or credentialing within an established period following appointment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Fire Protection, Emergency Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
2. Advanced training or continuing education in fire prevention, fire protection systems, code administration, leadership, Community Risk Reduction, and fire investigation.
3. Professional fire investigator certification or credentialing through a nationally recognized organization such as the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) or National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI).
4. ICC, NFPA, or other nationally recognized Fire Inspector I and/or Fire Inspector II certification.
5. Wisconsin fire detection, prevention, and suppression or other applicable state certification.
6. Additional fire service officer, instructor, investigation, plan review, code administration, or leadership credentials relevant to the responsibilities of the position.

COMPETENCIES

Knowledge

1. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of contemporary fire prevention, fire and life-safety inspection, code administration and enforcement, fire investigation, public education, and Community Risk Reduction.
2. Thorough knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local statutes, administrative rules, ordinances, fire and building codes, referenced standards, regulations, and policies relating to fire prevention, fire protection, life safety, and emergency response.
3. Thorough knowledge of fire protection and life-safety systems, including fire sprinkler, standpipe, fire pump, fire alarm, detection, suppression, smoke control, and other specialized systems and their applicable inspection, testing, maintenance, and acceptance requirements.
4. Thorough knowledge of building construction, construction methods and materials, occupancy hazards, fire behavior, fire development, hazardous materials and processes, and their relationship to fire prevention and firefighter safety.
5. Thorough knowledge of recognized fire origin and cause investigation principles, investigative procedures, evidence preservation, documentation, interagency coordination, and applicable legal considerations.
6. Thorough knowledge of supervisory and leadership practices, employee development, training, performance management, program development, organizational planning, budgeting and fiscal management, purchasing, public administration, labor relations, and resource management.
7. Thorough knowledge of public education and Community Risk Reduction principles, including identification of community risks and development of appropriate prevention and educational strategies.
8. Thorough knowledge of records management, reporting requirements, inspection and fire prevention software, data collection, and the use of information to support program management and decision-making.
9. Thorough knowledge of the geography, development patterns, transportation network, water supply, community characteristics, and significant fire and life-safety risks within the jurisdictions served by the Janesville Fire Department.
10. Thorough knowledge of training, testing, and certification requirements applicable to Fire Prevention Bureau personnel and fire suppression personnel assigned fire prevention, inspection, code enforcement, public education, and fire investigation responsibilities.
11. Thorough knowledge of Janesville Fire Department policies, procedures, operational guidelines, City policies, and other requirements applicable to the position.

Skills

1. Organizational and time management skills to prioritize duties and accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
2. Exceptional communication skills, both verbally and in writing, paired with a strong customer service background, and effective interpersonal skills.
3. Collaboration skills to effectively work with others to achieve common goals through communication, teamwork, and problem solving.

Abilities

1. Ability to interpret, apply, explain, and enforce complex fire and life-safety codes, statutes, administrative rules, ordinances, standards, policies, and technical requirements fairly and consistently.
2. Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, technical documents, fire protection system documentation, construction documents, and related materials.
3. Ability to exercise sound independent judgment and make defensible decisions regarding code compliance, enforcement, fire and life-safety hazards, and corrective actions.
4. Ability to develop, administer, evaluate, and continuously improve effective Fire Prevention Bureau programs and services.
5. Ability to supervise, train, mentor, evaluate, and provide effective leadership to Fire Prevention Bureau personnel and technical guidance to other Department personnel performing fire prevention duties.
6. Ability to conduct and oversee fire origin and cause investigations; analyze information and physical evidence; prepare thorough investigative documentation; coordinate with law enforcement and other agencies; and provide testimony in court or administrative proceedings when required.
7. Ability to communicate technical fire and life-safety information clearly and effectively in verbal and written form to elected and appointed officials, Department personnel, contractors, design professionals, property owners, business representatives, attorneys, community organizations, media representatives, and members of the public.
8. Ability to identify fire, life-safety, structural, operational, and code-compliance concerns and initiate or recommend appropriate corrective action within the authority of the position.
9. Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and manage multiple programs, projects, inspections, investigations, deadlines, and competing responsibilities.
10. Ability to administer assigned budgets and resources; identify operational and staffing needs; and develop appropriate recommendations through established departmental and City processes.
11. Ability to accurately prepare, maintain, review, and manage records, reports, legal documentation, inspection information, investigative records, and required governmental documentation.
12. Ability to provide effective presentations, training, public education, and professional testimony to groups of varying size and technical knowledge.
13. Ability to effectively use computers, mobile technology, fire prevention and records-management software, electronic plan and document systems, communications equipment, and other technology required by the position.
14. Ability to compose routine correspondence and routine reports in a clear, concise, logical, and efficient manner, utilizing proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, and tone.
15. Ability to comply with all safety policies, practices, and procedures, and report all unsafe activities or conditions to supervisor.
16. Ability to maintain a valid, state-issued driver’s license.

Behaviors

1. Maintain a high level of integrity, professionalism, confidentiality, accountability, tact, decorum, and sound ethical judgment in all areas of work duties.
2. Apply laws, codes, policies, and enforcement requirements fairly, consistently, objectively, and without personal bias.
3. Demonstrate effective leadership and foster teamwork, professional development, accountability, and cooperation among Fire Prevention Bureau and Fire Department personnel.
4. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials, Department, Division, and Office heads, City employees, community leaders, business owners, governmental agencies, contractors, design professionals, vendors, and the general public.
5. Remain professional, composed, respectful, and effective when addressing conflict, enforcement matters, emergencies, investigations, and other stressful or sensitive situations.
6. Demonstrate initiative, reliability, sound judgment, adaptability, and timely completion of assigned responsibilities.
7. Work effectively both independently and collaboratively while accepting responsibility for decisions and actions within the authority of the position.
8. Conduct all business and working relationships in an accurate, fair, equitable and highly ethical manner.
9. Strong ethics base built upon integrity, honesty, initiative, and respect; maintain strict confidentiality.
10. Interact positively with a diverse group of individuals, and work effectively both as part of a team, and independently.
11. Embrace and actively promote an inclusive and equitable work environment.
12. Work with the public in a fair and consistent manner, maintaining objectivity and excluding personal bias while performing job duties.

Supplemental information

EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS, AND TECHNOLOGY

Uses Department vehicles and apparatus as authorized; personal protective equipment; radios and communications equipment; fire inspection and investigation tools and equipment; cameras and documentation equipment; fire protection system inspection and testing equipment; computers, tablets, mobile devices, and related peripherals; fire prevention, inspection, records-management, third-party reporting, and other Department software; standard office equipment; and other equipment necessary to perform assigned duties.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL FACTORS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the Fire Marshal primarily works in an office and field environment and regularly performs duties in commercial, industrial, institutional, residential, construction, and other occupancies and facilities. Work may involve exposure to outdoor weather conditions, construction environments, fire scenes, damaged or structurally compromised buildings, hazardous materials or processes, smoke, odors, chemicals, biological hazards, uneven surfaces, heights, confined or restricted areas, and other potentially hazardous conditions.

The position generally works established administrative hours but requires availability outside normal working hours for significant fires, fire investigations, emergency incidents, meetings, public education activities, special events, and other Department needs. The Fire Marshal may be subject to on-call notification and emergency response as required.

The employee must possess the physical ability necessary to safely perform inspections, investigations, emergency-scene activities, and other assigned functions of a sworn Fire Department position. Duties may require prolonged standing or walking; climbing stairs or ladders; bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, or working in restricted areas; carrying inspection or investigation equipment; operating a motor vehicle; wearing required personal protective equipment; and safely operating in environments associated with fire and emergency response.

Specific physical requirements and essential operational functions shall be consistent with the requirements established by the City of Janesville for the Fire Marshal classification and shall be reviewed in consultation with Human Resources to ensure they accurately reflect the essential functions of the position.

For purposes of drug and alcohol testing, this position is classified as safety sensitive.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position, or is responsive to the needs of the City of Janesville.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The City of Janesville, Wisconsin, is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.