Deputy State Fire Marshal (DSFM) - Northwest Region (2 positions)

State of Oregon • Salem, OR

23d • Remote

About The Position

At the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM), our mission is simple yet crucial: to protect people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. Guided by a set of unwavering values, we strive to uphold integrity, dedication, leadership, partnership, and service to others in all we do. The OSFM actively supports a workforce representative of the communities we serve. We embrace diversity, practice inclusive excellence, and strive for equity and belonging to maintain a workplace where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We value all lived experiences and welcome members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, LGBTQIA2S+, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and others to apply. Become a part of the OSFM team and together, let's continue working towards a safer, more resilient Oregon for everyone! The OSFM is recruiting two (2) Deputy State Fire Marshal (DSFM) positions for each of the following districts located in the Northwest Region: District 1 (Clatsop and Columbia Counties) District 4 (Lincoln and Tillamook Counties) Clatsop and Columbia counties make up the northernmost part of Oregon’s Northwest region, offering a blend of coastal charm, historic river communities, and growing industrial areas along the Columbia River. The region features a mix of maritime, manufacturing, and natural resource‑based economies, all within a setting known for its forests, scenic waterways, and strong community connections. Farther south, Tillamook and Lincoln counties highlight the heart of Oregon’s central coast, known for rugged shorelines, fishing and tourism industries, and expansive dairy and agricultural lands. These communities combine natural beauty with a relaxed, small‑town feel, offering unique opportunities to support residents across diverse and dynamic coastal environments. The goal is to fill both positions at the Deputy State Fire Marshal level. However, we strongly encourage candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for the Deputy State Fire Marshal/Entry classification to apply, as the agency may consider underfilling the position. The successful candidate must be able to meet the minimum qualifications of a Deputy State Fire Marshal within 24 months of hire. Become an OSFM Deputy State Fire Marshal Video

Requirements

• Deputy State Fire Marshal Minimum Qualifications: Five years of full-time fire service experience. This must include two years of full-time code enforcement and one year of fire cause investigation. An Associate's degree in fire prevention, fire science or related fire service field may substitute for up to two years of the required experience but will not substitute for the three years of code enforcement and fire cause investigation experience. A Bachelor's degree in fire service administration or fire protection, fire science, or closely related fire service field may substitute for up to two years of the required experience, but will not substitute for the three years of code enforcement and fire cause investigation experience. To comply with OAR 837-039-0110, you must have: An ICC Fire Inspector 2 Certification or ability to obtain certification within six months from date of employment. An ICC Fire Plans Examiner Certification
• Deputy State Fire Marshal/Entry Minimum Qualifications: Three years of full-time fire service experience. This must include one year of full-time code enforcement and fire cause investigation. An Associate's degree in fire prevention, fire science or related fire service field may substitute for up to two years of the required experience but will not substitute for the one year of code enforcement and fire cause investigation experience. A Bachelor's degree in fire service administration or fire protection, fire science, or closely related fire service field may substitute for up to two years of the required experience but will not substitute for the one year of code enforcement and fire cause investigation experience. Credit for part-time or volunteer fire service experience will be prorated based on a 40-hour workweek. To comply with OAR 837-039-0110, you must have: An ICC Fire Inspector 2 Certification or ability to obtain certification within six months from date of employment. An ICC Fire Plans Examiner Certification or ability to obtain certification within six months from date of employment.
• For both classifications, successful candidates must possess or be able to obtain the following certifications: Within six (6) months of employment International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector 1 certification International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector 2 certification International Code Council (ICC) Fire Plans Examiner DPSST NFPA Fire Investigator Certification or equivalent DPSST NFPA Fire Inspector 1 Certification or equivalent DPSST NFPA Fire Inspector 2 Certification or equivalent DPSST NFPA Fire Instructor 1 Certification or equivalent Oregon State Fire Marshal Competency Recognition certificate Within twenty-four (24) months of employment Attend and pass a Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination (FI-210) class or equivalent. Initiate a “Wildland Fire Investigator” position task book.
• Requires a valid drivers’ license with an acceptable driving record.
• The expectation for both positions is that the employee will be able to maintain a 45-minute or less response time to the border of their district.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated ability to independently assess the needs of an assigned work area, set priorities, and establish an effective work schedule to meet those needs.
• Proven skill in independently interpreting and applying fire codes, fire laws, and related regulatory requirements in support of local jurisdictions and community partners.
• Strong experience in evaluating and analyzing fire cause and origin determinations while ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and legal defensibility of fire evidence.
• Highly developed public speaking and communication abilities, with experience presenting complex information in diverse and challenging environments.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills, with a proven ability to achieve successful outcomes in high‑stakes situations while maintaining professionalism.
• Experience developing and delivering targeted outreach messaging informed by research and focused on fire and life safety education topics.
• Ability to analyze emerging fire and life safety issues, including new concepts and proposed legislative measures, and communicate their implications effectively.
• Demonstrated capacity to perform successfully in high‑stress, high‑responsibility environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight, coordination, and leadership in conducting fire investigations to determine origin and cause.
• Lead or support multi‑agency fire investigation teams or task forces during major incidents to expand capacity for origin and cause determination when required.
• Enforce state‑adopted and nationally recognized fire and life safety laws, fire codes, standards, regulations, and applicable OARs and ORSs.
• Lead and/or assist in delivering State Fire Marshal courses for fire service partners on fire inspections, origin and cause investigations, plan review, and related certifications.
• Represent the State Fire Marshal at meetings, including county Fire Defense Boards, the Oregon Fire Marshals Association, the International Association of Arson Investigators, and other professional organizations.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with building officials, fire departments/districts, government agencies, private individuals, and businesses.
• Review local fire and life safety code compliance programs with local fire officials to assess community needs and ensure alignment with fire prevention and protection standards.
• Participate in OSFM and statewide task forces, local committees, and advisory groups established by partner agencies and organizations related to fire investigation, inspection, and enforcement activities, as assigned.
• Support all‑hazards emergency response efforts as needed, providing field assistance or contributing within the Agency Operations Center (AOC).

Benefits

• Work/life balance; paid vacation, sick leave, 11 holidays, 24 hours of personal business leave, and a floating day off each year.
• Medical, vision, dental (with most only 1%-5% employee share), and life insurance as well as additional optional benefits.
• Retirement programs through the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and optional deferred compensation programs through the Oregon Savings Growth Plan.
• Student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
• Abundant advancement opportunities within the agency and throughout State of Oregon government that carry your seniority and benefits with you.
• Opportunities to expand your technical and professional skills.
• Meaningful work with others who are passionate about public service.
• Make a difference in the lives of Oregonians.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree