Assistant Fire Marshal

Definition Under general direction by the Fire Marshal, the Assistant Fire Marshal plans, directs, and coordinates the inspection activities and operations of the Fire Prevention Bureau, overseeing day‑to‑day operations. The incumbent performs advanced and complex technical work in fire protection, prevention, and education programs; investigates the origin of fires; conducts fire inspections of highly technical and hazardous occupancies and new construction; enforces building, fire, and municipal codes and nationally recognized standards; performs plan review for industrial, commercial and special hazard occupancies; meets and confers with developers at conceptual stages of projects; provides public fire and life safety education programs; and performs related work as assigned. Classification Safety, California Public Employee Retirement System. Responsibilities Serve as a liaison with other section managers, partner jurisdictions, the general public, and other interested parties. Conduct quality control of operations. Write technical guidelines, bulletins, and interpretations. Coordinate staffing, permitting, scheduling, and other activities related to the periodic inspection program and special events. Enforce ordinances related to fire prevention, hazardous material storage, and fire alarm systems, and monitor hazard abatement on vacant land, buildings, and property under construction. Consult with developers, engineers, architects, contractors, and the community on fire and hazard prevention requirements. Explain and interpret requirements and restrictions mandated by state, local, and nationally recognized standards. Conduct plan review of industrial, commercial, and special hazard occupancies, water improvements, fire protection systems, and hazardous material storage to ensure compliance with codes. Review alternate materials and methods of construction for code compliance. Perform plan review and fire prevention inspections for special events with unique safety concerns, such as large crowds, temporary facilities, or pyrotechnics. Conduct annual inspections in hazardous and complex industrial and commercial occupancies, schools, and city buildings. Coordinate inspection activities with city departments and public agencies; provide resources to engine company personnel for routine safety inspections as required. Provide technical training for fire department staff and engine company personnel; prepare materials and conduct training on code enforcement, community education, and related topics. Develop and conduct public education programs on fire prevention, disaster preparedness, fire safety, and juvenile diversion; conduct special events such as Open House; present programs to county committees and civic groups. Assist in developing department policies related to fire prevention; research, interpret, and recommend new or revised policies for the Fire Marshal’s review. Develop and coordinate hazard abatement programs; oversee weed abatement activities; prepare contracts and monitor contractor performance within budget. Receive, investigate, and resolve complaints related to hazardous conditions; respond to on‑site hazard requests; provide information on city policies and fire department procedures; refer inquiries to appropriate agencies. Respond to fire scenes to investigate the origin and cause of fires and assist first responders at emergency incidents. Maintain records and prepare departmental reports, including special reports on weed abatement, special projects, inspection complaints, and juvenile fire setter activities. Attend and represent the Fire Department at meetings, seminars, and training classes related to code applications, development, and inspection practices. Perform other related duties as assigned. Knowledge of Principles and practices of staff development and progressive discipline. International Building and Fire Codes. State and local fire codes and ordinances enforceable by the city; nationally recognized fire protection and safety standards. Principles and techniques of fire inspection work. Educational methodology related to fire safety education. Proper methods and procedures for inspecting residential, commercial, and other facilities for fire prevention. Principles and practices of training and providing work direction. Principles and practices of effective customer service. Basic computer skills. Ability to Oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of less‑experienced staff; select, lead, and train staff. Apply technical knowledge and correct inspection techniques to examine new construction for workmanship, installation, and materials. Detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction/fire protection practices. Read, interpret, and explain building plans, fire protection system plans, and building codes. Interface with federal and state agencies to determine environmental impacts of fire protection programs. Provide oversight for fire prevention inspection and education programs. Maintain cooperative working relationships with building and business owners, contractors, and the public. Enforce regulations with firmness and tact. Speak before groups in educational and training programs. Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing. Experience and Education A typical qualifying background consists of an associate’s degree and four years of progressively responsible experience related to hazardous materials, plan review, or inspection; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties. A bachelor’s degree in fire protection engineering or public administration is desirable but not required. License Required Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license (Penal Code 832 certification). Possession of Plan Examiner and Fire Marshal certifications from the California State Fire Marshal’s office is desirable. Physical Demands and Working Conditions Occasional lifting, carrying, or pushing 50 pounds; frequent lifting of objects up to 25 pounds. Duties performed indoors and outdoors under all weather conditions, involving standing, walking, crouching, stooping, squatting, twisting, climbing ladders, and operating in unstable, confined, or uneven spaces. Exposure to fire hazards and hazardous materials in controlled use or storage. Ability to drive to inspection and meeting sites. Equal Opportunity Statement The City of Vista is an Equal Opportunity and ADA compliant employer. All qualified candidates and veterans are welcome to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Vista, CA