Division Chief - Fire Marshal

City of Boulder; United States; On-site; USD 174,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Boulder is seeking an experienced leader to serve as Fire Marshal and head the Community Risk Reduction Division. The role provides executive leadership for fire prevention, inspections, investigations, public education, and code enforcement.

You will oversee plan reviews for new construction and major projects, ensuring compliance with fire codes and standards. The position reports to the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief and participates in department leadership, strategic planning, and

Qualifications

• Eight years of progressive fire service experience, including three years in a supervisory/management role.
• FEMA ICS-100/200/700/800; ICS-300/400 within one year of appointment.
• Holds and maintains a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Leads the Community Risk Reduction Division, including fire code enforcement, inspections, investigations, and plan review.
• Serves as the City Fire Marshal and interprets fire codes; approves alternative materials and construction methods.
• Manages division staff and budget; coordinates with architects, engineers, and planners on project inspections.
• Directs public education campaigns, school safety, and smoke alarm initiatives.
• Coordinates code adoption and updates to local amendments; liaises with City Council and partner agencies.

Skills

Staff leadership

Budget management

Problem analysis

Stakeholder relations

Codes knowledge

Interagency coordination

Public communication

Planning & development

Decision making

ICS/NIMS knowledge

Background check clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Emergency Management, or related field; or eight years related experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

It's a great time to join the City of Boulder! Application Deadline: September 20, 2026 Compensation Details: Full Pay Range 174,241.60 - 202,488.00 Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.This is a full-time salaried position. Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Benefit Eligibility Group: Non Union (30+ Hours) Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary:

Under general direction, commands and manages the Fire Marshal / Community Risk Reduction Division. Provides executive leadership for fire prevention, inspections, investigations, public education, and code enforcement. Oversees plan review for new construction and major projects, ensures compliance with fire codes and standards, and directs community outreach initiatives to reduce risk. Supports the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief as a member of the Department’s leadership team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads the Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Division, including fire code enforcement, inspections, investigations, and plan review.
• Serves as the City Fire Marshal and authority on fire code interpretation, alternative materials, and construction methods.
• Manages assigned staff, including fire inspectors, plans reviewers, investigators, and administrative personnel.
• Oversees review of residential, commercial, and mixed-use development plans for compliance with fire codes and standards.
• Coordinates with architects, engineers, contractors, and Planning & Development Services on project applications, plan modifications, and construction inspections.
• Directs public education, outreach, and community programs, including school safety, fire prevention campaigns, and smoke alarm initiatives.
• Provides technical expertise and serves as liaison to City Council, boards, commissions, and partner agencies on fire code and CRR issues.
• Coordinates code adoption, periodic reviews, and updates of local amendments to national/international fire codes.
• Directs fire investigations, determines origin and cause, and collaborates with law enforcement on arson cases.
• Manages division budget, staffing, and resource allocation.
• Responds to fire and emergency incidents in command or general staff roles as assigned.
• Participates in departmental leadership activities, including strategic planning, policy development, labor relations, and accreditation.
• Provides supervisory and leadership training to officers and staff.
• Performs other duties as required to meet the needs of the City and Fire Department.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to lead and supervise staff, manage budgets, and coordinate complex projects.
• Ability to analyze problems, make decisions consistent with departmental policy, and assess effectiveness of outcomes.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, partner agencies, elected officials, and the public.
• Ability to demonstrate leadership competencies: Command Presence, Decision Making, Ethics, Integrity, Courage to Lead, and Problem Resolution.
• Knowledge of fire and building codes, standards, and enforcement practices.
• Knowledge of municipal government operations, HR practices, procurement, and fire department policies.
• Knowledge of IC S/NIMS, NFPA standards, SOPs, and post-incident analysis.
• Skill in communication, presentation, and report preparation.
• Skill in using Microsoft Office Suite and departmental software systems.
• Must successfully pass a background check before first day of work and maintain acceptable screening.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Applicants may be required to complete a job suitability assessment, several stages of interviews and testing, successfully complete a pre-employment medical evaluation that includes an assessment of aerobic fitness (NFPA 1580), and complete a thorough background investigation, including a psychological evaluation and drug screen. Applicants must be able to demonstrate personal and professional honesty, integrity, sound judgment as shown in applicant’s criminal history, background, motor vehicle record, and use of drugs and alcohol. Preference will be given to applicants who have no history of use, sale or possession of illegal substances.

The following will disqualify any applicant from consideration:

• Any felony conviction Commission of a felony, whether convicted or not within the past 5 years
• Commission of any non-traffic related misdemeanor, whether convicted or not within the past 3 years
• Excessive number of traffic violations
• Use, even by prescription, of any product containing THC within 3 months prior to an anticipated hire date
• Any marijuana business ownership or interest within the past 3 years
• The use, sale, possession, or transfer of any illegal controlled substance within the past 2 years (examples: Cocaine, Heroin, LSD, Methamphetamine, MDMA,).
• Unlawful sale or fraudulently obtaining any controlled scheduled substance with the past 5 years (Examples: Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Sleep Medication, Codeine, Morphine, etc.)
• Use of a substance prescribed to another person will be reviewed for substance type, frequency, and length of time
• Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ten (10) or more years of progressive leadership in the fire service.
• Fire Marshal certification, Fire Inspector II, Fire Plans Examiner, or Fire Investigator credential.
• Credentialing: Executive Fire Officer (EFO), Chief Fire Officer (CFO), or equivalent.
• Diverse fire service experience including specialty teams, interagency committees, or task forces.
• Experience with accreditation, ISO, and data-driven program evaluation.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Emergency Management, or related field; or equivalent of eight (8) years related experience may substitute for the education requirement only.

• Eight (8) years of progressive fire service experience, including three (3) years in a supervisory/management role (Company Officer or higher).
• Completion of FEMAICS100/200/700/800;ICS300/400within one (1) year of appointment.
• Hold and maintain a valid drivers' license.

SUPERVISION:

Supervision Received: Fire Chief

Supervision Exercised: Battalion Chiefs, Captains, Lieutenants, Inspectors, Investigators, Community Risk Reduction Manager, Community Risk Reduction Specialist

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Physical and Mental Effort: Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and in presentations. Sufficient vision to review reports, charts, and medical documentation. Sufficient manual dexterity to operate computers, medical equipment, and office equipment. Ability to walk, climb, and stand for extended periods. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Ability to manage stress and make sound decisions under emergency conditions.

Work Environment: Works in both office and field settings. Exposure to hazardous environments, EMS incidents, fire scenes, and outdoor environments. May be exposed to noise, dust, smoke, and weather. Subject to 24/7 recall during emergencies.

Machines and Equipment Used: Computers, EMS reporting systems, medical equipment, vehicles, radios, and standard office equipment.

As part of the City of Boulder’s commitment to a future with equitable access to health, prosperity, and fulfillment that is not limited by a person’s race, ethnicity, age, gender, ability, religion, sexuality, or socioeconomic status, it is the city’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all individuals.

The city does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or policy.

Add your voice and talents to the City of Boulder and help us grow in service excellence for an inspired future. Through our focus on Racial Equity, our employee benefits, and the programs and resources available to our diverse staff, we work to intentionally embed our core values into the fabric of our organization. The city recognizes that careers are shaped through many pathways, and we value the perspectives and talents that come with them. We believe that diversity in all its forms makes us stronger. We welcome candidates with a wide range of lived experiences and professional backgrounds — including those historically excluded or underrepresented in government. We especially encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others whose voices haven’t always been heard in public service. Our commitment to equity also extends to the planet we share. We're working toward a sustainable, thriving community that supports clean energy, protects ecosystems, and uses resources responsibly for generations to come.