ASSISTANT FIRE MARSHAL - 40000678 and 40000681

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this position is to provide responsible protective services activities in fire prevention and life safety, fire origin and cause investigation, emergency and disaster planning, and assisting in response and recovery activities. Conducts routine fire code inspections as mandated by the State of North Carolina in all commercial and county-owned buildings with Durham County.
This class works independently, under limited supervision, reporting major activities through periodic meetings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Inspects and evaluates public, commercial, and residential structures to ensure compliance with jurisdiction, state and federal fire codes and ordinances. Conducts inspections of complex fire hazard complaints for compliance with jurisdiction.
• Assembles course materials, schedule single instructional sessions, complete training records and reports.
• Schedules and conducts age- and audience-appropriate programs of instruction on fire and life safety issues using prepared materials with identified objectives.
• Responds to fire code, law, and life safety inquiries from citizens. Reviews and evaluates routine and detailed building plans, site plans, and fire protection system plans in terms of fire code and building code life safety criteria.
• Participates in Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations during disasters and emergencies.
• Operate an emergency vehicle when needed.
• Assist with investigations of fire events to determine origin and cause, conduct fire death investigations, collection of evidence, writing comprehensive reports, and working with law enforcement, interviewing witnesses, or involved persons who may possess information or knowledge pertaining to incident under investigation and provides testimony in court or other legal settings.
• Assist with the implementation of a community risk reduction (CRR) plan to address the community needs.

• Assist with compiling, organizing, and storing printed or electronic information.
• Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of modern suppression systems and fire prevention practices and must also possess the ability to apply this knowledge to fire prevention laws and ordinances, principles of public administration and code enforcement.
• Knowledge of fire ground hazards, types of evidence, importance of fire scene security, evidence preservation and issues relating to spoilation.
• Knowledgeable of the types of building construction and the effects of fire on construction materials, types of evidence commonly found in the perimeter, evidence preservation methods, the effects of fire suppression, fire behavior and spread, and fire patterns.
• Working knowledge of fire codes and laws: basic knowledge of the principles, techniques, and design of fixed fire suppression and detection systems; and the ability to read and interpret plans and blueprints.
• Working knowledge of educational methodology, an in-depth understanding of the fire service and its role in the community, and an understanding of fire service management, policies, and procedures.
• Basic awareness of the dangers of hazardous materials.
• Basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to speak and deal tactfully and effectively with internal and external customers.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to analyze the concepts necessary for accomplishment of required written and oral records and reports.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Must be available for call-back during significant emergencies and disasters.
Position requires on-call status for fire investigations.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate’s Degree in Fire Science, Fire and Safety Engineering Technology or related field from an appropriately accredited college or university.

• Four (4) years of fire service progressively responsible experience or related experience or an equivalent combination of education, and experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires North Carolina Fire:
  • Inspector Standard Level I
  • Firefighter Level II
  • Hazardous Material Operations
  • Emergency Vehicle Driver

• Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina Driver’s license with an acceptable three-year driving history.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.
• Performs light to medium work that involves walking or standing virtually all of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained key keyboard operations. Also, may include physical work that requires exertion of more than 100 pounds while wearing 75 pounds of personal protective equipment.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
  • Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
  • Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
    
  • Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
    
  • Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.
    
  • Traffic; Moving machinery.
    
  • Electrical shock; Heights.
    
  • Radiation; Disease/pathogens.
    
  • Toxic/caustic chemicals; Explosives; Violence.
    
  • Other extreme hazards not listed above.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management. 

BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT:

This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.