Fire Marshal (FT)

The Fire Marshal under the direction of the Fire Chief is responsible for the coordination and supervision of fire and life safety code enforcement, fire prevention, fire investigation, community risk reduction, and other related programs and services under the auspices of the Fire Marshal Division. The position has supervisory responsibility across the Division to provide for a healthy and safe community.
 
Application End Date: Recruitment will continue until a sufficient number of qualified applications are received as determined by Human Resources. First review of applications will be on February 14, 2024. If you have interest in this position, it is highly recommended that you apply upon seeing the announcement as the vacancy may close without notice.Administrative/Supervisory Functions

• Assist the Fire Chief in the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategic plan and the development of supporting objectives for the Fire Marshal Division
• Supervises personnel through the chain of command; supervisory duties include instructing, coaching, leading, reviewing, and planning the work of others; maintaining standards and excellence; assigning and allocating personnel; assists in the selection of new employees and recommends employees for promotion; acts on and/or recommends employee discipline
• Under the direction of the Fire Chief, plan, coordinate, and support hiring initiatives with departmental and city staff on the hiring and selection of personnel assigned to the Division
• Guides, directs, and reviews the work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy; evaluates and makes recommendations as appropriate; offers coaching and professional guidance as needed
• Generates, receives, and reviews a variety of reports and documents which may include incident reports, personnel action forms, attendance records, maintenance reports, accident and injury reports, training reports, expenditure reports, performance evaluations, etc
• Prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence to the Fire Chief, City management staff, and City Council as required
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement and review with Fire Chief; implement improvements
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the areas of fire and life safety code enforcement, fire prevention, fire investigation, community risk reduction, and other related programs and services
• Serve as acting Fire Chief as assigned in the absence of the Fire Chief
• Enforcement Supervises and/or participates in reviewing building plans and project specifications to ensure they meet fire and life safety standards in accordance with applicable state and local codes
• Supervises, manages, and/or participates in the fire prevention/life safety inspections of commercial, industrial, assembly, and high hazard occupancies
• Coordinates inspection and enforcement activities with other governing agencies; works collaboratively with law enforcement and prosecuting agencies to enforce non-compliance violations
• Reviews and develops fire and life safety codes, ordinances, and policies to ensure a reasonable degree of fire and life safety exist according to federal and state laws and industry best practices
• Meets with architects, engineers, contractors, a variety of outside agencies, and the public to advise on fire and life safety issues affecting development and construction activities; provides technical expertise concerning fire and life safety objectives that are a result of risk analysis
• Supervises, manages, and directs the issuance of permits and licenses as required

Community Risk Reduction 

• Supervises, manages, and participates in educational programs related to fire prevention, health and welfare, and community risk reduction
• Coordinates public education and outreach activities with staff from other City departments, community partners, and outside agencies
• Evaluate target risks and emergency incident data, given community profile levels of protection and develop a community risk profile
• Collaborate with local schools, community groups, and neighborhood associations to educate the public on fire safety measures
• Lead public relations efforts, including media appearances and public speaking engagements, to educate the community about fire safety

Fire Investigations

• Coordinates, directs, and/or conducts the investigation into the origin and cause of fires, interviews witnesses, and performs follow-up investigations
• Coordinates, directs, and/or conducts the documentation of fire scenes, which may include photographs, sketches, and videos
• Coordinates, directs, and/or provides documentation and assistance to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, private fire investigators, and insurance industry representatives
• Provide expert testimony in court
• Prepare investigation summary reports

Budgetary and Financial Management 

• Participate in the development and administration of the Department's annual budget; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement adjustments
• Develop, monitor, and control division budgets and expenses  Identify and evaluate vendor/consultant products or services  Obtain and review bids, quotes, or proposals
• Purchase or requisition vendor products or services

Communications and Community Relations

• Serves as PIO when assigned by Fire Chief
• Develops, coordinates, and disseminates internal/external communications pertaining to the Department, following City communications guidelines
• Manages and monitors Department social media platforms
• Coordinates, organizes, and participates in community relation activities such as community meetings, safety presentations, and media interviews

Emergency Response

• Fills incident management roles as necessary, as assigned, and/or as required/outlined by department policies or procedures at fire, medical, hazardous materials, technical rescue, and/or large-scale emergencies
• Provides senior-level incident support leadership and management  Serves as a department resource for hazardous materials response
• Assists in formulating response strategies in accordance with predetermined policies, standards, and industry best practices. Utilize and enforce recognized safety standards and procedures and determine level of acceptable risk based upon existing conditions
• Performs, as necessary, fire suppression, ventilation, rescue, salvage, overhaul, extrication, emergency medical care, hazardous materials response, and other emergency response functions
• Performs hazard identification and mitigation activities
• Investigates fire alarms to compliment operational response in support of troubleshooting complex systems, thus allowing operational assets to return/remain in service

Training

• Research, develop, write, and teach a competency-based training and education curriculum that supports all personnel who have a role in code enforcement, investigations, and community education
• Remain current and participate in continuing education and training opportunities related to Department policy and best practices
• Develop and deliver fire safety training programs for employees, residents, or building occupants
• Promote awareness of fire safety policies and procedures and ensure understanding among stakeholders

Documentation and Policy

• Analyze, interpret, and implement regulatory, statutory, and policy guidance, and mandates as they apply to code enforcement, and communicate with City, State and Federal governments to evaluate and assess operations against requirements and/or guidance
• Responsible for developing policy papers, reports, standard operating guidelines, ordinances, and legislation
• Participate in formulating strategic plans, department policy, department organization structure, staffing decisions, and in interpreting department policy to staff and managers
• Write and edit documents, guidelines, and policies to coincide with the relevant regulatory and statutory requirements
• Establish and oversee the process for reporting and investigating fire incidents  Analyze incident reports to identify trends and implement preventive measures

Liaison and Partnership

• Establish and maintain partnerships with local businesses, industries, and organizations to enhance fire prevention efforts and resources
• Collaborate with city and state officials to align fire safety policies and regulations with broader government initiatives and goals
• Advocate for necessary policy changes or updates at the local government level to enhance fire safety standards  Provide expert guidance and recommendations to government officials regarding fire safety-related legislation

Other Duties Assigned 

• Regular and timely work attendance  Follow all safety procedures
• Follows all City and Department policies, procedures, and guidelines  Participates in required training and maintains appropriate licenses
• Performs other related and assigned duties as assigned and/or required

Education
Associate's degree in fire science, pubic administration/management, public safety, fire protection technology, or related field.  

Experience
Eight (8) years of training and experience which includes:

• Five (5) years as a Firefighter.
• Three (3) years as a Deputy Fire Marshal or equivalent that involves reviewing new construction, sprinkler, and alarm systems.

Licenses/Certifications

• Licensed by the State of Minnesota as a firefighter, or the ability to obtain licensing at the time of appointment (Minnesota Statute 299N).
• Current NREMT certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
• IFSAC and/or ProBoard certified Fire Instructor I, Fire Officer I and Fire Inspector I and ability to obtain Level II certifications within 2 years of appointment.
• Delegation to perform fire sprinkler plan reviews from MN State Fire Marshal or ability to obtain within 1 year of appointment.
• Valid Minnesota driver's license.

Equivalency
An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS)  Knowledge of the Brooklyn Park fire district, fire stations, resources, and equipment
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word/Excel and the Department's records management system
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, codes, standards, and procedures relevant to fire and life safety inspections and investigations
• Knowledge and understanding of principles and techniques of fire, arson, and criminal investigations  Knowledge of current fire investigation principles, methodologies and techniques
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles of fire science and fire behavior
• Knowledge and understanding of laws and legal ramifications of fire and criminal investigations  Knowledge of fire and building codes
• Knowledge of practices of researching fire prevention, health and welfare, and community risk reduction issues, evaluating alternatives, and making sound recommendations
• Skill in writing detailed technical and scientific reports  Skill in performing fire inspections
• Skill in writing safety messages for social media or other media platforms
• Ability to work under pressure in environments that are less than comfortable  Ability to communicate well through written and verbal means
• Ability to follow and enforce city and department rules and regulations, administrative policies and operational procedures
• Ability to speak in front of a crowd and to make a presentation
• Ability to maintain trustful relationships among city leaders and mutual aid partners
• Ability to observe, record, and recall accurately information, direction, or complaints given to or received from supervisors, citizens, or suspects, even after long periods of time
• Ability to provide expert testimony in a court of law
• Ability to correct actions of personnel without defacing their value
• Ability to present a positive and professional image of the city and the fire department
• Ability to work independently and work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends
• Demonstrated cultural competence and comfort with supporting the city’s strategic objectives for advancing racial equity
• Ability to provide a level of customer service that meets/exceeds customer expectations  Embrace and engage in cultural shift toward Continuous Improvement

 
Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in fire science, public administration/management, public safety, fire protection technology, or related field
• Knowledge of Emergency Management concepts/techniques  
• Previous supervisory experience
• Fire Instructor III  
• Fire Officer III
• Fire Inspector III
• Completion of NIMS ICS 300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents and ICS 400 Advanced ICS Command and General Staff for Complex Incidents
• IAAI Certified Fire Investigator (IAAI-CFI)
• Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali or Vietnamese language(s)

Background Check
The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check are necessary for this job title. Applicants are required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.
 
Drug and Alcohol Testing/Medical Examination
All job applicants must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test/medical examination once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be required to sign a notification and consent form prior to undergoing drug and alcohol testing. Applicants who do not consent to undergo drug and alcohol testing will not be required to do so and the City will withdraw the conditional job offer, resulting in the job applicant no longer being considered for the position.
 
Selection Process
The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience and/or an oral examination (100%). It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.
 
Brooklyn Park is a thriving northwestern suburb of Minneapolis and the sixth largest city in the state with over 86,000 residents. As the 11th fastest growing city in Minnesota, the city has become even more vibrant because of our remarkable racial and cultural diversity. Fifty-four percent of residents are people of color, 22 percent are foreign-born, and more than a quarter speak a language other than English at home.

Our Vision, Values and Goals

Established in 1957, the Brooklyn Park Fire Department is a full-time staffed department serving a diverse population of over 86,000 people within its 27 square mile coverage area. Brooklyn Park is the sixth-largest city in Minnesota and the fourth largest in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Brooklyn Park Fire Department operates 4 fire stations 24-hours a day.Department/Division Fire Department, with offices in Fire Headquarters
 
Anticipated Work Schedule: Position is an exempt, full-time, benefited, non-represented position that will work a flexible schedule that includes a standard eight-hour workday, Monday-Friday. Occasional evening hours may be required.
 
Anticipated Hiring Range:  Based upon experience, training and certifications
 
Resume Requested: To help us evaluate candidates' education, experience, and skills, we are asking all candidates to provide a resume for this position.
 
THE FOLLOWING REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION MUST BE UPLOADED TO YOUR APPLICATION OR YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE REJECTED:

1. If applicable, licensure by the State of Minnesota as a firefighter, or the ability obtain licensing at the time of appointment (Minnesota Statute 299N)
2. Current NREMT certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
3. IFSAC and/or ProBoard certified and ability to obtain Level II certifications within 2 years of appointment:
   • Fire Instructor I  
   • Fire Officer I
   • Fire Inspector I

Salary : $110,490 - $149,469