What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deputy Fire Marshal position at City of Harrisonburg, VA?
Description
The City of Harrisonburg Fire Department is seeking a dedicated professional who is passionate about public safety and community risk reduction to become the next Deputy Fire Marshal. If you're ready to make a difference in the local community, consider applying for this opportunity!
The Deputy Fire Marshal is a full-time exempt, LODA-covered position with benefits and a preferred hiring range of $42.26 - $47.54 per hour (equivalent to $87,900 - $98,883 annually); however, an exact salary will be dependent upon the selected candidate's qualifications/experience and in compliance with City policy.
As the Deputy Fire Marshal, you'll be responsible for overseeing the operations of community risk reduction programs, including public education, fire investigations, code enforcement, and special initiatives. This position assists the Fire Chief in the development and implementation of fire prevention codes, standards, and ordinances in addition to developing, prioritizing, assigning, and supervising work assignments, managing project start-ups, and leading debriefing meetings. Responsibilities also include assisting with the hiring, training, evaluation, and discipline of staff members. In the role, you'll operate a City vehicle for official duties and coordinate and conduct fire code enforcement inspections, fire investigations, and public education programs. As the HFD Deputy Fire Marshal, you'll also handle plan reviews, acceptance testing, and ongoing maintenance inspections to ensure code compliance.
This position is the point of contact for citizen complaints and inquiries related to fire prevention and code violations, and it includes reviewing and issuing permits for burning, flammable and explosive storage, blasting, and related safety concerns. The Deputy Fire Marshal conducts technical inspections of hazardous materials and industrial operations for code compliance and coordinates with the Community Development Department, developers, and other governmental agencies regarding fire code compliance and utility access for new construction. Responsibilities also include conducting arson investigations and testifying in court, as needed, while maintaining close liaison with the City Attorney and Commonwealth Attorney’s Office on both criminal and civil enforcement matters. The Deputy Fire Marshal interacts with other government agencies, insurance companies, and stakeholders, as required, and prepares detailed reports documenting inspection and investigation activities. This role also includes managing the fire prevention division’s budget, participating in an on-call rotation within the division, and performing the essential duties of a firefighter, as needed.
A detailed list of the ideal candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities is available in the class specification.Minimum Qualifications
- Associates/Technical degree with a minimum of 21 hours of coursework in fire science or related field and extensive (6 years) experience in fire suppression, prevention, and investigation work. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be used to meet these requirements.
- Valid driver's license.
- Must reside within a one-hour response zone to the city limits.
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Current possession of the following:
- Fire Officer III;
- Fire Investigator (NFPA 1033);
- Fire Inspector II (NFPA 1031);
- Emergency Medical Technician;
- Hazardous Materials Operations.
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Current possession or the ability to obtain the following within one (1) year of hire:
- Department of Housing and Community Development Certification as a Fire Official;
- Youth/Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Specialist I;
- Public Fire and Life Safety Educator (NFPA 1035).
- Click here to view the physical requirements of this position.
- Environmental Crimes Certification;
- Virginia Department of Fire Programs Basic Law Enforcement for Fire Marshal Certification;
- National Fire Academy Leadership Strategies for Community Risk Reduction and Managing Effective Fire Prevention Programs.
- DMV record check;
- Job-specific physical;
- Drug screen;
- Personal History Statement;
- Psychological evaluation;
- Polygraph;
- Criminal background investigation, including Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) Fingerprinting.
Supplemental Information
To Apply: In order to be considered, all candidates must submit the following for consideration:
Complete City of Harrisonburg online employment application, including previous work experience and education history.
Cover Letter.
Resume.
The letter of interest and resume may be directly uploaded or emailed to employment@harrisonburgva.gov. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. This position may close at any time after 10 calendar days. (posted 04/15/2025)
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or veteran status.
The City of Harrisonburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Salary : $87,900 - $98,883
