Fire Marshal

Position Title: Fire Marshal

Location: Escondido, CA

Reports To: Division Chief of Insurance

Position Summary

The Fire Marshal is responsible for conducting fire and life safety inspections for Capstone/Rural Metro customers, with a strong focus on properties within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). This role ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local fire codes, laws, and regulations while identifying hazards and recommending corrective actions. The Fire Marshal also plays a key role in promoting wildfire prevention and public safety through education and outreach. Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support fire protection and risk reduction efforts.

This position is onsite, Monday-Friday at our office in Escondido, CA.

Essential Functions

• Inspect residential, commercial, hospitals and other customer buildings/facilities to determine wildfire threats to customers' property and buildings/facilities.
• Interpret provisions of fire prevention and fire safety laws. Provide guidance in these matters.
• Perform periodic and follow-up inspections as required.
• Participate in the wildfire safety information/education activities for customers, including making presentations and demonstrations for groups. Work with schools, service clubs and other community groups in the wildfire safety education.
• Conduct WUI fire prevention inspections, keep up-to-date records of inspections; prepare detailed inspection reports as required; follow up on complaints to see that hazards are eliminated; maintain records on company iPad and/or computer.
• Inspect customer facilities for hazardous processes, and related activities, and recommend corrective action.
• Assist in training engine crews in WUI practices and procedures.
• Perform related duties as required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by college-level coursework in fire science, fire prevention, or a related field.
• An Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Fire Management, General Studies, or a closely related discipline is preferred.
• Completion of California Office of the State Fire Marshal Fire Prevention Series 1A–1C or Fire Inspector Series 1A–1D is desirable.
• At least one (1) year of experience in wildfire prevention programs such as Firewise Communities, Ready, Set, Go, or a combination of relevant fire prevention education and practical experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Candidates must obtain Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 700, and 800 certifications within 60 days of hire.
• CPR certification is required within six (6) months of appointment.
• Certification as a Wildfire Mitigation Specialist (CWMS) through NFPA is desirable and must be obtained within two (2) years of appointment if not already held.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of fire line terminology and the ability to communicate effectively in field environments.
• Understanding the principles, methods, and equipment used in fire suppression and hazardous materials response.
• Familiarity with applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations related to fire prevention and life safety.
• Working knowledge of wildfire behavior, prevention strategies, mitigation techniques, and emergency management principles, particularly within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI).
• Understanding of fire and life safety inspection practices, including defensible space, fuels management, forestry concepts, and site hazard evaluation and reduction methods.
• Knowledge of home hardening techniques to reduce wildfire risk.
• Familiarity with public education and outreach programs such as Firewise USA, Living with Fire, and Ready, Set, Go.
• Proficiency in standard computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases.
• Demonstrated ability to provide effective customer service and communicate clearly with the public and stakeholders.

Must Have Ability to:

• Recognize hazards as they relate to fire and life safety, particularly in the WUI environment.
• Analyze facilities and recommend effective fire safety measures related to WUI issues and concerns.
• Detect and evaluate a wide variety of potentially hazardous conditions related to WUI inspections.
• Interpret and communicate local, State, and Federal fire and building codes and standards, laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Develop and present public education and risk reduction programs.
• Collect and analyze information, drawing sound conclusions, project consequences of proposed actions and develop appropriate actions.
• Plan, prioritize, and organize work to meet time schedules and timelines.
• Work both independently and as a member of a team in the absence of direct supervision; organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up assignments.
• Manage Programs independently with little direct supervision.
• Work with all forms of the news media.
• Work with GIS applications.
• Make recommendations to property owners on defensible space.
• Operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Prepare and maintain clear, concise, and accurate reports and records Communicate in a clear, concise manner both orally and in writing, tailoring the message to the intended audience.
• Act with honesty and integrity; exercise appropriate discretion and maintain confidentiality of information.
• Understand and follow oral and written direction.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with organization personnel, contracted companies, the public, and others contacted in the course of work.
• Deal tactfully, sensitively and effectively with all customers and the public.
• Exercise emotional control and work under stressful situations.

Supervision Exercised

May provide lead direction on project assignments

Special Requirements

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment. Work is performed in the office and field environment. The incumbent will travel from site to site. There may be exposure to noise, dust, fumes, inclement weather conditions and varied topographic conditions during the course of work. Work may require physical exertion, including standing and walking for extended periods of time, stooping, bending, kneeling, reaching, crawling, climbing, lifting, pushing, and/or carrying. Must be able to lift at least 15 pounds. Work hours will normally involve 40-hour work weeks, but are variable and may include weekends, evenings, and/or holidays. Incumbents often work in travel status across the country and must be available for emergency assignments up to 14 days in duration. Shall possess the physical, mental and emotional ability to perform the essential duties of the position without the threat of hazard to self or others.

All licenses and certifications are required to be kept current and maintained for continued employment.

Applicants will be required to undergo a background investigation prior to being considered for employment.