Fire Marshal: (Full-Time)

The deadline to apply for this position is January 15, 2024 at 10 AM. 

JOB SUMMARY

The Fire Marshal performs complex administrative and technical work pertaining to the Fire Prevention Code adopted by the City of South Padre Island.  Serves as the Fire Marshal and Fire Inspector for the City of South Padre Island.  Incumbent will be assigned to perform Fire/EMT position duties as needed. In this function the position protects life and property by performing fire suppression, basic life support (BLS), hazardous materials and fire prevention duties.  Maintains fire equipment, apparatus and facilities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Fire Marshal Duties

• The Fire Marshal shall service as the Fire Code Official and will conduct comprehensive and technical review of documents, plans, operations, systems and equipment to ensure compliance with applicable fire and life safety regulations.
• Evaluates construction alternatives for equivalency to the requirements of the building codes and national fire protection safety standards; provides interpretations, recommendations and consultation to owners, developers, contractors, designers, architects, and engineers, on code requirements, construction methods and activities.
• Revise and makes recommendations on the development of City ordinances and regulations relating to fire and life safety; analyze and review new federal, state, and city regulations to determine impact on the department and City.
• Position is responsible for budget preparation and management.
• Position shall work closely with the Building Official and other departments to ensure a safe, consistent and customer friendly development environment.
• Conduct and supervise examinations of fire scenes and evidence collection to ascertain causes of fires, utilizing knowledge and experience in fire investigations; compile investigation results, and prepare timely, complete and accurate documents and criminal case preparations.
• Assists with and participates in the City’s Emergency Management program and coordinates with the Emergency Management Coordinator to develop and implement procedures for emergency functions.
• Responsible for collecting fees related to inspection activities and permitting.
• Works with the Municipal Court Administrator to ensure fire code violations are accurately reflected in their court system in order to process related cases.

Inspector Duties

• Communicates with the general public and other city employees in performing community service and public education activities, conducting business inspections, presenting public safety training classes, participating in school programs, answering questions, delivering emergency care and ensuring patient needs.
• Produces written documents, reports, spreadsheets, etc. using computer software systems.
• Review plans on new construction and renovation projects. Plans are viewed and authorized in three phases: site plan review, building plan review, and final inspection.
• Inspects buildings to locate hazardous conditions and fire code violations such as accumulations of combustible material, electrical wiring problems, and inadequate or non-functional fire exits.
• Identify corrective actions necessary to bring properties into compliance with applicable fire codes, and explain these measures to property owners or their representatives.
• Inspects and tests new and existing alarm and fire protection and/or fire detection systems to verify that such systems are installed in accordance with appropriate standards.
• Conducts fire code compliance follow-ups to ensure that corrective actions have been taken in cases where violations were found.
• Attends training classes in order to maintain current knowledge of fire prevention, safety, and firefighting procedures.
• Inspects liquefied petroleum installations, storage containers, transportation and delivery systems for compliance with fire laws.
• Search for clues as to the cause of a fire, once the fire is completely extinguished.
• Investigates causes of fires, collects and prepares evidence.
• Presents information to city officials, city employees, etc.
• Issue permits for public assemblies.
• Issues permits for pyrotechnic displays.
• Responsible for inspecting restaurant Fire Extinguishing Hood Systems.

Fire Fighter/EMT Duties

• Performs fire suppression activities including driving fire apparatus, operating pumps and related equipment, laying hose and performing fire combat, containment and extinguishment tasks.
• Performs first responder activities including administering basic life support (BLS).
• Participates in fire drills, attends classes in fire suppression, emergency medical, hazardous material and related subjects.
• Receives and responds to fire calls and alarms. Operates radio and other communication equipment.
• Participates in the inspection of buildings, hydrants and other structures in fire prevention programs.
• Maintains fire equipment, apparatus and facilities. Performs minor repairs to departmental equipment.
• Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire facilities and equipment to include care for the grounds around the fire station.
• Assists in developing plans for special assignments such as emergency preparedness, hazardous communications, training programs, firefighting hazardous materials and first responder activities.
• Performs rescues such as water, vehicle, trench, high angle, elevator, body recovery, confined space or any other rescue as needed.
• Presents programs to the community on safety, medical and fire prevention topics.
• Performs salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.
• Performs basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS) activities.
• Participate in Fire Prevention activities.

SECONDARY JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assists in department supervisory and administrative activities as assigned.
• Assists in training employees as assigned.
• Attends classes that are required to maintain certifications.
• Performs minor repairs to departmental equipment.
• Serves as Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

FISCAL BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY

• Responsible for adhering to all City of South Padre Island Purchasing Policies while performing purchasing tasks.
• Position is responsible for budget management and preparing budget request for fiscal year planning.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.

Experience:

• Four (4) years of related work experience in a related field; or any equivalent combination of education and experience, equivalency to be determined by the City.
• Previous Firefighting/EMS experience is required.
• Previous Fire Marshal experience is required.

Licenses or Certifications:

• TCFP Basic Fire Inspector I and II in addition to Plans Examiner certification.
• TCOLE certified Peace Officer.
• Must possess TCFP Basic Structure Firefighter certification. Advanced Structure Firefighter certification is preferred.
• Must be able to obtain in the first year of employment, Texas Commission on Fire protection Basic Arson Investigator certification.
• Possess a current EMT-B or higher certificate at time of appointment.
• A valid state driver’s license.
• Obtain a Class B Driver’s License within ninety (90) days of hire.
• Must be a certified Peace Officer by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement prior to employment.

Special Requirements:

• Bilingual: Spanish and English preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:   

• Knowledge of government regulations, rules and procedures of the City.
• Thorough knowledge of modern principles, methods and equipment required for efficient and effective plan review, fire investigation and inspection activities.
• Thorough knowledge of the laws, statutes, ordinances, codes, standards, rules and regulations pertaining to fire prevention, fire investigation, plan review and public education.
• Thorough knowledge of records maintenance and retentions schedules.
• Working knowledge of computers and electronic data processing.
• Working knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
• Working knowledge of governmental accounting principles and practices.
• Skill in the operation of the listed tools and equipment.
• Ability to perform arithmetic computations accurately and quickly.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish successful working relationships.
• Ability to work under pressure and/or frequent interruptions.
• Analytical ability is required in order to gather and summarize data for reports, find solutions to problems and to prioritize work in the best interest of the City.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Fire apparatus, fire pumps, hoses and other standard firefighting equipment; power tools such as chain saws and hydraulic spreaders and cutters; hand tools, ladders, first aid equipment, radio, computer, phone, water rescue devices, handgun, AED, ticket writer, credit card processor, flashlight, body cam, taser, RMS computer system, camera, vehicle and other equipment as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to two-hundred (200) pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Work is performed primarily in office, vehicles, and outdoor settings, in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day and night shifts. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations.  Individual is exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and oils. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, liquid chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quite in the office settings, and very loud at an emergency scene.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.