Deputy Fire Marshal I, II or III - Inspector/Investigator

Job Description

Job Description:\n\nDo you admire the public service work and community engagement of the fire department? Did you know there are many roles within the fire department besides the role of firefighter? If working with the fire department interests you, and you have some education or work experience in code enforcement, investigations, or a related area, our Deputy Fire Marshal position may be just the opportunity you’re looking for.As a Deputy Fire Marshal for our organization, you’ll work with a variety of different entities to promote effective fire prevention strategies, including fire code enforcement and instructing the general public regarding fire codes and fire safety, and complete fire investigations to determine the origin and cause of fires. The work you’ll do will play a major role in keeping the Renton community safe and preventing devastating losses for businesses and individuals alike.We offer a great starting salary, excellent benefits, initial and ongoing training, and a flexible work environment.This position is open until filled and may be filled at the I, II, or III level depending on qualifications. First review of applications will be on or after June 15, 2026, and reviewed weekly thereafter. It is in your best interest to apply as soon as possible. To complete your application, please include a cover letter outlining your interest in this position, your current resume, and complete the supplemental questions. DEPUTY FIRE MARSHAL I JOB SUMMARY Completes basic inspections to enforce fire prevention laws, ordinances, and codes; promote the development and use of effective fire prevention methods; provide instruction to the general public regarding fire codes and prevention and other community risk reduction focused programs; conduct and participate in training; perform basic fire scene investigations to determine the origin and cause of fires and respond to complaints pertaining to fire and life safety concerns. Deputy Fire Marshal I is an entry level professional classification in the Deputy Fire Marshal series. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSCompletes work in assigned programs related to fire inspections and fire investigations.Inspect commercial, industrial, assembly, educational, residential, and institutional occupancies, buildings and facilities; identify fire hazards and utilizing licensed third-party inspection test reports, verify the proper function of fire protection equipment.Inspects occupancies with potentially hazardous conditions or specialized activities such as welding or spray-painting facilities and facilities where flammable, combustible or hazardous materials are stored, mixed, or dispensed.Respond to complaints and reports of fire code violations; inspect premises and assess hazards; make appropriate recommendations and issue inspection reports; conduct re- inspections and follow-up.Walk through facilities with the owner or designated representative to identify fire and safety hazards.Assure compliance with a variety of fire prevention laws, ordinances and codes; initiate steps to enforce compliance as needed.Support our public education efforts by providing instruction to employers, civic groups, and others in various topics, including evacuation planning and drills, and operating fire extinguishers; assist in the development of handouts and other informational materials.Respond to fire scenes when paged; secure fire scene, interview witnesses, photograph fire scene, prepare scene diagrams and assist law enforcement, when requested, in collection of evidence to establish the origin and cause of the fire. Prepare fire investigation reports as required, documenting fire damage, description of premises, fire indicators, area of origin and substantiating evidence of cause, origin and classification.Remain current with relevant technological advancements as it relates to field.Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance; work evening and/or weekend hours as required (overtime eligibility pursuant to collective bargaining agreement); ability to travel as required.Prepare and maintain records related to fire inspections, code requirements, permits and training.Research code sections to determine proper application of requirements.Perform other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSHigh school degree or equivalent.Specialized course work and/or training in fire prevention related topics and/or fire/building codes; orTwo (2) years of experience in fire inspection or closely related field; orFour (4) years of relevant education and experience; orA combination of relevant experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities required above.Obtain ICC Fire Inspector I certification within one year of employment.Valid Driver License.Candidates must pass a pre-employment background check and physical.Must be a citizen of the United States of America, a lawful permanent resident, or a deferred action for childhood arrivals recipient. An applicant for a position of any kind under civil service under the provisions of the RCW 41.080.070 must be able to speak, read and write the English language. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSNone WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS60% of work is performed in a typical office or indoor environment and the remaining 40% is performed outdoors in all weather conditions and involves moving throughout the facility and community.Driving and field work required.Frequent communication with department employees and customers.Lift or move items weighing up to 30 pounds regularly.Climb and work from ladders, climb stairs, good reflexes and eyesight, and bending, stretching, and standing for extended periods.Exposure to high voltage wires, hazardous materials, heights, and noise from equipment.Noise level out in the field is moderately loud and noise level in the office is moderately quiet. DEPUTY FIRE MARSHAL II JOB SUMMARY Completes complex inspections to enforce fire prevention laws, ordinances and codes; promote the development and use of effective fire prevention methods; provide instruction to the general public regarding fire codes and prevention and other community risk reduction focused programs; perform basic fire scene investigations to determine the origin and cause of fires and respond to complaints pertaining to fire and life safety concerns. Deputy Fire Marshal II is an intermediate level professional classification in the Deputy Fire Marshal series and performs a variety of higher hazardous commercial and industrial inspections to identify fire and safety hazards, promotes public awareness and fire prevention practices and performs more complex fire scene investigations. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSCompletes work in assigned programs related to fire inspections and fire investigationsInspect commercial, industrial, assembly, educational and institutional occupancies, buildings and facilities; identify fire hazards and utilizing licensed third party inspection test reports, verify the proper function of fire protection equipment.Inspect occupancies with potentially hazardous conditions or specialized activities such as welding or spray-painting facilities and facilities where flammable, combustible or hazardous materials are stored, mixed or dispensed.Respond to complaints and reports of fire code violations; inspect premises and assess hazards; make appropriate recommendations and issue citations as needed; conduct re-inspections and follow-up as appropriate.Walk through facilities with the owner or designated representative to identify fire and safety hazards.Support our public education efforts by providing instruction to employers, civic groups, and others in various topics, including evacuation planning and drills, and operating fire extinguishers; assist in the development of handouts and other informational materials.Respond to scenes when paged; secure fire scene, interview witnesses, photograph fire scene, prepare scene diagram and assist law enforcement, when requested, in collection of evidence to establish the origin and cause of the fire. Prepare fire investigation reports as required, documenting fire damage, description of premises, fire indicators, area of origin and substantiating evidence of cause, origin and classification.Remain current with relevant technological advancements as it relates to field.Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance; work evening and/or weekend hours as required (overtime eligibility pursuant to collective bargaining agreement); ability to travel as required.Prepare and maintain records related to fire inspections, code requirements, permits and training.Research code sections to determine proper application of requirements.Conduct special studies and projects related to fire inspection and prevention.Perform related duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSHigh school degree or equivalent.Specialized course work and/or training in fire prevention related topics and/or fire/building codes.Four (4) years of experience in fire inspection or closely related field; orOR a combination six (6) years of relevant education, training, and/or experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities required above.ICC Fire Inspector II certification.Obtain IAAI Fire Investigator Technician certification and successful demonstration of the job performance requirements outlined in NFPA 1033, or other nationally recognized Fire Investigator Certification within one year of employment or promotion.Candidate must pass a pre-employment background check and physical.Valid Driver License.Must be a citizen of the United States of America, a lawful permanent resident, or a deferred action for childhood arrivals recipient. An applicant for a position of any kind under civil service under the provisions of the RCW 41.080.070 must be able to speak, read and write the English language. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSNone WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS The following represent the physical demands that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:60% of work is performed in a typical office or indoor environment and the remaining 40% is performed outdoors in all weather conditions and involves moving throughout the facility and community.Driving and field work required.Frequent communication with City employees and customers.Lift or move items weighing up to 30 pounds regularly.Climb and work from ladders, climb stairs, good reflexes and eyesight, and bending, stretching, and standing for extended periods.Exposure to high voltage wires, hazardous materials, heights, and noise from equipment.Noise level out in the field is moderately loud and noise level in the office is moderately quiet. Approved reasonable accommodation requests will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. DEPUTY FIRE MARSHAL III Job Summary:Completes work in assigned programs, that may include performing complex and technical inspections to enforce fire prevention laws, ordinances and codes; promote the development and use of effective fire prevention methods; provide instruction to the general public regarding fire codes and prevention and other community risk reduction focused programs; develop and perform public education effortsthroughout the community to various focus and community groups; perform complex on-site construction related inspections; review construction documents to determine compliance with the fire code; conduct and participate in training; perform fire scene investigations to determine the origin and cause of fires and respond to complaints pertaining to fire and life safety concerns. Deputy Fire Marshal III is an advanced level professional classification in the Deputy Fire Marshal series. Deputy Fire Marshal III’s are assigned to a specific area of focus based on program needs, and have a defined core of qualifications, with additional training and certification opportunities provided based on program staffing needs. Deputy Fire Marshals may be assigned partially or entirely to a program area based on program staffing needs. Core Essential Functions for all Deputy Fire Marshal III positions:Remain current with relevant technological advancements as it relates to field.Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance; work evening and/or weekend hours as required (overtime eligibility pursuant to collective bargaining agreement); ability to travel as required.Provide peer mentoring, guidance, training and feedback to other Deputy Fire Marshals.Assist in researching and developing fire-related legislation and development of appropriate standard operating procedures. Program Specific Job Summaries:Deputy Fire Marshal III – Inspections/InvestigationsUnder the supervision of the Assistant Fire Marshal, develops and performs a variety of professional duties including providing fire and life safety inspections to identify code violations and hazards; work with customers to identify solutions and timelines for compliance; complete re-inspections as assigned to ensure compliance and closure of the violation record; identify fire operational permits in businesses and multi-family housing; completes post fire investigations to determine the origin and cause of fires; serve in an on-call status with the ability to respond within the requirements of department SOPs in support of the fire investigation program; prepare and submit fire investigation reports within the required timelines; support our community outreach and educational efforts through public speaking and instruction to promote safety in the community. Deputy Fire Marshal III – Public Educator/PIOUnder the supervision of the Fire Marshal, develops, administers, and performs a variety of professional duties including developing and providing fire, life safety and all hazards community risk reduction education, awareness, and injury prevention programs for schools, businesses, children, adolescents, and adults. Completes work in the areas of public speaking and instruction to promote safety in thecommunity. Performs some basic fire inspections, as assigned, to enforce fire prevention laws, ordinances and codes; Serves as a Youth Firesetter Interventionist and is responsible for developing, administering, and performing duties affiliated with this program. Serves as a Public Information Officer and is responsible for assisting in performing duties affiliated with this program. Duties will include periods of standby and call out as per the schedule set forth with the Zone 3 PIO Group, and in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement for standby and overtime pay. Position is responsible for fulfilling a highly visible and complex communications role with the Department. Responsible for developing and implementing strategic outreach and media relati