Job Descriptions

DEFINITION

Plans, supervises, reviews and performs a variety of inspections and code enforcement duties to ensure compliance with fire and life safety codes for new and existing construction, residential occupancies, and commercial or industrial activities; performs administrative, investigative, supervisory and technical responsibilities in managing the Fire Prevention Bureau of the City’s Fire Department.

The Fire Marshal conducts plan checks for compliance with Fire Codes and ordinance, hazardous materials management, fire investigation and hazard abatement. The Fire Marshal develops and implements educational programs to promote fire safety; assists the Fire Chief with special administrative duties: performs related work as assigned.

This position is designated as represented by Turlock Management Association-Public Safety for Labor Relations purposes and is considered exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a mid-management classification assigned to the fire prevention division as a Division Chief responsible for the management of discrete sub-departmental organizational component(s) and programs/functions within a department as determined by Department Director (Chief), City Manager and City Council. Serves as a member of the City policy advisory team with responsibilities for developing means for implementing policies and procedures developed the by executive team. The incumbent exercises policy development and promulgation responsibilities for specific program/functional areas. Demonstrates technical competence while working as a team member and exercises independent judgment in a number of confidential and sensitive assignments. Duties and responsibilities are performed in accordance with city policy, ordinance and fire code.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

General direction is provided by the Fire Chief. The job incumbent provides direct supervision of subordinate level supervisors, professional, technical line and office clerical staff in related program areas.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: – Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Responds to emergencies when needed and directs or performs related activities.
• Recommends and implements division goals, objectives, polices and procedures.
• Prepares specialized budgets related to assigned activities: assists in budget implementation; participates in forecasts of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; administers the approved budget.
• Prepares reports; documents policies and procedures; performs research; makes presentations before various groups, including City Council and Planning Commission, as needed.
• Represents Fire Chief in his absence, as required.
• Plans, organizes, assigns, and reviews the work of a comprehensive Fire Prevention program and supervises staff to ensure compliance with fire and life safety standards.
• Oversees the work of fire suppression staff in fire prevention activities, including mandated fire inspections.
• Interprets, enforces and explains fire and life safety codes.
• Conducts technical fire plan checks including fire sprinklers, fire alarms, residential occupancies, commercial occupancies and industrial occupancies.
• Attends meetings with internal and external customers representing the Fire Department.
• Investigates citizen complains related to Fire Prevention and life safety activities and enforcement; non-criminal and criminal investigations related to fire and legal actions related to non-compliance and abatement proceedings.
• Provides pre-development consultations; provides or reviews occupancy and final inspections for new businesses.
• Works cooperatively with the Chief Building Official, Community Development staff, the State Fire Marshal and the community to ensure through, organized and timely permit processing.
• Formulates and recommends changes to the International Fire Code and City Ordinances.
• Oversees/participates with the Police Department in the investigation of fires to determine the cause, including preparing reports, gathers evidence and works on case development with the District Attorney’s office in arson cases.
• Represents the Department as an expert court witness in Fire Investigations.
• Write citations and makes arrests in the role as peace officer.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and the ability to interpret apply and explain complex laws, codes, regulations and ordinances.
• Ability to conduct technical plan reviews in residential, commercial, industrial construction and possess the skills needed to articulate requirements to contractors and design professionals.
• Knowledge of and the ability to apply principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review, evaluation, discipline and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Ability to perform the computer applications related to work, prepare accurate reports, correspondence and other written materials
• Ability to prepare division budget and administer the approved budget.
• Possess the skills necessary to conduct cause and origin fire investigations, including the collection of evidence, expert witness, report writing and assisting Police and District Attorney in case preparation.
• Ability to work with businesses, property owners, permit applicants, residents and other City Departments to assure timely and effective customer service.
• Ability to understand and use techniques for dealing with people in person and over the telephone in stressful or confrontational situations.
• Ability to take initiative and use independent judgment within legal, policy and procedural guidelines.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

Possession of a Bachelor Degree in Fire Science, Public Administration or related field; OR

Must be currently enrolled in an accredited university or institution and obtain a Bachelor Degree in Fire Science, Public Administration or related field, within thirty-six (36) months of appointment.

Experience:

Three years of experience comparable to that of a Fire Captain with Turlock Fire Department.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATES

Possession of a valid Class C California Driver’s License, to be maintained as a condition of employment.

Possession of a California State Fire Marshal Fire Officer Certification.

Must obtain a California P.C. 832 Arrest and Firearms Certification within 12 months from date of appointment.

DESIRABLE CERTIFICATIONS

Possession of California State Fire Marshal’s level one, two and three classes in prevention and investigation is desirable.

Possession of ICC Certification as Fire Inspector and Plan Checker is desirable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to respond to major emergency or investigative situations on a 24 hour call as of required. Must possess strength, mobility and stamina to inspect various fire and construction sites. Must possess mobility to work in standard office setting and to use office equipment. Vision required to read printed materials and computer screens. Hearing and speech required to communicate in person and over the telephone.