Assistant Fire Marshal

Buncombe County Government•Asheville, NC

3d•$28 - $33

About The Position

Buncombe County Government is seeking a dedicated, detail-oriented Assistant Fire Marshal to support the County’s mission of protecting lives, property, and community wellbeing. The position helps prevent fires through inspections, public education, code enforcement, and fire investigation, working independently and with partner agencies. The role conducts inspections and educational programs to prevent, identify, and investigate fire hazards, including determining the cause and origin of fires. The work follows a two-week rotating schedule running Sunday through Saturday, with designated work, off, and on-call days. The anticipated start date is December 14, 2026. The external hiring range is $27.58–$33.18. 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 timeframes and maintain continuing education requirements. The work includes physical activity such as lifting, bending, reaching, squatting, and extended periods of standing, walking, and sitting, and may involve crisis situations requiring major decisions. During a State of Emergency, 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.
Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina.
Earn Level I Fire Inspection Certification within one year and Level III within five years, as issued by the North Carolina Code Officials Qualification Board.
Earn NC Fire Investigator Technician within four years and NC Fire/Arson Investigator within ten years, as issued by the North Carolina Department of Insurance Fire and Rescue Division.
Maintain continuing education requirements set 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 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.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of medium work, including exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 30 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly; bending, reaching, squatting, manual dexterity, repetitive motion, color distinction, and visual acuity are also required.
Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods and make major decisions involving people, resources, and property in crisis situations.

Responsibilities

Inspect commercial structures and multifamily housing, including new construction and existing buildings, as well as county schools twice annually, private schools annually, 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 and review building plans for fire safety measures, including sprinkler and fire alarm installation.
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 promote occupant and public safety.
Conduct origin and cause investigations and prepare 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.