Deputy Fire Marshal (I, II, III)

City of Alexandria•Alexandria, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

A Deputy Fire Marshal I performs base level job duties while obtaining Local and State mandated training and certifications. An incumbent in this class inspects buildings, equipment, and processes for compliance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code and conducts investigations for cause and origin of fires, explosions, environmental crimes, and industrial accidents occurring within the City. Under the general supervision of a Chief Deputy Fire Marshal, a Deputy Fire Marshal I enforces the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code as adopted by the City of Alexandria; applicable provisions of the Code of Virginia, Code of the City of Alexandria, and related laws and ordinances; conducts fire prevention inspections of commercial and residential properties; prepares written inspection reports and notices of violation; prepares and makes written and oral presentations for the education of the public and other city employees; participates in special events within the city; interacts and coordinates activities with the public to include property owners, tenants, attorneys, development and design professionals, and professional and civic organizations. A Deputy Fire Marshal I is a sworn law enforcement officer and investigates fire, explosion, and environmental incidents within the City and investigates the origin and cause of fires, explosions, and environmental crimes; conducts in-depth interviews of suspects and witnesses; collects and preserves evidence; issues summonses and makes custodial arrests as necessary; prepares detailed investigation reports and cases for court and testifies as needed; responds to emergency incidents as directed; conducts in-depth investigations and follow-ups; maintains all state and local certifications required of the position; and performs related duties as required. This position requires the ability to work shifts, stand-by, and call-backs for emergency or staffing needs. This position requires a candidate who can work independently and with minimal supervision at night, on weekends, and on holidays. This position requires the candidate to qualify and become proficient in the use of an issued duty firearm and the operation of an emergency vehicle. Deliver innovative fire prevention solutions that meet code and regulatory requirements while providing the customer with reasonable and obtainable options. Must have interpersonal skills in working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds. The Alexandria Fire Department provides fire, emergency medical services, and special operations such as technical rescue, hazardous materials and marine response operations with additional capabilities including fire prevention, inspections, protection and investigation to a 15 square mile city. The Alexandria Fire Department employs more than 290 personnel, which include firefighters paramedics, fire prevention staff and administrative support. A network of ten stations protects 15 square miles. Among the department's specialized teams are the Northern Virginia Regional Hazardous Materials Team, Technical Rescue, Marine Operations and the Special Operations Team. The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is also a city-wide function within the Alexandria Fire Department.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
Some knowledge of fire inspection practices with the ability to recognize and define fire hazards and causes, and to recommend effective remedial measures
Some knowledge of the Uniform Statewide Building Code, and the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code and the City ordinances that relate to fire prevention and nuisance activities
Some understanding of responsibilities associated with Building and Fire Code procedures
Some knowledge of State fire protection and related laws
Ability to successfully complete the minimum standard training required by the State of Virginia for fire marshals, and to successfully complete the minimum standard training requirements adopted for this position by the City
Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with the general public
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
Ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions
Some experience in at least one of the following areas: fire protection, firefighting, electrical, building, plumbing or mechanical trades; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
Completion of two (2) years of experience as a Deputy Fire Marshal II with the Alexandria Fire Department (for DFM III)
Completion of the minimum standard training required by the State of Virginia for local Fire Marshals and assistants (Sec. 27-34.2 Code of Virginia) (for DFM III)
Successful completion of the following certification programs: Hazardous Materials Technician, Fire and Explosion Investigator, or equivalent National Fire Investigator certification, the Virginia Building Code Academy Advanced Officials Module (for DFM III)

Nice To Haves

4 year college degree (for DFM I, II, III)
Virginia law enforcement certification with previous law enforcement experience (for DFM I, II)
Fire Inspector 1031 certification with previous fire inspection experience (for DFM I, II)
Fire Investigator 1033 certification with previous fire and explosion investigation experience (for DFM I, II)
Property maintenance inspector certification with previous property maintenance inspection experience (for DFM I, II)
Successful completion of a certification program in at least one area of special expertise: Hazardous Materials Specialist; Post Blast Investigator; Evidence Technician; Certified Fire Official, Property Maintenance Official or Code Official (for DFM III)

Responsibilities

Conducts cause and origin investigations for fires and explosions
Conducts investigations for environmental crimes
Conducts investigations for industrial and construction accidents
Assists with police investigations when requested
Conducts inspections for violations of the Statewide Fire Prevention Code, Uniform Statewide Building Code, and Virginia Maintenance Code for: fire prevention permits, hazardous use permits, citizen complaints, City Council requests, unfit housing cases, new business licenses, alcoholic beverage control, daycares, and department of housing and urban development requests
Assists fire inspectors and performs all related fire inspector activities
Attend Metro Area Arson & Explosive Investigator Group meetings with representatives from ATF, the Washington D.C. fire department and local Virginia fire departments
Attends civic association meetings
Attend meetings with other City agencies including the police department, the sheriff's office, fire suppression, mental health, and adult protective services
Develops strategies to remediate code violations with other City agencies
Performs law enforcement activities related to listed investigations and inspections, including: obtaining and executing search warrants; collecting evidence; interviewing witnesses and suspects of crimes; making arrests and transporting prisoners to the jail; issuing summonses, parking tickets, and civil penalty tickets; impounding vehicles; preparing case files for prosecution and conferring with the Commonwealth's Attorney with regards to cases
Obtains subpoenas for records
Provides backup for police when requested or when evidently necessary
Assists State and Federal authorities with any law enforcement activities when requested
Proactively monitors known nuisance activity areas for illegal activities
Attends required training, including: firearms training and firearms qualification; Joint training in conjunction with the Alexandria Police Department and the Alexandria Sheriff's Office in the areas of officer safety, defensive tactics, building searches, and patrol procedures; Attends educational seminars and training classes related to the re-certification of law enforcement officer, fire investigator, fire inspector, and property maintenance inspector certifications; Attends Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development training
Provides courtroom testimony for criminal cases
Provides courtroom testimony for civil cases
Provides courtroom testimony for police cases when requested
Provides extensive interaction with citizens, including: advising and instructing occupants regarding fire causes and hazards; Responding to citizen complaints related to housing; instructing occupants on fire watch procedures; discussing housing conditions with landlords and tenants; responding to citizen complaints related to waste, trash, weed and grass control; Interacting with potentially dangerous and mentally unstable subjects; Providing outreach and educational fire safety training to various citizen groups; Observing fire drills at businesses and schools and providing feedback; Answering any related questions received from citizens
Maintains accurate records of all activities and manages code administration programs, including: the Residential Rental Inspection program; coordinating in-house training; coordinating special events; Developing and conducting fire safety programs for public educational purposes; and, reviewing approved site plans for field compliance with emergency vehicle easement requirements
Prepares accurate correspondence and report writing of inspections, investigations, condemnations, and corrections
Works in other dangerous and hazardous scenarios, including: providing assistance in rendering properties safe during emergency incidents due to natural disasters or major fire situations; working in hoarded and unsanitary buildings; working in structurally unsafe buildings; working in dangerous outdoor conditions, including both landscape and weather hazards; working special events involving fireworks, explosives, and other hazards
Acts quickly and calmly in all hazardous and dangerous circumstances, including dealing with mentally unstable individuals
Maintains 24-hour standby status for a full week once every 8 weeks in preparation for callback to investigate fires or other events
Responds to the City with full work equipment within two hours at any time during the standby week
Performs related work as required
Schedules and responds to business owners and residents request for fire prevention inspections of businesses, schools and all other structures or processes regulated by applicable local, state and federal fire codes, regulations and ordinances
Identifies fire code violations and hazards while working with the business owner and residents to abate the violation and/or hazard
Performs timely follow-up inspections to ensure compliance of applicable local, state and federal codes, regulations and ordinances to ensure compliance
Maintains an assigned City vehicle and equipment and must have the ability to maintain all certifications incumbent with the position of a Deputy Fire Marshal I