Fire Marshal

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Performs field work to manage, supervise and coordinate the programs and activities of the City’s Fire Prevention Division including code enforcement, construction, and complicated hazardous and high-risk occupancy inspections; coordinates assigned duties with other divisions, outside agencies, and the general public; exercises direct supervision of Inspectors and technical staff involved in fire prevention, fire inspection, and risk reduction activities. The incumbent provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Assistant Chief-Prevention and Fire Chief.

The “normal” work schedule is 80 hours per pay period. (40 hours per week, 8.0 hours per day, 5 days per week, Monday through Friday). Working evenings or on weekends may be required. The hourly wage rate is calculated on 2,080 hours per year. The exact schedules may be flexible, depending on the requirements of the department and the demands of the workload, and are assigned and approved by the Chief.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conducts inspections of buildings under construction as well as existing structures for compliance with applicable codes; prepares reports on violations; reviews violation report with building owners and seeks compliance with codes; conducts follow-up inspections as required.
• Calculates fire flow requirements for buildings, establishes fire hydrant locations that are consistent with the strategic and tactical needs of the Department, and conducts fire flow tests.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, regulations, and standard operating procedures, policies and priorities for the fire prevention division including fire prevention training, fire investigation, hazardous materials, environmental clean-up, code enforcement and construction inspection programs; identifies resource needs; recommends and implements policies and procedures; responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen and business inquiries and complaints.
• Works with the Assistant Chief of Prevention to prepare fire investigations procedures; participates in fire investigations by setting up fire scene security, directing or performing fire scene photography, studying fire patterns to determine the directions of travel of the fire, determine area of origin, determine cause of the fire, directing the taking and tagging of evidence, and taking statements from witnesses and building owners; and prepares fire investigations reports. Works within the fire investigative team on all fires within the City for origin and cause; establishes procedures to ensure proper determination of all origin and cause. May be called upon to serve as the lead fire investigator at fires within the jurisdiction and / or with mutual aid partners. Establishes professional development training program to ensure compliance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1033 - Professional Standards for Fire Investigators.
• Plans, directs, coordinates and reviews the work plan for the Fire Inspector(s) with oversight by the Assistant Chief of Prevention; assigns work activities, projects and programs; review and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
• Develops and implements procedural methods and practices for conducting inspections, investigating incidents and related activities as required; collects data for pre-fire plans; provides continued technical support and training as required.
• May serve on a variety of boards such as the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Association, the Northwest Fire Investigator’s Association, or the Washington State Chief’s Association.
• Schedules and conducts building familiarization tours; attends officers’ meetings; supervises and evaluates the performance of the Fire Inspector(s); assists in the preparation of ordinances relating to Department programs; and conducts premises inspections prior to issuance of building certificate of occupancy.
• May be required to respond to emergency incidents to supplement the manpower of suppression crews. May function as a safety officer, operations officer, or incident commander at emergency incidents, (pursuant to individual qualifications and with the approval of the Fire Chief), and maintains proficiency in vehicle operations, and incident safety officer. Maintains at a minimum a Washington State first responder certification, with EMT-B being preferred.
• Assists the Assistant Chief of Prevention in developing plans for special assignments such as emergency preparedness, hazardous materials and emergency activities, and instructs classes in assigned subject areas.
• Coordinates and insures effective teamwork of the Fire Prevention Division, both inter-departmentally and with other city departments and divisions.
• Performs additional related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of fire prevention, suppression, and investigation standards, practices, strategies, tactics, and apparatus.
• Knowledge of EMS principles and practices.
• Knowledge of National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) standards.
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) standards.
• Knowledge of the National Incident Management System.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal fire codes, local ordinances, and departmental rules and regulations.
• Skill in management and supervision under both routine and emergency situations.
• Skill in decision making and problem solving.
• Skill in public and interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Fire Chief assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. The supervisor reviews work through conferences, reports, and observation of department activities.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include the Code of Federal Regulations, the RCW, the state administrative code, the International Fire Code, NFPA standards, the municipal code, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

The work consists of field work to manage, supervise and coordinate the programs and activities of the City’s Fire Prevention Division. Emergency and life-threatening situations contribute to the complexity of the work. Successful performance helps ensure the protection of community life and property.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city personnel, representatives of community groups, school system representatives, and members of the general public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, provide services, motivate persons, justify or negotiate matters, and educate the public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while moving about frequently, intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, or walking. The employee frequently lifts light and occasionally heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.
• The work is typically performed both inside and outside. The employee may be exposed to machinery with moving parts, irritating chemicals, extreme temperatures, hazardous situations, and inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective clothing and devices.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Any combination of experience, training, or education that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to do the job.
• Possession of valid driver's license issued by the state of Washington for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Emergency Vehicle Accident Prevention course completion.
• Washington Emergency Medical Technician B
• IFCI Fire Code Inspector or NFPA Inspector I certification at time of hire.
• IFCI Plan Review certification or the ability to obtain within 18 months of employment
• Fire Service instructor I or the ability to obtain within one year of employment.
• Firefighter II and Hazardous Materials Operations or the ability to obtain within one year of employment.
• All applicants must be able to successfully pass a background check process which includes reference checks and criminal history checks, or other.

The statements contained herein reflect general details necessary to describe principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required, and the scope of responsibility; and such statements should not be considered all-inclusive. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas, to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to balance workloads.

Management reserves the sole right to add, modify or exclude any duties at any time with or without notice. Nothing in this job description, nor by completion of any job requirements by the employee, is intended to create a contract of employment.

At its sole discretion, the City of Moses Lake may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Company Description

Moses Lake is a diverse, connected and supportive community of innovation and opportunity that values its namesake lake, small town vibe, growing arts and cultural scene, aerospace, manufacturing and agricultural heritage, and an abundance of sunshine and outdoor activities.

Working for the City will afford you the opportunity to support the vision of Moses Lake, grow professionally, and work among diverse and dedicated staff with a goal to provide a service-oriented government that works with all interests in the community to implement our vision.

Our location and climate allow our residents to enjoy a variety of interests surrounding the Moses Lake community. Moses Lake is centrally located between Seattle and Spokane on Highway I-90 between fields of agriculture, freshwater lakes, vineyards and popular recreational destinations.

Moses Lake boosts active community parks and events, athletic venues and tournaments, a campground, and the popular Surf 'n Slide water park. The surrounding Columbia Basin area is filled with wine tours, a wildlife refuge, the Gorge Amphitheater, local fresh markets with direct-from-the-farm produce, and boutiques.

The City of Moses Lake is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our objective is to provide equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment for qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran.

Benefits

This is a union position represented by IAFF Local 1258.

The City of Moses Lake offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental & Orthodontia Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• LEOFF II Department of Retirement Systems
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Optional Deferred Compensation with City match of up to 2% of employee's base compensation
• Optional Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care
• Optional Life Flight Membership