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
Certifications necessary to obtain and maintain employment:
Must have Basic Peace Officer Certificate from Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
Must have Basic Fire/Arson Investigator certification meeting the requirements of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection at time of hire
Must be certified as a Fire Inspector (including Fire Inspector 1, Fire Inspector 2, and Plans Examiner 1) by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection at time of hire
Must maintain required continuing education for both the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP), and Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) (For Peace Officer Applicants)
Must have these Incident Command System (ICS) certifications at time of hire: ICS-100; ICS-200; IS-700B; IS-702A; IS-703A; and ICS-800b
Must have Instructor I certification meeting the requirements of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection at time of hire
Must have Leadership I for Fire and EMS: Strategies for Company Success certification at time of hire
Must have certificates of completion from at least two of these courses: ICC Fire Inspector; ICC Fire Plans Examiner; IAAI Fire Investigator Technician (FIT); TEEX Forensic Technician; NFA Interview and Interrogation (R208) or equivalent; NFA Forensic Evidence Collection (R0214) or equivalent; NFA Managing Effective Fire Prevention Programs (R0671) or equivalent; NFA Evaluating Performance-Based Designs (R0108) or equivalent; NFA Electrical Aspects of Fire Investigation (R0255) or equivalent; or courses approved by the Fire Marshal
Must have valid Texas driver's license, motor vehicle liability insurance and personal injury insurance
Must be able to meet the department's initial firearms qualification course and then to maintain firearms proficiency annually with issued service weapon (for Peace Officer Applicants only)
Basic knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national laws, codes, and statutes; basic knowledge of materials, methods, and that tools involved in construction methods, procedures, materials, and fire behaviors, as well as fire sprinklers, fire alarms, vent/hood, and other fire protection states; basic knowledge of investigation, evidence collection, chain of custody, and photographic procedures; basic ability to read laws, codes, and standards applicable to fire investigation; and knowledge of fire science and fire behavior.
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, even in very difficult situations; must have the ability to take on responsibilities and challenges; ability to lead, accept criticism, and deal calmly and effectively under high stress situations; ability to maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, Elected/Appointed Officials, Department/Division Heads, County employees, government agencies and the public
Must have available transportation during entire workday
Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation and clearance
Must clear a pre-employment physical and a pre-employment drug screen test
May be required to work shift-work
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.