County Fire Marshal
Job Description
Please apply by: 8/11/25
Salary Range: $92,000- $128,000
This is an exempt (salaried) position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant’s salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job.
At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.
Working at Mecklenburg County for LUESA, (Land Use and Environmental Service Agency) you will help to provide key services that will contribute to an exceptional quality of life for Mecklenburg County residents. LUESA’s responsibilities range from enforcing building and zoning codes to managing water and air resources for future generations. Working with LUESA provides an opportunity to partner with some of the most creative minds and inspiring leaders. If you are interested in working for a collaborative team that is driven by success and innovation you have found the right organization. We welcome talented, high-energy, fun team members to partner with our community to enhance our quality of life through environmental stewardship and economic vitality.
Responsibilities
Position Summary
Manage the Fire Marshal’s Office to include supervising staff, overseeing new construction and on-going
mandated inspections, plans reviews, investigations, public education and outreach programs, and
support and act as liaison to the County Fire Departments and Towns. This position performs the most
complex residential and commercial inspections for compliance with all applicable Fire codes and
ordinances; may also assist staff and the general public with issues and questions.
Essential Functions
Conduct and direct on-site inspections of public and private buildings to ensure that all fire codes
and regulations are complied with
Inspect new construction projects, renovations and fire protection system installations
Direct and oversee new and existing construction on-going mandated fire inspections, plan
review, and code enforcement activities
Conduct and direct fire and/or explosion origin and cause investigations
Direct and oversee fire prevention, public education and community outreach programs
Oversee and provide support to the Fire Protection Service District budget process
Provide various support and liaison services to the County Fire Departments
Conduct research and provides information and recommendations to County Manager and/or
Board of County Commissioners through upper management in matters related to fire and life
safety and fire protection
Serve as liaison with local, state and federal agencies and officials in meeting compliance
standards and developing strategies for fire and life safety compliance, training and emergency
operations standards
Provide technical expertise, advice and guidance related to code compliance questions and
interpretations
Participate in natural disaster event and homeland security terrorism incident exercises
Participate and coordinate County fire and emergency response protocols at Emergency
Operations Center (EOC) and Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)
Job Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
Experience:
Minimum of five years of fire service including firefighting, fire inspection, code enforcement, fire
investigation, plan review, and fire prevention including three years of supervisory experience
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration, Fire Safety Technology, Fire Engineering, Public
Administration, or related field
Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted?: Yes
Licenses and Certifications
Ability to obtain Standard Level III Fire Inspector Certification within one year of hire
Ability to obtain North Carolina and/or National Fire Investigator Certification within one year of hire
Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License
Requires County Driving Privileges
Annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check required
Preferred Qualifications
Professional Fire Engineer
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of
Applicable State, Federal and County law requirements
Basic fire chemistry and behavior
Fire/Explosion origin and cause investigation principles and methodology
Building construction and fire codes
Fire testing methods, ratings and evaluations
Basic office equipment and computer usage
Operating techniques of various equipment
Policies, procedures and practices
Customer service principles
County streets and fire station locations
NC Fire Code Enforcement and Criminal Investigation Statutes
Skills
Preparing and writing investigation and other incident reports
Analyzing fire and life safety system inspection reports and related documentation
Interpreting and applying statutes and ordinances
Operating various equipment
Reading and interpreting plans and designs
Maintaining and inspecting various equipment
Public Education in fire prevention
Abilities
Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining
good working relationships
Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals
or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the
information provided
Customer Focus: Ensuring that the customer perspective is a driving force behind business
decisions and activities; crafting and implementing service practices that meet customers’ and
own organization’s needs
Decision Making: Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing
data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course
of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts,
constraints, and probable consequences
Leverage resources: Takes advantage of available resources (individuals, processes, and
departments) to complete work efficiently
Managing Work (Time Management): Effectively managing one’s time and resources to ensure
that work is completed efficiently
Safety Intervention: Having knowledge of conditions that affect patient, self, and/employee safety
under normal conditions that occur in crisis situations; skilled in identifying conditions that might
cause health or safety hazards and takes action to remove such hazards; understands all aspects
of providing a safe environment for patient, self, and/or others in crisis
Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills: Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical
and professional skill or knowledge in position-related areas; keeping up with current
developments and trends in areas of expertise
Computer Skills
Advanced in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite
Work Environment
Works in outdoor exposed to weather conditions
Selection
This classification has been identified as having a role in the development of
ADA compliant technologies and for which the incumbent agrees to follow
County policies to the best of their abilities in order to meet these obligations.
No
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable
accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Disclaimer Statement
This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or
working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request.
Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions
may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations
