ASSISTANT FIRE MARSHAL I, II, III

City of Gastonia; Gastonia (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Gastonia is seeking a qualified Assistant Fire Marshal to perform fire inspections, investigations and code enforcement under supervision. This role supports fire prevention programs and emergency operations, with progression through NC inspector certification levels.

Responsibilities include conducting inspections, participating in plan reviews, and coordinating with fire personnel and other stakeholders to promote fire and life safety across the community.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; preferred fire prevention/ investigation experience.
• Certification levels I-III as Fire Inspector per NC requirements; complete within time.

Responsibilities

• Conducts fire and life-safety inspections to identify hazards and code violations.
• Prepare investigative reports and photograph scenes.

Skills

Fire prevention

Investigation

Code enforcement

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

NC Level I Fire Inspector certification

NC Level II Fire Inspector certification

NC Level III Fire Inspector certification

Fire Investigation Technician certification

Tools

Drone operations

Pre-construction plan reviews

Fire inspection equipment

Job description

Performs technical and protective service work to promote fire and life safety through enforcement of the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code, applicable local laws and ordinances, fire inspections and investigations, and community fire and injury prevention education. Performs related work as required under the supervision of the Fire Marshal and/or Deputy Fire Marshal.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS BY LEVEL

• Assistant Fire Marshal I
  Entry/Developmental Level. Performs fire inspections within the scope authorized by the NC Level I Fire Inspector certification. Conduct fire investigations under the supervision of, or in conjunction with, an experienced fire investigator and deliver assigned fire and injury prevention programs. Develops proficiency in fire code enforcement, inspections, investigations, and public education
• Assistant Fire Marshal II
  Journey/Intermediate Level. Performs a broader range of fire inspections authorized by the NC Level II Fire Inspector certification and conducts most fire investigations independently. The ability to perform pre-construction plan reviews and new construction inspections within the scope authorized by the North Carolina Level II Fire Inspector certification, deliver fire prevention programs to a broader range of occupancies, and support emergency operations, including departmental drone operations
• Assistant Fire Marshal III
  Advanced/Fully Qualified Level. Performs the full range of fire inspections authorized by the NC Level III Fire Inspector certification, including hazardous, institutional, and high‑rise occupancies. Independently conduct fire investigations, performs plan reviews and new construction inspections across all occupancy levels, and plans, manages, and conduct community fire and injury prevention programs. Supports advanced emergency incidents and coordinate with law enforcement when incendiary fires are suspected

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.

• Conducts fire and life-safety inspections to identify hazardous conditions and code violations, determine required corrective actions, and verify compliance with applicable fire codes, laws, ordinances, and regulations.
  • Conducts fire investigations by examining fire scenes, collecting and analyzing evidence, determining probable origin, photographing scenes and evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing investigative reports.
  • Performs pre-construction plan reviews and new construction inspections, as authorized by certification level, to ensure compliance with applicable fire prevention codes and requirements.
  • Inspects and tests fire protection and detection systems, as authorized, to determine compliance with applicable codes and standards.
  • Develops, coordinates, and/or conducts community fire and injury prevention programs for schools, businesses, industries, healthcare facilities, churches, and other community organizations.
  • Responds to emergency incidents and performs assigned duties within the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
  • Operates departmental unmanned aircraft systems (drones), as authorized, in support of fire suppression, search and rescue, fire investigations, inspections, and other emergency operations.
  • Coordinates with fire personnel, law enforcement, property owners, contractors, businesses, and other stakeholders in carrying out fire prevention, inspection, investigation, and code-enforcement activities.
  • Prepares and maintains inspection, investigation, educational program, and other required records and reports.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Assistant Fire Marshal I: High school diploma or equivalent and previous fire service experience, preferably in fire prevention and/or fire investigation
• Assistant Fire Marshal II: High school diploma or equivalent and previous fire service experience, preferably in fire prevention and/or fire investigation
• Assistant Fire Marshal III: High school diploma or equivalent and previous fire service experience, preferable in fire prevention and/or fire investigation

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

Assistant Fire Marshal I

• Requires a valid appropriate driver’s license
• Must have NC Code Officials Qualification Board Standard Level I Fire Inspector certification
• Must have Fire Investigation Technician certification (NC-FIT or IAAI-FIT) or obtain within 12 months of being hired
• Must have NC Fire & Life Safety Educator Certification Level I or obtain within 12 months of being hired
• Must have NIMS IS-700, IC S-100, and IC S-200 or obtain within 12 months of being hired
• When completing a level, the employee must wait at least one year before becoming eligible for the next level.

Assistant Fire Marshal II

• Must have all requirements of Assistant Fire Marshal I
• Must have NC Code Officials Qualification Board Standard Level II Fire Inspector certification
• Must have National Association of Fire Investigators Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator (NAFI-CFEI)
• Must have NC Fire & Life Safety Educator Certification Level II
• Must have the following NIMS Courses:
• ICS-300 Intermediate IC for Expanding Incidents
• IS-2200 Basic Emergency Operations Center Functions
• Public Information Awareness and Basics
• IS-800 National Response Framework
• Must have FAA 107 Drone License
• Must have Fire Marshal 101 Certification
• Must have NC-TIMS Certification
• Must have NC Emergency Vehicle Driver Certification or equivalent
• When completing a level, the employee must wait at least one year before becoming eligible for the next level.

Assistant Fire Marshal III

• Must have all requirements of Assistant Fire Marshal I and Assistant Fire Marshal II
• Must have NC Code Officials Qualification Board Standard Level III Fire Inspector certification
• Must have NC Fire Investigators Certification (NC-CFI)
• Must have National Association of Fire Investigators Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (NAFI-CVFI)
• Must have NC Fire & Life Safety Educator Certification Level III
• Must have the following NIMS Courses:
• ICS-400 Advanced IC Command and General Staff-Complex Incidents
• E/L/G-191 Emergency Operations Center/Incident Command System Interface
• E/L/G-2300 Intermediate Emergency Operations Center Functions
• Advanced Public Information Officer
• Must have NIST Level 1 Basic Proficiency Evaluation for Remote Pilot
• Must complete Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of the North Carolina Fire Prevention School

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This is a physically demanding position. The following summarizes the physical activities, vision, and working conditions that are typical of this work.

Physical Activity:

Work requires frequent standing, walking, reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and balancing, with occasional crawling. The position requires the ability to push, pull, lift, carry, grasp, and handle objects and equipment; perform repetitive hand and finger movements; and work on uneven, elevated, or slippery surfaces. Work also requires sufficient speaking and hearing abilities to communicate effectively and receive detailed information in both routine and emergency situations.

Vision:

Work requires close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data, operate computers, read and review documents, conduct detailed visual inspections, identify small defects or conditions, and use measurement devices and other equipment requiring close visual observation.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):

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

Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments and may involve exposure to extreme temperatures, inclement weather, excessive noise, vibration, fumes, odors, dust, gases, poor ventilation, oils, chemicals, electrical hazards, moving mechanical equipment, elevated work areas, and other potentially hazardous conditions. Work may require the use of respiratory protection and entering or working in confined spaces, narrow passageways, or other restricted areas.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

The City of Gastonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

STANDARD CLAUSES

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the City.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures, and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.

The City of Gastonia is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a professional, respectful, and supportive workplace. We welcome qualified applicants who are interested in serving our community. Final candidates may be required to participate in reference checks, and any offer of employment will be contingent upon completion and satisfactory review of criminal background check and drug screening, consistent with City policy and applicable law.