Deputy Fire Marshal - C

Job Title

Deputy Fire Marshal - C

Pay Rate Min to Mid Range

$31.14 - $37.34

Time Type

Full time

Summary

Under general direction of Fire Marshal, and/or Division Supervisor. Protects the lives and property of Bexar County citizens through the enforcement of Texas State Law, the Bexar County Fire Code, and related Commissioners Court Orders and public education.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Inspects buildings to locate hazardous conditions and fire code violations such as accumulations of combustible material, electrical wiring problems, and inadequate or non-functional fire exits

• Presents and explains fire code requirements and fire prevention information to architects, contractors, attorneys, engineers, developers, fire service personnel, and the public

• Identifies corrective actions necessary to bring properties into compliance with applicable fire codes, laws, regulations, and standards, and explain these measures to property owners or their representatives

• Attends training classes to maintain current knowledge of fire prevention, safety, and firefighting procedures

• Conducts fire code compliance follow-ups to ensure that corrective actions have been taken in cases where violations were found

• Writes detailed reports of fire inspections performed, fire code violations observed, and corrective recommendations offered

• Inspects properties that store, handle, and use hazardous materials to ensure compliance with laws, codes, and regulations, and issue hazardous materials permits to facilities found in compliance

• Develops or reviews fire exit plans

• Inspect and test fire protection or fire detection systems to verify that such systems are installed in accordance with appropriate laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards

• Conducts inspections and acceptance testing of newly installed fire protection systems

• Packages collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers such as bags, crates, or boxes, to protect them

• Examines fire sites and collect evidence such as glass, metal fragments, charred wood, and accelerant residue for use in determining the cause of a fire

• Instructs children about the dangers of fire

• Analyzes evidence and other information to determine probable cause of fire or explosion

• Photographs damage and evidence related to causes of fires or explosions to document investigation findings

• Subpoenas and interview witnesses, property owners, and building occupants to obtain information and sworn testimony

• Swears out warrants, and arrest and process suspected arsonists

• Testifies in court cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false alarms

• Prepares and maintain reports of investigation results, and records of convicted arsonists and arson suspects

• Tests sites and materials to establish facts, such as burn patterns and flash points of materials, using test equipment

• Works closely with internal and external agencies, to include various Emergency Services Districts (ESD), volunteers, municipal fire departments, and law enforcement and other public safety agencies

• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school or General Education Development (GED) certificate and two (2) years’ experience in fire code investigations, fire/arson investigations, or criminal investigations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• Completion of the Texas Basic Peace Officer Course 

• Possession of Basic Texas Peace Officer License through Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE)

• Certification through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) as either a Basic Fire Inspector or Basic Fire Investigator

• Basic knowledge of relevant tactics, techniques, and procedures, policies, regulations and laws relating to fire protection, fire prevention, criminal law enforcement, code enforcement, and fire/explosion investigation

• Ability to represent the County in a professional and effective manner; ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; ability to pay attention to detail, cooperate with others, maintain composure, control anger, and avoid aggressive behavior, in difficult situations; ability to take on responsibilities and challenges; ability to calmly and effectively respond to a wide variety of stressful/emergency situations in order to lead or assist in the mitigation of any life-safety threat; ability to organize and establish a single or Unified Incident Command Structure; ability to maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, Elected/Appointed Officials, Department/Division Heads, County employees, government agencies and the public

Certifications necessary to obtain and maintain employment:

• Must maintain required continuing education for both the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP), and Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE)

• Must be able to meet the department’s initial firearms qualification course and then to maintain firearms proficiency annually with issued service weapons 

• Must be certified as a Basic Fire Inspector (including Fire Inspector 1, Fire Inspector 2, and Plans Examiner 1) by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) at time of application; OR

• Must be certified as a Basic Fire Investigator the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) at time of application; and Must have IS-100, IS-200, IS-700 and IS-800 certifications at time of application; and Must complete the BCFMO Field Training program within 1 year of hire.

• Must possess and maintain a valid Texas driver’s license, motor vehicle liability insurance and personal injury insurance

• Must have transportation available during the entire workday

• Must be able to don department issued personal protective equipment such as fire/extrication jackets or jump suit, protective boots, ballistic armor, eye and ear protection, helmet, and/or personal air purifying respirator

• As directed may assume command of major emergency incidents until properly relieved 

• May be required to use force, as appropriate, or other defensive measures to subdue persons or to defend self or others

• Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation from the Bexar County Fire Marshal’s Office

• Must clear a pre-employment physical and a pre-employment drug screen test

• May be required to work shiftwork 

• Must be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, unless on approved leave or by authorization

• May be required to work more than 40 hours during the workweek

Working Environment and Physical Demands:

• Working conditions are both indoor and outdoor with exposure to temperature variations, inclement weather, and typical construction site conditions and hazards

• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions

• Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as damp/wet surfaces, cramped areas, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

• Occasionally moving//lifting equipment weighing up to 30-50 pounds

• Occasionally moves about buildings or structures subject to frequent climbing, walking, reaching, bending and twisting

• Will frequently communicate with co-workers and outside organizations, architects, engineers, contractors, and the public; must be able to exchange accurate information

• Generally operates a computer and other office productivity machinery

• Positions self to perform essential functions

• Occasionally operates tools and equipment

Working With Bexar County

Bexar County offers employees a competitive salary, retirement, and benefits. Many employee benefits are available to an employee’s spouse/plus one qualifying adult and dependent child(ren). Employee benefits are strategically designed to support an employee and family, work/life balance.

Employee Benefits | Bexar County, TX - Official Website

Bexar County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to Workplace Diversity.

We are committed to providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.