Fire Marshal

County of Volusia•DeLand, FL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a highly specialized, technical position responsible for supervising and administering fire inspection and fire prevention activities within the Fire Rescue Division, under the general direction of the Fire Services Director. The role involves enforcing fire prevention codes, supervising inspections, managing the permitting process, conducting fire investigations, and reviewing building plans for fire safety compliance. The Fire Marshal also establishes administrative systems, represents the County to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and develops and supervises educational programs related to fire prevention and life safety. This position requires interpreting codes, investigating complaints, assisting with fire rescue matters and budget preparation, and ensuring compliance with all regulations. Additionally, the Fire Marshal is involved in personnel management, including selection, performance evaluation, counseling, and disciplinary actions, as well as approving leave and overtime. The role also includes coordinating and delivering training programs, researching industry trends, and performing after-hours/on-call duties. Responding to emergency situations and adhering to all applicable ordinances are also key responsibilities.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or possession of GED.
Eight (8) years of full-time paid fire experience as a Fire Inspector or Fire Investigator or at a higher level or equivalent rank, including fire prevention codes enforcement, hazardous aspects of chemicals and explosives, construction plans review, and fire/arson investigation, with experience in a supervisor and/or management position.
OR Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Business Administration, Public Administration or related field from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of full-time paid fire experience as a Fire Inspector or Fire Investigator or at a higher level or equivalent rank, including fire prevention codes enforcement, hazardous aspects of chemicals and explosives, construction plans review, and fire/arson investigation, with experience in a supervisor and/or management position.
OR Associate’s degree in Fire Science, Business Administration, Public Administration or related field from an accredited college or university and six (6) years of full-time paid fire experience as a Fire Inspector or Fire Investigator or at a higher level or equivalent rank, including fire prevention codes enforcement, hazardous aspects of chemicals and explosives, construction plans review, and fire/arson investigation, with experience in a supervisor and/or management position.
A comparable amount of education, training, or experience may be substituted for the minimum requirements.
Must possess a valid driver’s license at time of hire.
Must obtain a valid Florida driver’s license within 30 days of hire and maintain thereafter.
Must successfully pass medical physical examination including drug screening and physical ability test.
Current State of Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance from the Fire Bureau of Standards and Training.
Certification as a Fire Safety Inspector I and II issued by the State of Florida Bureau of Fire standards and Training, Division of the State Fire Marshal.
Proof of completion of an approved Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) in accordance with the Florida Statutes.
Candidates must be nicotine/cotinine-free by the time of pre-employment physical/drug exam, including nicotine-containing products used in tobacco replacement therapies.
Thorough knowledge of the Florida Fire Prevention Code, the Florida Administrative Codes, and County Ordinances that relate to fire prevention activities.
Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, techniques of a contemporary fire prevention operation.
Ability to read and interpret architectural and/or construction plans, blueprints, sketches.
Ability to conduct thorough fire investigations in conformance with legal requirements and procedures.
Ability to identify fire code deficiencies and take or direct corrective action.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with owners, contractors, developers, County officials, internal and external staff, design professionals, and the public.
Ability to draft, review, and render technical interpretations of fire prevention codes and ordinances.
Ability to enforce fire prevention codes and ordinances firmly and tactfully.
Ability to apply knowledge to specific training problems.
Ability to manage the work of a technical inspections staff.
Ability to lead personnel effectively and maintain discipline.
Ability to supervise the work of, and motivate subordinate personnel in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
Ability to maintain accurate records, utilize resources efficiently and prepare clear reports.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including public speaking and preparing written reports.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, citizens, outside agencies, and other governmental entities.
Ability to understand the Fire Rescue fund structures and budget development process.
Ability to work in stressful situations.
Ability to interact effectively with others.
Must be able to relocate to other county locations based upon operational needs.
Ability to perform essential duties and responsibilities and meet the minimum requirements.
Must be able to see (color, depth perception, peripheral vision) necessary to operate a motorized vehicle.
Must be able to hear, talk, smell.
Must be able to lift and carry, pull, push, and/or drag 165 pounds.
Must be able to stand, climb, crouch, balance, handle, grasp, finger dexterity, walk, crawl, kneel, reach.
Must be able to read and comprehend professional manuals, journals and periodicals; safety rules and instructions; applicable codes and ordinances.
Must be able to perform general mathematical functions including basic math, geometry, and shop math.
Must be able to write business letters, summaries, and reports.
Must be able to clearly explain and discuss ideas.
Must be able to speak clearly to layman on theory, principles, and methods of discipline.

Responsibilities

Administer and enforce the Florida Fire Prevention Code, Florida Administrative Codes, and County Ordinances related to fire prevention.
Supervise and/or participate in fire prevention inspections, fire permitting, fire investigations (origin and cause), and review of building plans and specifications for fire protection systems.
Establish and supervise administrative systems for fire prevention and inspections.
Attend and provide technical information and testimony at Volusia County technical appeal boards.
Represent Volusia County as the liaison to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Supervise and participate in educational programs related to fire prevention and life safety, coordinating activities with assigned staff and fire suppression staff.
Interpret codes, ordinances, and standards, and request formal interpretations from agencies and subject matter experts.
Investigate complaints regarding fire code violations.
Assist with and coordinate fire rescue matters with various team leaders.
Assist in the development of long-range fire protection and suppression programs.
Assist in the preparation of the Fire Rescue's annual budget document as it relates to fire prevention and administration of related budgets.
Assist in the preparation of long-range capital related budgets.
Prepare and analyze records and reports to ensure efficient operations and meet fire services demands.
Make recommendations and submit drafts of General Directives, Standard Operating Guidelines, etc.
Ensure personnel comply with Federal, State, and local regulations and Division standards.
Assist in the selection process of new employees, evaluate employee performance, counsel employees, and make recommendations on probationary personnel.
Approve leave and overtime compensation for subordinates.
Recommend and administer disciplinary action when appropriate.
Review and maintain records and reports regarding personnel, alarms, supplies, and other division matters.
Coordinate and deliver training programs for Volusia County Fire Rescue (VCFR) personnel and educational partners.
Research industry trends and determine their applicability to VCFR.
Perform after-hours/on-call duties and responsibilities.
Recommend and develop problem-solving systems for cost efficiencies.
Attend work on a continuous and regular basis.
Respond to emergency situations.
Adhere to Federal, State, County, and Local ordinances.
Perform other duties as assigned.