Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal

The Excelsior Fire District; Minnesota; On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Excelsior Fire District in Minnesota is seeking a dynamic public safety leader to serve as Assistant Fire Chief / Fire Marshal. The role leads Community Risk Reduction, plan reviews, investigations, and public education programs.

Reporting to the Fire Chief, you will act as Duty Officer and Incident Commander during major incidents, guiding building codes interpretation and life safety programs. This role requires strong supervisory experience and proven on-scene leadership.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Fire Science or related field is required.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive fire service, with 3+ in supervisory capacity.
• Valid Minnesota driver license and MN firefighter license (or eligible).
• NFPA Firefighter I & II, HazMat Ops, MN EMR/EMT certification.
• NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector I/II; Inspector II within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage fire prevention and plan reviews, enforcing codes and NFPA standards.
• Oversee fire investigations, preserve evidence, and prepare reports.
• Administer community risk reduction and public education programs.
• Serve as Duty Officer and Incident Commander during major emergencies.

Skills

Public safety leadership

Incident Command

Fire prevention

Communication

Education

Associate’s degree in Fire Science

Associate’s degree in Fire Administration

Associate’s degree in Public Administration

Tools

NFPA 1001 Firefighter I & II

NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector I & II

NFPA Haz Mat Ops

NIMS/ICS 100/200/700/800

MFSCB/Plan Reviewer certs

Job description

The Excelsior Fire District is seeking a dynamic, proven public safety leader to serve as Assistant Fire Chief / Fire Marshal. Reporting directly to the Fire Chief, this position leads the District’s Community Risk Reduction and Life Safety Division. The ideal candidate will manage fire code enforcement, building plan reviews, fire investigations, public education programs, and special event safety compliance. Additionally, as an Assistant Chief, serves as a Duty Officer, providing Incident Command and on-scene leadership at emergency incidents when needed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Fire Prevention & Plan Review: Serve as the official Fire Marshal; interpret and enforce the State Fire Code, municipal codes, and NFPA standards. Conduct comprehensive plan reviews for new construction, remodels, and fire protection systems.
• Special Event Safety: Administer special event safety compliance.
• Fire Investigation: Lead and/or coordinate origin and cause investigations, preserve evidence, prepare detailed reports, and coordinate with law enforcement and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
• Community Risk Reduction: Design and execute community-wide public safety initiatives, school education programs, and digital messaging.
• Emergency Operations: Serve as Duty Officer, Incident Commander, Division Boss, or Safety Officer during major emergency incidents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Associate’s degree in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive fire service experience, including at least 3 years in a supervisory officer capacity.
• Certifications & Licenses: Valid Minnesota Driver’s License; Licensed Firefighter in Minnesota (or eligible by hire date); NFPA 1001 Firefighter I & II; NFPA Hazardous Materials Operations; MN EMR or EMT Certification; NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector I & II (Inspector II within 12 months); Certified Fire Investigator; NFPA 1021 Fire Officer I; NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 700, & 800; Blue Card Incident Command Certification (or within 6 months).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Executive Leadership, or related field.
• Specialized Credentials: Minnesota State Fire Marshal/MFSCB Plan Reviewer certification; NFPA 1041 Fire Instructor I/II; Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist; National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer (EFO) or Managing Officer Program completion.

RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE & APPLICATION PROCESS

First Round Interviews: Mid-September 2026