Clark County Fire Marshal, Community Development

  • Clark County
  • Vancouver, WA
  • May 09, 2024
Full time Government

Job Description

Job Summary

This is complex program management level work in planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating the daily operations of the Fire Marshal’s Office of the Community Development Department. In addition, as County Fire Marshal, the employee occupying the position of this classification is responsible for administering and supervising fire code education, inspections, investigations, plans review and enforcement programs.

Work involves responsibility for planning, organizing, directing and coordinating the activities of subordinates responsible for the Fire Marshal's Office. The work requires making technical decisions related to State laws, County policy, ordinances, allocation of resources and divisional budgeting. Work is performed with extensive independence requiring the use of independent initiative and judgment in making important decisions and directing day-to-day operations.

The work also includes special staff and management assignments normally assigned to a division manager. Supervision, direction and coordination are exercised over professional and technical personnel. Administrative and professional direction is received from the Director of the Community Development Department. Work is reviewed through periodic conferences, analysis of reports, and performance evaluations.

Clark County Fire Marshall is to be fully qualified in the field of fire prevention and code enforcement to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the code official as set forth in Chapter 15.12 CLARK COUNTY FIRE CODE . The Clark County Fire Marshal shall be responsible for the administration and enforcement of this Code.

In addition the Clark County Fire Marshal should foster consistent and positive collaboration within community development and all fire districts within Clark county Washington.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: 

  • Four (4) year degree with major coursework in fire science or administration, law enforcement, business, or public administration, or related field. AND

  • Five (5) years experience in code administration or enforcement including at least three (3) years of supervisory experience. - OR -

  • Any equivalent combination (9 years) of relevant education, training and experience which would demonstrate an ability to perform the duties of this classification.

  • Possess a Fire Inspector certification from ICC or other approved organization.

  • Possess a Fire Investigator certification from NAFI, IAAI, or other approved organization.

  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver’s license.

  • The incumbent must obtain a limited law enforcement commission from the Clark County Sheriff within one year of employment

Knowledge of:  the principles and practices of public sector management, organization and supervision; of principles and practices of code administration and enforcement; laws, codes, ordinance, regulations and standards relating to fire prevention and the protection of life and property from fire; fire prevention inspection methods and techniques; fire fighting methods, techniques and equipment; fire investigation methods and techniques, including fire behavior and the ability to recognize and gather fire evidence; the legal process involved in the enforcement of fire prevention laws, codes, regulations, ordinances and standards relating to fire prevention; building laws, codes and ordinances; management reporting systems, procurement, forecasting/estimating and budgeting techniques; budgeting and accounting particularly as applicable to BARS requirements.

Ability to: establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates; public and private officials; developers; representatives of city, county and other governmental agencies; community groups; the general public and the news media; conduct special studies and analyze and interpret findings; plan, assign, coordinate and evaluate the work of subordinate employees engaged in code administration and enforcement; interpret and apply policies, laws and County code in resolving code administration problems; analyze sometimes complex and divergent data and exercise sound judgment in the independent development of solutions to complex administrative managerial problems; plan and supervise the work of technical and professional personnel in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; direct the inspection of all buildings, except individual dwelling units, for fire prevention purposes; direct the investigation of fires to determine the origin, cause, and circumstances; direct the preparation of arson cases for presentation to the County Prosecutor; direct education programs, give lectures on fire prevention and present programs to community organizations regarding the activities of the Division; analyze county fire problems and fire prevention planning programs for providing adequate fire protection for the County. May include the research and preparation of new legislation for the protection of life and property from fire; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other county departments and divisions; county fire districts; fire departments; Sheriff's Office; insurance companies; State and Federal agencies relating to fire safety and investigation.

Other Special Requirements: Some positions require a valid driver’s license and a successful criminal background check as required by law.

SELECTION PROCESS

Application Review – Incomplete applications will not pass the review; attaching a resume or referring to a resume does not substitute for a completed application.  Candidates will be evaluated based on the content of their applications and those deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Resume and Cover Letter (Required) – In addition to the Clark County application, applicants must submit a cover letter detailing their experience in the areas mentioned above. 

Resume and Cover Letter must be uploaded in the "Resume Section" of the Application.

Oral Interview – The interview will be job related and may include, but not be limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Employment References may be conducted for the final candidates, including verification of education.

Examples of Duties

KEY OR TYPICAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Confers with the Director to develop program emphasis and major policies for the Division; budgetary adjustments; staffing changes and Division procedures.

  • Administers state and local laws and ordinances relating to Fire Code enforcement, permitting, plan review, compliance and inspections.

  • Plans, organizes, directs and coordinates the work of professionals, technicians and support staff in the development, implementation, evaluation, and administration of codes, ordinances, plans and programs. Studies, analyzes and reports Division organization, personnel distribution, duties and policy requirements to achieve the most efficient and economical utilization of available personnel and funds.

  • Select, train, motivate and evaluate fire prevention personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.

  • Direct, coordinate and review the work plan for fire plan review and fire inspections; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; assign work activities and projects; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.

  • Directs the work of the Fire Prevention Bureau subordinates engaged in the inspection of buildings for fire hazards, code violations, fire plan review, or in the investigation of fires and explosions.

  • Participate in the development and administration of the Fire Marshal section budget; forecast additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; direct the monitoring of and approve expenditures; recommend adjustments as necessary.

  • Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the Fire Marshal division; identify resource needs; recommend and implement policies and procedures.

  • Directs the investigation of fires to determine the cause, origin and circumstances. Directs the preparation of arson cases for presentation to the County Prosecutor.

  • Directs fire education programs, gives lectures on fire prevention and presents programs on fire bureau activities to schools, civic clubs and other community organizations throughout the County.

  • Prepares press releases on fire related items and promotes public relations for the Fire Prevention Bureau.

  • Analyzes county fire problems and fire prevention planning programs for providing adequate fire protection for the county. May include the research and preparation of new legislation for the protection of life and property from fire.

  • Performs special staff administrative and management tasks as assigned by the Director.

  • Supervises the preparation of difficult technical reports and the maintenance of important records.

  • Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of fire code administration and fire investigation.

Salary Grade

M2.204

Salary Range

$7,897.00 - $11,056.00- per month

For complete job announcement, application requirements, and to apply on-line (applications on external sites are not monitored), please visit our website at:

https://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/explore-careers-clark-county