Assistant Fire Marshal

Buncombe County•Asheville, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Buncombe County Government is seeking a dedicated, detail-oriented Assistant Fire Marshal to help protect lives, property, and community wellbeing. The position supports fire prevention through inspections, public education, code enforcement, and fire investigation, working independently and with partner agencies. The role conducts inspections and educational programs to prevent and identify fire hazards and investigates fires, including determining their cause and origin. The work schedule follows a two-week rotating schedule, with specified work and on-call days. The anticipated start date is December 14, 2026. The position requires a high school education or equivalent and at least three years of experience in fire service or investigation, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A valid North Carolina driver’s license is required. The employee must obtain specified fire inspection and investigation certifications within the stated time frames and maintain required continuing education. Work involves physical activity, emergency response, and potentially major decisions involving people, resources, and property. During a State of Emergency, County employees may be called in for service at the County Manager’s discretion.

Requirements

High school education or equivalent and at least three years of experience in fire service or investigation, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Possess a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina.
Obtain Level I Fire Inspection Certification within one year and Level III within five years, issued by the North Carolina Code Officials Qualification Board.
Obtain NC Fire Investigator Technician certification within four years and NC Fire/Arson Investigator certification within ten years, issued by the North Carolina Department of Insurance Fire and Rescue Division.
Maintain continuing education requirements established by the State of North Carolina and the Fire Marshal.
Knowledge of applicable County, state, and federal fire codes and regulations, including North Carolina Fire Codes, Foster Home Safety Regulations, and AFL Regulations, as well as division policies, procedures, and protocols.
Knowledge of standard practices, procedures, and methods of fire inspection, prevention, investigation, and building construction.
Knowledge of NCFIT, CFI, NC IAAI, and OFSM qualification board requirements.
Knowledge of the geographic layout of the County.
Ability to read and review building plans.
Ability to observe, recall, and document details, including faces, names, and other critical information.
Ability to conduct investigations, organize records, and prepare clear reports.
Ability to interpret and apply laws, codes, and regulations in specific situations.
Ability to work effectively with property owners, managers, and the public to eliminate fire hazards and promote cooperation in fire prevention activities.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
Ability to assist with management and recovery during large-scale emergencies.
Meet physical demands including lifting, bending, reaching, squatting, manual dexterity, repetitive motion, color distinction, visual acuity, and extended periods of standing, walking, and sitting.

Responsibilities

Inspect commercial structures and multifamily housing, including new construction and existing structures, as well as county schools twice annually and private schools annually.
Inspect institutional structures, foster homes, and residential care homes for compliance with fire and life safety regulations.
Interpret County, state, and national fire codes related to fire prevention.
Review building plans to ensure fire-safety measures, such as sprinkler and fire alarm installations, are included.
Present public and private fire-safety, prevention, and education programs as requested within the County.
Enforce fire codes for new construction and existing buildings to protect occupants and the public.
Conduct origin-and-cause investigations and complete reports on structure and vehicle fires upon request.
Respond to brushfires with five or more fire departments dispatched and assist with mitigation of large-scale hazardous-materials incidents.
Respond to emergency-management requests as needed.
Inspect new subdivision plats and drawings for emergency-vehicle access.
Install and maintain County road signs.
Perform other related duties as assigned.