Fire marshal

Essential Functions

Assists in and conducts his / her own investigations for cause and origin for fires of incendiary, suspicious or unknown origin for all fire districts outside of incorporated areas of Skagit County.

Investigates fire scenes by collecting and photographing evidence, and preparing detailed reports documenting investigation findings.

Serves as an expert witness testifying in court involving fires when requested.

Assists the Fire Marshal in the administration and enforcement of the International Fire Code on a countywide basis including issuance of fireworks permits and implementation of outdoor burn bans.

Respond to outdoor burning complaints and enforce the Washington State Outdoor Burning Rule Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-425

Attends after hour meetings related to the fire service.

Assures the efficient and effective utilization of departmental personnel, funds, materials, and facilities.

Provides public fire safety education programs as directed.

Files correspondence and other routine office functions including the use of computers, typing reports and answering telephones, etc.

Supervisory : This position has no direct supervisory responsibility.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS :

Performs related duties as assigned. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the Position Description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's classification of work.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or G.E.D. required.

Specialized training obtained through a community college, technical, vocational, trade or business program.

International Fire Code Training required.

National Fire Academy Fire / Arson Investigating required.

Electrical Investigation Training required.

Hazardous Awareness Level Training required.

EVOC / EVAP Drive Training required.

CPR and First Aid Training required.

Minimum eight (8) years Volunteer / Career Firefighter

Rank of Lieutenant or higher in a fire department.

Fire investigator and International Fire Code enforcement official preferred.An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Requires knowledge of :

• The field of assignment sufficient to perform completely and accurately the full scope of responsibility as illustrated by example in this position description
• The principles of fire investigation sufficient to conduct cause and origin investigation in fire districts throughout the county
• The principles of arson investigation and rules of evidence sufficient to aid the sheriff in the efficient investigation and prosecution of arson cases
• The principles and practices of fire prevention and control with a thorough knowledge of the chemistry of fire and ability in the field of code research and application
• The International Codes
• Working procedure of local government

Requires the ability to :

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, other employees and the general public
• Be logical and analytical
• Interpret and translate facts and information
• Explain situations and issues to people and advise them of alternative or appropriate courses of action
• Interview and develop information from others
• Communicate both verbally and in writing
• Handle problems or situations that are critical to certain projects and services performed
• Adapt and overcome certain situations in order to perform duties in the safest way possible
• Work long hours in all weather and lighting conditions
• Work as a team
• Continue training as required

Licenses and / or Certifications :

Valid Washington State driver's license required. WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

Work is conducted both in an office environment involving sitting at a desk at a computer or in a meeting and at a wide range of sites and conditions including but not limited to fire investigation scenes, burn complaint scenes and forest fires.

Lifting in excess of 25 pounds, crawling, digging, confined spaces and climbing ladders. These types of responses could happen at any location in Skagit County and require access to all types and conditions of structures and terrain.

A shift is defined as a period of seven (7) days, Friday through Thursday. This position is a part-time position; serving after hours, nights, weekends, holidays, and requires carrying a pager or cell phone at all times.

Hazards : Those present in a normal office environment. Due to the various locations, inspections and conditions exposure to many hazards exist.

At a fire investigation the fire scenes are physically dangerous and demanding requiring the use of appropriate personal protective gear including everything from coveralls, gloves and a hard hat to full fire bunker gear and respirator which can be very hot and tiring.

Exposure to structurally damaged buildings, noxious or toxic fumes and gases, smoke, explosions, hazardous materials from possible drug labs, working in and around traffic and the elements.

Supplemental Information

SELECTION PROCESS :

Following review of applications and resumes, the highest qualified applicants will be interviewed and may be tested. After a selection is made, all applicants not selected will be notified in writing.

Last updated : 2024-07-20