Fire Marshal

City of La Porte, Texas•La Porte, TX

8d•$102,866 - $128,583

About The Position

Under limited supervision, the Fire Marshal manages and supervises the Fire Marshal Division of the Fire Department. The position coordinates and conducts inspections to ensure compliance with fire regulations, conducts fire investigations, and develops and executes the City’s fire safety and prevention public education program. The Fire Marshal also contributes at the command level, supports strategic planning, and participates in discussions about issues, projects, and programs that advance the department’s goals. The position receives direction from the City Manager or designee and exercises direct and indirect supervision over full-time and volunteer subordinate personnel. It oversees division operations, staffing and training plans, fire inspection and investigation programs, code compliance, staff development, TCOLE certification and training, and division budget preparation. The Fire Marshal works with other City departments and community partners and may make presentations in schools, seminars, City events, and policy-making or advisory board meetings. The position is on call as required and may perform other related duties as assigned.

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.
Knowledge of government structure and leadership.
Ability to follow and effectively communicate oral and written instructions or orders.
Ability to deliver effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on complex or controversial topics to City management, elected officials, public groups, and boards.
Ability to prepare, maintain, and present records and reports.
Ability to motivate employees to work efficiently and effectively.
Ability to use knowledge of local geography, including streets, water mains, hydrants, and major fire hazards in the City of La Porte response jurisdiction.
Proficiency using vehicles, equipment, tools, and apparatus used in firefighting, rescue, and medical assistance operations.
Ability to continually learn and act in accordance with departmental firefighting policies, rules, instructions, and written materials.
Ability to analyze fire and emergency situations and select effective courses of action.
Ability to retain presence of mind in emergency situations.
Ability to operate and maintain radio equipment.
Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
Ability to respond appropriately to requests and inquiries; maintain regular attendance and punctuality; make sound decisions; handle stressful situations professionally; and abide by rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to safely perform all physical requirements of the job.
Understanding and knowledge of the HIPAA Privacy Rule relevant to the job responsibilities and of Fire Department policies and procedures affecting the work.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or higher.

Responsibilities

Manage Fire Marshal Division activities and operations and develop strategic plans addressing staffing, training, and technology needs as the City grows.
Ensure arson investigations use appropriate investigative techniques and procedures consistent with industry standards.
Plan and carry out fire inspection and investigation programs, ensuring establishments are inspected for Fire Code compliance before initial occupancy, periodically after occupancy, when occupancy or construction changes warrant, and in response to complaints; document findings and issues requiring resolution.
Work with City departments and community partners to achieve internal and external goals and objectives.
Stay current on Fire Code changes and fire-prevention practices, and keep the Fire Chief or designee informed of division activities requiring attention or awareness.
Review new-construction plans and inspect construction for compliance with applicable building codes, the Fire Prevention Code, National Fire Protection Association Code, and Life Safety Code.
Meet with contractors, building owners, architects, and engineers to explain fire codes and ordinances.
Perform Arson Investigator functions during vacancies to maintain community service.
Investigate structure fires in the City to determine cause and origin and prepare reports as warranted.
Manage the department’s TCOLE certification requirements and coordinate member training and compliance.
Serve warrants or make arrests related to arson investigations.
File court cases related to unlawful fires and arson in the appropriate court jurisdiction.
Present fire-investigation facts in legal or other formal settings as needed.
Lead preparation, planning, and submission of the division budget for inclusion in 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 and communicate tactfully and courteously with employees, City departments, public officials, community groups, vendors, and the public.
Attend or present at schools, seminars, City events, City Council meetings, and other policy-making or advisory board meetings as required.
Recommend improvements to the City's Fire Code and serve as staff liaison to the COLP fire code review board.
Remain on call as required to perform the duties of the position.
Perform other related duties as assigned.