Deputy State Fire Marshal (DSFM) - District 3 (Clackamas, Washington, & Multnomah counties)

State of Oregon • Salem, OR

5d • Onsite

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 a Deputy State Fire Marshal (DSFM) position in the Northwest Region assigned to District 3 (Clackamas, Washington, and Multnomah counties). Clackamas, Washington, and Multnomah counties offer a rich mix of natural beauty, strong communities, and vibrant urban amenities. Clackamas provides easy access to outdoor recreation, Washington County blends diverse neighborhoods with a growing economic center, and Multnomah delivers cultural energy, transit convenience, and lively city experiences. The goal is to fill this position 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• An ICC Fire Inspector 2 Certification or ability to obtain certification within six months from date of employment.
• An ICC Fire Plans Examiner Certification
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Requires the employee to reside within their designated district. Residing within a district means maintaining a household and mailing address within the set geographical boundaries of that 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

• 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