Fire Marshal Pos# 110000302

Cumberland County•500 Executive Place Fayetteville 28305, NC

About The Position

Cumberland County Emergency Services seeks a strategic, collaborative leader to direct the strategic, administrative, and operational functions of the Fire Marshal’s Division. As a senior member of the Emergency Services leadership team, the Fire Marshal provides countywide leadership in fire prevention, fire code enforcement, arson and fire-origin investigations, community risk reduction, and fire service coordination. The position guides policy development, long-range planning, fiscal stewardship, and interagency partnerships to strengthen community safety and resilience. During major incidents and natural or human-caused disasters, the Fire Marshal represents the County, serves in a senior leadership role within the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), and provides executive-level guidance for coordinated response efforts. The role works closely with fire chiefs, County administration, schools, businesses, and state and federal partners to advance preparedness and fire protection capabilities throughout Cumberland County. The Fire Marshal also performs related duties assigned by the Emergency Services Director. The position works rotating on-call hours, as scheduled, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday and from 5:00 p.m. Friday to 8:00 a.m. Monday to respond to outages and emergencies. Employees must be able to respond to specified emergencies or incidents on a 24-hour basis.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited two-year college or technical school with a degree in Fire Science, Emergency Services, or a related field, and three years of experience in fire, emergency services, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
Must hold or be able to obtain Fire Inspector Level III, Haz-Mat I, and Fire Educator I, II, and III state certifications within three years of hire.
Must be able to respond to specified emergencies or incidents on a 24-hour basis.
Must have a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record; candidates with an out-of-state license must obtain and show proof of a valid North Carolina driver's license within 60 days of hire.
Must pass required pre-employment criminal history and drug screenings; candidates selected for positions involving work with children in any capacity must undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history check conducted by the North Carolina SBI.
Knowledge of fire prevention, inspection procedures, code enforcement, and applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and safety standards.
Knowledge of fire investigation techniques, including cause-and-origin determination, evidence collection, and investigative procedures.
Knowledge of emergency response operations, Incident Command System principles, interagency coordination, and emergency management procedures.
Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions, and procedures associated with fire inspections, investigations, and emergency response.
Knowledge of administrative management, including program development, operational planning, budgeting, personnel supervision, and organizational policies and procedures.
Skill in interpreting and applying fire codes, building plans, maps, technical reports, investigative findings, and regulatory requirements.
Skill in analyzing complex situations, evaluating risks, resolving problems, and exercising sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
Skill in communicating orally and in writing with employees, government officials, emergency response agencies, community organizations, and the public.
Ability to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate fire prevention, inspection, code enforcement, and life-safety programs in accordance with policies and regulations.
Ability to supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate personnel while promoting professional development, accountability, and adherence to departmental standards.
Ability to coordinate personnel, resources, and operational activities among agencies and departments to support prevention, preparedness, and incident response.
Ability to interpret and apply applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures consistently and objectively.
Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare clear, comprehensive reports documenting inspections, investigations, and enforcement activities.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, law enforcement, emergency responders, regulatory authorities, departmental personnel, and the public.
Ability to remain composed, prioritize responsibilities, and make sound decisions under pressure, including during emergencies and time-sensitive situations.
Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle in accordance with traffic laws and County policies.

Nice To Haves

Background and experience as an NC Fire Inspector Level III.

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee fire code enforcement, inspections, life-safety programs, and regulatory compliance, ensuring adherence to the North Carolina State Fire Code, applicable laws, and mandated inspection schedules.
Interpret and enforce applicable fire codes, regulations, and safety standards; oversee compliance determinations, violation notices, corrective actions, and enforcement procedures.
Develop and implement departmental goals, operational policies, procedures, and performance standards; manage budgets, personnel resources, capital needs, and records management systems.
Supervise professional Deputy Fire Marshals, including assigning and reviewing work, approving timesheets and leave, coordinating onboarding and training, conducting performance evaluations, supporting professional development, and administering corrective or progressive discipline.
Coordinate with local fire chiefs, County officials, and state and regional agencies on fire prevention, regulatory inspections, North Carolina Department of Insurance requirements, and Insurance Services Office evaluations.
Develop, coordinate, and oversee fire prevention education, life-safety training, and community risk reduction programs for responders, schools, businesses, faith-based organizations, and high-risk populations; represent the department at community events and public safety initiatives.
Support the Emergency Services Director and Emergency Management Program Coordinator during EOC activations, major emergencies, and disaster response; perform assigned Incident Command System leadership functions, evaluate operational needs, and coordinate resources and interagency response.
Participate in fire cause-and-origin investigations and support the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office Arson Task Force by coordinating with law enforcement, collecting and preserving evidence, preparing reports, and providing technical assistance and testimony as appropriate.
Collaborate with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and prosecutorial agencies on fire investigations, emerging trends, and strategies to reduce fire-related risks.
Prepare and maintain reports, operational records, and regulatory documentation for County administration and state agencies; monitor applicable legislation, codes, and professional standards and communicate with response partners, stakeholders, and the public.