Assistant Fire Marshal
Job Description
Definition:Under the general direction of the Fire Marshal, the Assistant Fire Marshal provides administrative,technical, and programmatic support to the Fire Prevention Bureau. This position assists with planning,organizing, coordinating, and implementing fire prevention, code compliance, and public educationprograms. Responsibilities include plan review, fire and life safety inspections, prevention-related publiceducation, administrative fire cause documentation, records management, staff supervision, andtechnical assistance related to fire prevention programs. This position performs intermediate-levelsupervisory duties over assigned prevention personnel and performs related work as assigned.This position is classified as non-safety and non-sworn and does not perform fire suppression,emergency response, peace officer duties, or hazardous duty assignments.Distinguishing Characteristics:This a full-time, non-safety civilian position within the Fire Prevention Division. This class isdistinguished from the next higher level (Fire Marshal) in that the latter has overall responsibility for theWild Fire Prevention Division functions, fire investigation program, and may augment operations withincident management, and suppression responsibilities whereas the Assistant Fire Marshal managesthe day-to-day functions of the land development, fire and life safety inspection, and fire plans examinerpersonnel. The Assistant Fire Marshal is distinguished from the next lower classification (FirePrevention Specialist 3) in that the latter has no supervisory responsibilities.Incumbents perform a full range of professional and supervisory duties requiring independent judgment,initiative, and discretion within established policies, procedures, and regulations. Work is primarilyadministrative and technical in nature but also includes field work and field inspections performed undergeneral supervision. The position requires a comprehensive understanding of fire preventionprograms, applicable codes and standards, and district policies.This position is classified as “Non-Safety”/ “Miscellaneous,” assigned a 40-hour workweek, and isFLSA non-exempt.This position has a one-year probationary period.Supervision Received and Exercised:Receives general supervision and performance evaluation from the Fire Marshal or Fire Chief.Provides general and direct supervision to fire prevention division staff.
Responsibilities
Examples of Essential Duties:Assist in administering and coordinating fire prevention and life safety programs.Interpret and apply local, state, and nationally adopted fire and building codes related to fireprevention and life safety.Conduct plan reviews for new construction, remodels, tenant improvements, and demolitionprojects for code compliance.Perform fire and life safety inspections of commercial, residential, and special-use occupanciesas required.Provide code information and interpretations to the public, contractors, developers, and designprofessionals.Assist in the collection and administration of mitigation or impact fees related to fire preventionprograms.Maintain accurate inspection, plan review, and code compliance records.Coordinate with external agencies and stakeholders on fire prevention, life safety, and publiceducation initiatives.Assist in the development and delivery of school-based and community fire prevention educationprograms.Support the development, review, and update of fire prevention-related ordinances, policies, andprocedures.Prepare written reports, correspondence, and technical documentation related to fire preventionactivities.Maintain and update prevention bureau databases, websites, and electronic record systems.Participate in training activities related to fire prevention, code compliance, and life safety.Manage a dispute and appeal system with the highest level of customer service skill andprofessionalism.Perform other related duties as assigned.
Operations and Administration:Assist the Fire Marshal with the development of prevention bureau goals, policies, andprocedures.Assist in the preparation and monitoring of budgets related to assigned prevention programs.Provide technical and administrative staff support to district leadership.Participate in recruitment, selection, onboarding, and evaluation of assigned personnel inaccordance with district policy.Represent the district at meetings, public events, and interagency forums as assigned.Develop and maintain effective working relationships with local and regional partner agencies,including neighboring fire agencies, local government entities, and community organizations.Evaluate processes, workflows, and procedures to identify opportunities to improve efficiency,reduce effort or improve resources utilization. Must be able to successfully manage resultingchanges and PR messaging internally and externally.Fire Investigation:Assist with post-incident administrative fire cause documentation as requested and under thedirection of the Fire Marshal.This position may assist with origin-and-cause investigations, may preserve or collect evidenceas directed by a lead investigator, but does not routinely operate at active emergency scenes.Other Responsibilities:Perform related tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Fire Marshal or Fire Chief.Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct in all duties.Ensure assigned personnel comply with district policies and procedures.Physical Demands and Work Environment:Work is performed in an office setting and in the field during inspections and communityoutreach. Field work may include walking on uneven terrain, visiting construction sites, and workingoutdoors in varying weather conditions.Duties do not involve emergency response, fire suppression, or hazardous duty environments.Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and lift light to moderate objects (generally up to25 pounds).
Job Requirements
Job-Related and Essential Qualifications:Knowledge of:California Fire Code, California Building Code, Title 19 and Title 24 CCR, and applicable NFPAstandards.Fire prevention principles, practices, and inspection methodologies.Plan review processes and construction methods related to fire and life safety.Administrative fire cause documentation and reporting procedures.Principles of supervision, training, and employee performance management.District organizational structure, policies, procedures, and labor agreements.Incident management concepts as they relate to coordination and documentation (noncommand).Public education and community risk reduction strategies.Applicable employment laws and personnel practices.Standard office software, record-keeping systems, and database management.Written communication principles to prepare clear and concise correspondence, reports anddocuments.
Ability to:Interpret and apply fire prevention codes and district policies; assist with research, developmentand revision of new codes, standards and policies.Prepare clear, accurate, and professional written reports and correspondence.Communicate effectively and maintain effective working relationships with both individuals andgroups contacted in the course of work.Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned personnel.Plan, direct, coordinate and manage complex projects, activities, and specialized administrativeduties.Exercise sound judgment and discretion in administrative and technical matters.Maintain confidential and sensitive information.Work independently with limited supervision.Use computerized systems and data management tools.Represent the district in a professional manner. Maintain a calm and professional demeanor indifficult situations.Experience, Training, and Minimum Qualifications:High School Diploma or GED.Associate’s degree from an accredited institution. (Additional qualifying experience may besubstituted for education.)Minimum of five (5) years of increasingly responsible work experience in a fire prevention, publicsafety, or public service organization. Area of focus should include fire prevention, buildinginspections, plan review, code enforcement, wildfire mitigation, vegetation management,defensible space or related fields taking on higher level work and demonstrating the ability toindependently manage projects, develop/administer/oversee contracts, leadership, andmentorship of employees. (Additional qualifying education may be substituted for years ofexperience.)
Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas:o Fire and life safety inspectionso Plan reviewo Defensible space inspectionso Short-term rental fire inspectionso Special event plan reviewo Code compliance and enforcement (administrative)o Organizational development and human relationsPossession of a valid California Driver License or equivalent with a satisfactory driving record.Possess and maintain a valid AHA CPR-BLS certification (required within 90 days ofemployment.Ability to pass a background investigation consistent with the non-safety classification, live scanfingerprinting, and complete a medical examination.Desirable Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in fire science, fire administration, fireprotection engineering, business administration or a related field.California State Fire Inspector I and/or Plans Examiner I certification or coursework towardcertification.California State Fire Investigator I certification or coursework toward certification (administrativefocus).Direct supervisory experience is highly desirable.Additional training in fire prevention, code compliance, or public administration.District Expectations:Perform duties in a safe, professional, and responsible manner.Work cooperatively with district leadership and staff.Provide courteous and effective customer service to internal and external stakeholders Follow District policies, procedures, and supervisory direction.Maintain punctuality, professionalism, and appropriate attire.Treat all employees and members of the public with dignity and respect.Communicate effectively with supervisors regarding work activities and issues.Serve as a positive representative of the district in all interactions.Provide leadership and serve as a positive role model to assigned
