Fire Marshal

Job Description

Fire Marshal (120)

(Unclassified)

Education and Experience

Education and experience equivalent to either: graduation from college with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science or related field, plus ten (10) years experience in a municipal fire department, one (1) year of which must be in an equivalent position that meets or exceeds the requirements for a Deputy Fire Marshal and/or a Chief Officer in the City of Santa Clara Fire Department; or graduation from high school or its equivalent and thirty (30) semester units of fire science/technology or a Certificate in Fire Science/Technology, and thirty (30) additional semester college units, in general education, plus eleven (11) years experience in a municipal fire department, two (2) years of which must be in an equivalent position that meets or exceeds the requirements for a Deputy Fire Marshal and/or a Chief Officer in the City of Santa Clara Fire Department; or graduation from high school or its equivalent plus twelve (12) years experience in a municipal fire department, three (3) years of which must be in an equivalent position that meets or exceeds the requirements for a Deputy Fire Marshal and/or a Chief Officer in the City of Santa Clara Fire Department.

License

Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver’s license is required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a professional management position in the unclassified service of the City. As a member of the City’s Unclassified Service, this is an “at-will” position and the incumbent serves at the discretion of the City Manager. An incumbent in this classification exercises independent judgment and discretion; formulates administrative policies for the effective use of assigned personnel; actively supports the direction and policies established by the Fire Chief and City Manager as well as policies established by the City Council for the delivery of public safety service to the citizens. As an officer in charge of the Fire Prevention Bureau Division, provides leadership that is characterized as being organized, responsible, intelligent, trustworthy, honest, and principled. An incumbent in this classification will be expected to be the Department’s representative in the coordination of efforts for inspection of buildings, abatement or removal of fire hazards, life and fire safety education, enforcement of fire prevention codes and regulations, and the investigation of fires. The incumbent shall also: be familiar with the applicable sections of various codes, such as Fire and Building Codes, and the appropriate enforcement methods; qualify within one (1) year of appointment and have the powers of a Peace Officer as designated in Penal Code Section 832 (a); and be expected to coordinate, with Divisions within the Department and other City departments, any fire prevention efforts as deemed necessary.

Typical Duties

As the Officer in charge of the Fire Prevention Bureau Division: plans, organizes, manages, administers, directs, coordinates, and evaluates all segments of Fire Prevention; coordinates, assigns, and directs the work and activities of all personnel assigned to the Fire Prevention Bureau Division; meets and deals tactfully and effectively with the public, superiors, subordinates, and fellow employees; evaluates and provides training to subordinates; stimulates individual and group initiative; detects, analyzes the cause of, adjusts, and handles grievances; develops a plan for, and adjusts staffing requirements as necessary; develops and justifies budget requirements and requests to support division programs and projects; interprets legislation at the local, state, and federal levels as it applies to the fire service; transmits, actively supports, and carries out City and Fire Department policies; provides and supervises technical inspections of various occupancies within the City, taking measures to determine, educate, and enforce compliance with codes, ordinances, laws and regulations pertaining to safety, prevention, and control of fire; causes the investigation of fires to determine their cause and origin, following cases to prosecution when necessary; coordinates with other Divisions within the Department for the education and training of Department personnel in inspection programs, hazardous and flammable materials, detection of evidence of arson, and the recognition and appraisal of hazardous conditions; interfaces with other City departments on regulations and safety practices involving property and life safety; causes the inspection of areas or places of public gatherings, high value, or hazardous conditions; plans, coordinates, directs, and conducts programs in Life and Fire Safety education and provides information regarding fire prevention and life safety; investigates complaints and answers questions regarding hazards and violations of fire prevention regulations; conducts fire drills in schools, hospitals, and convalescent homes; advises the Fire Chief and keeps him apprised on matters related to fire prevention; maintains records and prepares reports; presents evidence in court; gives talks to industrial groups, civic organizations, and school groups; coordinates the maintenance of complete and accurate files of fire safety codes and regulations; supervises the plan checking of revised and new construction, sprinkler systems, exits for code conformation, and any other condition requiring the submittal of plans; inspects all underground and overhead pipes and fittings for sprinkler systems, gas systems, or other hazardous material installations; and performs other related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: modern management and effective interpersonal skills; the principles of fire prevention and the related principles of arson investigation and the state and city laws concerning these activities; and firefighting procedures, techniques, and equipment. Ability to: apply firefighting procedures, techniques, and equipment to a variety of fire control and prevention situations; direct, train, discipline, and supervise subordinate personnel; develop and conduct an effective public relations program on fire prevention; speak effectively before large groups of people; analyze situations correctly; and reason logically.

Supervision Received

Works under the general direction of the Fire Chief and/or the Deputy Fire Chief-Administrative/Technical Services.

Supervision Exercised

Supervises Deputy Fire Marshals, Fire Inspectors, Fire Protection Technician(s), Non-Point Source Inspector(s), Fire Safety Aide(s), Fire Inspector Aide(s), assigned clerical staff, and others assigned to the Fire Prevention Bureau Division.

Other Requirements

Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job assignment.

Special Conditions

May be required to work unusual hours and be available on an on-call basis. Shall respond, when on call and required, to emergencies in person within one (1) hour after notification.

Conflict of Interest

Incumbents of this position are required to file a Conflict of Interest statement upon assuming office, annually, and upon leaving office, in accordance with City Manager Directive 100.

Approved, January 1998