Fire Marshal

City of La Porte, Texas•La Porte, TX

About The Position

Under limited supervision, the Fire Marshal manages and supervises the Fire Marshal Division of the Fire Department. The role coordinates inspections to ensure compliance with fire regulations, conducts fire investigations, and develops and delivers the City’s public education program for fire safety and prevention. The Fire Marshal also contributes at the department command level, supports strategic planning, and helps advance department goals and programs. The position manages division operations, including fire inspections, arson investigations, construction plan reviews, fire-code compliance, staff development, TCOLE certification and training, and preparation of the division budget. The Fire Marshal investigates structure fires, may perform Arson Investigator duties during vacancies, and may serve warrants, make arrests, file court cases, and present investigation findings in formal settings. The position works with city departments, community partners, contractors, property owners, design professionals, public officials, and the public; keeps the Fire Chief informed; and may attend or present at community and city events. The role is on call as required. The position receives direction from the City Manager or designee and exercises direct and indirect supervision over full-time and volunteer personnel. It requires a high school diploma or GED, an associate degree in Fire Protection Technology or a related field, at least 10 years of paid full-time TCFP experience, and 3 years of increasingly responsible administrative experience. A bachelor’s degree or higher is preferred. Required licenses and certifications include a valid Texas driver’s license, specified advanced fire and law-enforcement certifications, a Basic Fire Marshal Certification, Plans Examiner Certification, and NIMS certifications.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Associate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in Fire Protection Technology or a related field.
At least 10 years of paid full-time Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) experience.
At least 3 years of increasingly responsible administrative experience.
Valid Texas driver's license.
Current Advanced Peace Officer Certification or higher from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
Current Advanced Fire Inspector Certification or higher from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
Current Advanced Fire Investigator Certification or higher from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
Current Advanced Arson Investigator Certification or higher from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
Current Basic Fire Marshal Certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
Current Plans Examiner Certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
Current Fire and Life Safety Educator II certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, or ability to obtain it within the timeframe specified by the City.
NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 certifications.
Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and Department rules, policies, and procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally, including delivering persuasive speeches and presentations on complex or controversial topics.
Ability to prepare, maintain, and present records and reports; motivate employees; and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to use local geographic knowledge, including streets, water mains, hydrants, and major fire hazards in the City of La Porte response jurisdiction.
Ability to proficiently use vehicles, equipment, tools, and apparatus used in firefighting, rescue, and medical assistance operations; operate and maintain radio equipment; and use a calculator, personal computer, typewriter, flame/combustible detector, and hand tools.
Ability to analyze fire and emergency situations, choose effective courses of action, maintain composure, make sound decisions, and handle stressful situations professionally.
Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
Ability to respond appropriately to requests and inquiries, maintain regular attendance and punctuality, follow applicable rules and procedures, and safely perform the job's physical requirements.
Understanding of the HIPAA Privacy Rule relevant to the role and of Fire Department policies and procedures affecting job duties.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person and by two-way radio.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or higher.

Responsibilities

Manage the activities and operations of the Fire Marshal Division and develop a strategic plan addressing staffing, training, and technology needs as the city grows.
Ensure arson investigations use appropriate techniques and procedures consistent with industry standards.
Plan and conduct fire inspection and investigation programs, document findings, and ensure establishments comply with applicable fire codes before and after occupancy, when relevant changes occur, and in response to complaints.
Work with city departments and community partners to achieve internal and external goals.
Stay current on Fire Code changes and fire-prevention best practices.
Keep the Fire Chief or designee informed about division activities requiring attention or awareness.
Review new-construction plans and inspect construction for compliance with applicable building, fire-prevention, NFPA, and life-safety codes.
Explain fire codes and ordinances to contractors, building owners, architects, and engineers.
Perform Arson Investigator functions during vacancies as needed to maintain community service.
Investigate structure fires in the city to determine cause and origin and prepare appropriate reports.
Manage department TCOLE certification requirements and coordinate member training and compliance.
Serve warrants or make arrests related to arson investigations, file related court cases, and present investigation findings in legal or other formal settings as needed.
Lead division budget preparation, planning, and submission for the City's annual fire control budget.
Hire, train, develop, and evaluate staff; take timely corrective action in accordance with City policy and consult Human Resources as appropriate.
Prepare written instructions, analyses, internal policies and procedures, memoranda, and reports.
Maintain effective working relationships with employees, departments, public officials, community groups, vendors, and members of the public.
Attend or make presentations at schools, seminars, City events, City Council, and other policy-making or advisory boards as needed.
Recommend Fire Code improvements and serve as staff liaison to the COLP fire code review board.
Respond on call as required and perform other related duties as assigned.