Deputy Fire Marshal - Fire Inspector

Wake County; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake County's Fire Services Department seeks a Deputy Fire Marshal to enforce the NC Fire Prevention Code, review plans, inspect buildings and issue permits. You will join an on-call rotation to investigate fires and support community safety.

This role requires an Associate’s degree in Fire Protection Technology or related field, plus 2 years in fire services and code enforcement, with appropriate NC certifications and a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Fire Protection Technology, Fire Science or related field.
• Two years of fire services experience.
• Two years of code enforcement experience.
• NC Fire Inspector Level III Standard Certificate or eligibility and timeline to obtain.
• Valid Driver's License with safe driving record.
• Equivalent education and experience accepted.

Responsibilities

• Perform periodic fire inspections in existing buildings.
• Inspect plans for new construction, alterations and renovations of commercial occupancies.
• Conduct fire origin and cause investigations and related duties.
• Review plans for new construction, alterations and renovations of commercial occupancies.
• Issue mandatory permits.

Skills

Code enforcement

Fire inspections

Plan review

On‑call readiness

Fire origin investigations

Education

Associate's degree in Fire Protection Technology

Two years fire services experience

Two years code enforcement experience

NC Fire Inspector Level III Certificate

Valid Driver's License

Job description

What You'll Be Doing

Make a meaningful impact in your community as a Deputy Fire Marshal. In this key public safety role, you’ll help shape safer buildings and neighborhoods by enforcing the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code, reviewing plans for new construction, conducting inspections, and issuing mandatory permits that support community-wide safety. You’ll also take part in an on‑call rotation, investigating fires to determine origin and cause, providing expert guidance during emergencies, and serving as a trusted liaison for county partners. If you’re looking for a role where your expertise directly protects lives, strengthens community resilience and offers diverse, rewarding challenges, this is your opportunity.

Primary Duties:

• Perform periodic fire inspections in existing buildings and educate the public on fire prevention tactics


• Perform inspections for new construction, alterations and renovations of commercial occupancies


• Perform fire origin and cause investigations and other emergency response related duties


• Conduct plans review for new construction, alterations and renovations of commercial occupancies


• Issue mandatory permits

Note: Applicants not displaying the required certifications listed in the required education and experience section of this posting on their application and resume will be disqualified

About Our Team

Our Fire Services Department is driven by a small, exceptional team of diverse professionals who are passionate about protecting every person and every piece of property in Wake County. Together, we bring a community first mindset to everything we do. Each team member is cross trained across multiple programs, allowing us to respond seamlessly, support one another and deliver the highest level of service wherever it’s needed most. We’re united by a commitment to excellence, collaboration and innovation, working every day to create a safer, stronger and more resilient Wake County. This team isn’t just performing a job; we’re fulfilling a mission that makes a real difference in people’s lives.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Associate's degree in Fire Protection Technology, Fire Science or related field


• Two years of fire services experience


• Two years of code enforcement experience


• North Carolina Fire Inspector Level III Standard Certificate - Candidates will be considered for employment with a NC Fire Inspector Level I Standard or the ability to pre-qualify for a Level II Certificate (standard or probationary) through the NC Code Qualifications Board, but must obtain a Fire Inspector Level III Standard Certificate on an timeline as defined during the hiring process


• Candidates with these credentials outside of NC, must receive a NC prequalification letter issued by the Code Qualifications Board prior to an interview


• NC or IAAI FIT or must obtain within two years and part of the employment


• Hazardous Operations Certification Operations or equivalent as determined by NC OFSM


• Valid Driver's License and \"safe\" driving record


• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Two plus years of experience in Fire Investigations


• North Carolina Fire/Arson Investigator


• NIMS 700, 800, 100 & 200


• Bloodborne Pathogens certification


• North Carolina Firefighter Certification

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Knowledge and ability to inspect new and existing buildings for compliance with applicable codes and standards


• Ability to examine plans and specifications to ensure conformance with applicable codes/standards and make recommendations


• Ability to identify issues, obtain relevant information, relate and compare data from different sources, and identify alternative solutions


• Knowledge of and the ability to use effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions and/or reaching conclusions


• Ability to take action consistent with available facts, constraints and anticipated consequences


• Ability to deal with others in difficult and complex situations to achieve resolution


• Ability to use appropriate interpersonal skills and methods to reduce tension, resolve conflict and guide individuals or groups to accomplish work


• Knowledge of appropriate data collection policy and procedures, filing systems, data management systems and programs.


• Ability to compile, organize and store printed and electronic information


• Ability to review, compile and analyze information to prepare reports


• Ability to convey information clearly and concisely to groups or individuals either verbally or in writing


• Ability to build and maintain ongoing, collaborative, working relationships with coworkers to achieve the goals of the work unit


• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with various public safety agencies and respond to identified needs


• Ability to problem solve at a high level involving analytical skills


• Excellent time management skills

About This Position

Location: Public Safety CenterRaleigh, NC 27601

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 7:00am - 3:45pm

Hiring Range: 32.60 - 46.71 (Commensurate with experience)

Market Range: 32.60 - 55.42

Posting Closing Date: This recruitment is open until filled and may close at anytime. First round of application review will be 9/30/2026.

What Makes Wake Great

Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is the proud home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and the two‑time Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, winners in 2006 and 2026. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four‑year terms. Starting in fall 2026, the Wake County Board will have seven commissioners elected by voters in their districts and two at‑large commissioners elected by the whole County. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well‑managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2027 General Fund budget is approximately $2.28 billion, and the County has more than 5,000 full time employees. Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants foremployment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that mayinclude: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on jobrequirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you fromconsideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected.Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, duringand after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.