Assistant Fire Marshal

Buncombe County Government; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Buncombe County Government seeks an Assistant Fire Marshal to support fire prevention through inspections, education, code enforcement, and investigations.

The role requires strong fire service experience, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently and with partner agencies to protect lives, property, and community wellbeing. Work weeks are Sun–Sat on a 2‑week rotating schedule; anticipated start December 14, 2026.

Qualifications

• High school education or equivalent with 3 years in fire service or related.
• Possession of a valid NC driver's license.
• Level I Fire Inspection Certification within 1 year; Level III within 5 years.
• NC Fire Investigator Technician within 4 years; NC Fire/Arson Investigator within 10 years.
• Continuing education as required by NC State Fire Marshal.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections of commercial structures and multi-family housing for compliance with fire and life safety regulations.
• Review building plans to ensure proper fire safety measures are included, such as sprinkler and fire alarm systems.
• Present public and private fire safety and prevention programs and fire education as requested.
• Enforce fire codes for new construction and existing buildings for occupant safety.
• Conduct origin and cause investigations and complete reports on structure and vehicle fires; respond to large-scale hazmat incidents as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Fire codes knowledge

Plan review

Investigations

Public education

Communication

Interagency coordination

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

NC Level I Fire Inspection Certification within 1 year

NC Level III Fire Inspection Certification within 5 years

NC Fire Investigator Technician within 4 years

NC Fire/Arson Investigator within 10 years

Job description

This job posting expires at 11:59PM onNovember 04, 2026.No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM onNovember 04, 2026.

Job Title:Assistant Fire Marshal

Department:Fire Marshal

External Hiring Range:$27.58-$33.18

Compensation Grade:2008

Posted Internally and Externally

The Buncombe County Government is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Assistant Fire Marshal to support the County’s mission of protecting lives, property, and community wellbeing. This position plays a key role in fire prevention through inspections, public education, code enforcement, and fire investigation. The ideal candidate brings strong fire service experience, sound judgment, and a commitment to public safety while working both independently and alongside partner agencies. If you are motivated to serve your community and help ensure a safer Buncombe County, we invite you to apply.

Work weeks are Sun–Sat and follow a 2‑week rotating schedule.

Week 1

• Sunday – On Call
• Monday – Work + On Call
• Tuesday – Work
• Wednesday – Work
• Thursday – Work
• Friday – Off
• Saturday – Off

Week 2

• Sunday – Off
• Monday – Off
• Tuesday – Work + On Call
• Wednesday – Work + On Call
• Thursday – Work + On Call
• Friday – Work + On Call
• Saturday – On Call

Anticipated Start Date for this position is December 14th, 2026.

Purpose of the position

The purpose of this position is to conduct inspections and educational programs for the County to prevent, identify, and investigate fire hazards, including determining the cause and origin of fires.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire)

High school education or equivalent and a minimum three (3) years of experience in fire service, investigation; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation

• Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina.
• Earn Level I Fire Inspection Certification within one (1) year and Level III within five (5) years as issued by the North Carolina Code Officials Qualification Board.
• Earn NC Fire Investigator Technician within 4 years and NC Fire/Arson Investigator within 10 years as issued by the North Carolina Department of Insurance Fire and Rescue Division.
• Maintain continuing education requirements as set forth by the State of North Carolina and the Fire Marshal. Any loss of certification may result in an appropriate reduction in pay and classification or may affect employment status.

Physical Requirements

Lifting is considered medium work requiring exertion up to 50 of force occasionally and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Position includes bending, reaching, squatting, manual dexterity, repetitive motion, and the ability to distinguish colors. Visual acuity is required. This position involves significant standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods of time. The work is performed in an environment with crisis situations that require major decisions involving people, resources, and property.

During a State of Emergency, and at the discretion of the County Manager, county employees may be called in for service. This includes both essential and non-essential personnel.

Essential Functions of the Position

• Conduct inspections of commercial structures and multi-family housing for both new construction and existing structures, as scheduled and required, county schools (twice annually), and private schools (annually); institutional structures, foster homes and residential care homes to ensure compliance with fire and life safety regulations.
• Interpret County, state and national fire codes related to fire prevention; review building plans to ensure proper fire safety measures are included, such as sprinkler and fire alarm installation.
• Present public and private fire safety and prevention programs, along with fire education programs as requested within the County.
• Enforce fire codes for new construction and existing buildings for the safety of occupants and public.
• Conduct origin and cause investigations and complete reports on structure and vehicle fires upon request; Respond to all brushfires with five or more fire departments dispatched, assist with mitigation of large-scale hazmat incidents; respond to any request for emergency management response as needed.
• Inspect new subdivisions plats and drawings for emergency vehicle access; install and maintain all County road signs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of applicable fire codes and regulations at the County, state, and federal levels, including North Carolina Fire Codes, Foster Home Safety Regulations, and AFL Regulations, as well as division policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Knowledge of standard practices, procedures, and methods of fire inspection, prevention, investigation, and building construction.
• Knowledge of NCFIT, CFI, NC IAAI, and OFSM qualification board requirements.
• Knowledge of the geographic layout of the County.
• Ability to read and review building plans.
• Ability to observe, recall, and document details, including faces, names, and other critical information.
• Ability to conduct investigations, organize records, and prepare clear reports.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, codes, and regulations in specific situations.
• Ability to work effectively with property owners, managers, and the public to eliminate fire hazards and promote cooperation in fire prevention activities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in both routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to assist with management and recovery during large-scale emergencies.

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee’s unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.

It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.