Deputy Fire Marshal

Under the direction of the Building Official and in coordination with the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Marshal is a civilian position, assigned to administer the Fire Prevention Division. Duties include conducting and/or ensuring the following are accomplished: fire investigations, inspections of all buildings and businesses within the City's limits including those mandated by the State Fire Marshal's office, issuing of permits for the control of hazardous processes, and public assembly; review of building plans for new construction and alterations including the associated fire protection system plans for compliance with fire and life safety standards; field inspection of buildings and new construction; participation in public education programs; administration of the City's Arson Investigation program in coordination with Fire Suppression staff; ensuring that active investigations are tracked and pursued in accordance with all applicable regulations; performance of other related duties, as requested.

Responsibilities require initiative and independent judgment in routine and emergency situations; performs related duties, as required. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following: Supervise subordinate Fire Prevention personnel to include evaluating, training, assisting, assigning, and monitoring their work.

Enforce adopted rules and regulations of Building and Fire Prevention. Ensure subordinates meet required training standards. Review and supervise the review of building construction and fire protection systems plans.

Oversee, participate, and direct staff that inspect various buildings and establishments for fire hazards and general compliance with applicable laws, codes, and regulations including fire protection systems, and appliances. Make recommendations concerning fire/life safety for licensed establishments. Administer, oversee, and report on, the completion of arson investigations in cooperation with assigned shift investigators.

Confer with other concerned local agency departments to determine compliance with fire and life safety code requirements. Make comprehensive, technical plan checks of proposed projects to determine fire safety conditions and needs. Make necessary contact with developers, property owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and follow through with related field inspections and tests.

Develop and participate in public education programs. Advise public on general and specific fire and life safety matters. Participate in department training programs, participation may be advisory or may involve organizing lesson plans and providing instruction.

Evaluate existing fire safety conditions including federal, state, and local codes applicable to fire safety and recommends policies, procedures, and ordinance revisions, as necessary. May respond to emergency calls when requested. Attend department meetings and other meetings or conferences, as assigned by the Building Official.

May be requested to perform complex field inspections and participate in conflict resolution in the areas of architectural, construction, hazardous materials, alarm systems, and sprinkler systems as it relates to new or existing buildings. Attend training, as required to maintain all certifications required for the position. Stay abreast of new trends, laws, legislation, regulations, procedures, and innovations relating to fire code enforcement.

Participate in the development and implementation of goals objectives, policies, and procedures regarding the program. Maintain positive community relations. Perform other related duties, as required, assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: Associate's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Fire Science, Fire Prevention or Protection, or a closely related field AND Minimum of five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in fire protection, plan review, fire code enforcement, or fire investigations INCLUDING at least three years in a supervisory capacity.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Must possess a minimum of a valid California Class "C" driver's license upon hire and maintain throughout the length of employment with the City of Victorville. California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) certified Fire Inspector I and II are required.

Fire Investigation 1A, 1B, and 1C, or Fire investigation 1A, 1B, 2A & 2B (old curriculum) required within 12 months of date of hire. Must reside within 45 minutes lawful driving time to the City of Victorville, within 12 months of date of hire. Certification as a Fire Marshal by the International Code Council or Office of the State Fire Marshal is required.

Work is performed primarily in an outside environment, independent of other workers, and includes work related travel in a City vehicle. Incumbent may be exposed to all types of environmental conditions, with noise, vibrations, fumes, odors, and dust, and may work for long periods in hot, cold, wet, or icy weather and high winds. Incumbent must be able to see and hear in the normal range with or without correction and have the ability to read printed material the size of typewritten characters and communicate verbally and in written form with great facility and must be able to be understood.

Incumbent may be required to climb ladders, scaffolding, enter trenches, or crawl in areas of confined spaces while performing fire investigation duties or field inspections. Incumbent may be required to wear respirators for extended periods of time. Incumbent may be placed in hazardous environments (smoke, heat, and toxic levels) while performing and/or supervising fire investigation duties, which include but are not limited to walking, climbing, and hiking or other physical topographical considerations.

Incumbent may be called upon to use heavy and/or specialized equipment to dismantle or collect evidence for prosecuting the crime of arson. Incumbent must be able to lift heavy loads up to 50 pounds. Incumbent must be physically able to perform strenuous work and in sufficient physical condition to safely perform the duties of the position.

Incumbent will be required to respond to callouts and emergencies after regular working hours and on weekends and must be willing to work an irregular schedule, which may include weekends, holidays, evenings, and/or varying shifts. Incumbent must possess the stamina to work long hours and overtime, if necessary.