Job Description
Job Description
SALARY: Commensurate with experience.
SUMMARY:
The Fire Marshal helps safeguard the life and property of Rockwall County citizens through enforcement of the adopted Fire Code and applicable statutes related to fire, explosives, and other hazardous materials. Key responsibilities include review and inspection of structures, alarm & sprinkler systems, fire lanes, and fire hydrants to ensure they meet regulatory safety standards. The Fire Marshal will also play a primary role in investigating fires within the County, as well as public education and awareness of fire safety.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Development Review: Reviewing architectural plans, construction plans, and plats for compliance with adopted fire codes, statutes, and safety standards before construction begins.
- Permit Issuance: Reviewing and issuing building permits, fireworks business permits and Certificates of Occupancy.
- Inspections: Conducting inspections of buildings and facilities to identify fire hazards, verify fire safety equipment is in place and functioning, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal fire codes and standards.
- Code Enforcement: Enforcing fire and life safety codes including issuing Notices of Violation for non-compliance, documenting required corrective actions, and court enforcement measures.
- Public Education: Providing fire safety education to the public, building owners, and occupants to promote fire prevention awareness.
- Coordination and Investigation: Collaborating with other departments and agencies, conducting fire investigations, patrolling for fire code violations or hazardous conditions, and responding to concerns or complaints regarding fire safety.
ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- During major emergencies involving fires, environmental hazards, explosions, natural disasters, or other homeland security threats, the Fire Marshal will be expected to assist with County emergency and governmental operations. This role will have an on call status 24 hours a day, unless otherwise directed or arranged.
- Makes recommendations on severe weather situations such as burn bans and County building closures to the County Judge.
- Regularly attends Rockwall County Commissioner's Court regarding matters pertaining to the Rockwall County Fire Marshal's Office and other related concerns that could affect Rockwall County or its citizens.
- Serves as a member of various committees, councils, taskforces, and associations, including, but not limited to, the Fire Marshals Association of Texas, and other related organizations when applicable.
- Performs other related work as required or as assigned by the Rockwall County Judge.
KEY SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge: A strong understanding of the International Fire Code and related regulations. Basic knowledge of relevant tactics, techniques, and procedures, policies, regulations and laws related to fire protection, fire prevention, criminal law enforcement, code enforcement, and fire/explosion investigation.
- Communication Skills: The ability to professionally and effectively communicate instructions and/or present information to individuals and groups both verbally and in writing. Demonstrate a temperament for cooperating and collaborating with others. In difficult situations, must be able to maintain composure and avoid aggressive behavior.
- Organizational Skills: Managing multiple tasks, priorities, and projects effectively while also being detail oriented.
- Technical Proficiency: Experience in reviewing building plans, conducting inspections, and utilizing measurement devices.
- Education/Certification: Often requires a degree in a related field, such as Fire Science or Public Administration, and certification as a Fire Marshal or the ability to obtain it.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit at a desk or other workstation, regularly required to stand, walk, stoop, use hands to finger, handle, feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is sometimes required to kneel, crouch, push, pull, or climb and work from a ladder. Heavy lifting/moving up to 75 pounds is occasionally required. Ability to see and distinguish color and/or contrast.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in an office, in a vehicle, and outdoors, potentially in inclement weather. Employee may be exposed to hazardous chemicals or hazardous gases.
**Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must reside within Rockwall County or to relocate the primary residence to Rockwall County within six months of appointment. Failure to comply will result in termination from position.
- Need at least High School Diploma/G.E.D. or higher
- Valid Class B exempt driver's license
- Minimum 5 years of experience in the fire service
- TCFP certified Structure Firefighter
- TCFP certified Fire Investigator
- TCFP certified Fire Inspector/ Plans Examiner I
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- Must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen.
- Must successfully complete a background investigation.