Fire Code Compliance Specialist (Fire & Emergency Service Manager)

Sdsoybean; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 53,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid holidays

Job summary

South Dakota Army National Guard seeks a Fire Code Compliance Specialist at Camp Rapid in Rapid City. You will inspect, test, and maintain fire detection and suppression systems in accordance with laws and standards.

The ideal candidate holds an associate's degree in Fire Science or related field, and demonstrates experience in fire services, safety operations, and risk assessments. A CAC and background check are required for this federal/state role.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Fire Science or related field.
• Experience in active fire services, civilian fire prevention, or emergency management is preferred.
• Experience conducting fire risk assessments and design/blueprint reviews.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fire risk assessments and life safety reviews.
• Review building designs for fire/life safety compliance.
• Inspect and test fire detection and suppression systems.
• Coordinate with SDARNG Safety Office and emergency personnel.
• Maintain compliance records and schedules for maintenance projects.
• Perform facility inspections at Camp Rapid and training sites.

Skills

Fire safety knowledge

OSHA regulations

NFPA codes

Communication

Blueprint reading

Education

Associate's degree in Fire Science

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Rapid City, SD | Transportation | Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly

25.69 - 32.09 US per hour

Posted yesterday | Apply before October 7, 2026

Description

Job ID: 37724
Agency: Department of the Military / Construction and Facilities Management Office / Operations and Maintenance Branch within the SD Army National Guard
Location: Rapid City, SDSalary: $25.69-$32.09 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: I
Closing Date: 10/07/2026

This is a full-time position with the Department of the Military. For more information on the Department of the Military, please visit http://military.sd.gov/ .

This vacancy is a civilian / state position within the Construction and Facilities Management Office (CFMO), Operation and Maintenance Branch, of the South Dakota Department of the Military, supporting the South Dakota Army National Guard (SDARNG). Located at Camp Rapid in Rapid City, the Fire Code Compliance Specialist is the primary authority responsible for ensuring all SDARNG fire detection, notification, suppression, and life safety systems are inspected, tested, and maintained in strict accordance with current laws, codes, regulations, and standards.

The selected individual will perform critical technical work, including conducting comprehensive design reviews of new construction and renovation plans to provide comments on Life Health Safety (LHS) issues, alongside performing periodic field inspections to verify proper system installations. On an ongoing basis, the specialist will conduct facility inspections to perform Fire Risk Assessments and carry out routine inspections of military training grounds to ensure the proper mitigation of wildland fire risks.

Additionally, this position will actively collaborate with facility occupants, serve as a vital liaison to local community emergency personnel, partner closely with the SDARNG Safety Office, provide fire safety training, schedule and manage maintenance projects, maintain precise compliance records, and ensure overall adherence to department policies and procedures..

This position will work four 10-hour days, 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday or Tuesday through Friday. Work schedule may vary due to emergency situations or travel.

The individual selected will undergo a National Security Check to obtain a Common Access Card (CAC) for access to the federal computer system.

Must posses a valid driver’s license.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Preferred Fire Service Certifications (Highly Desirable);
• Structural Firefighting: Firefighter I & II and Hazardous Materials Operations (NFPA 1001 standard);
• Wildland Firefighting: National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) S-130 (Firefighter Training) and S-190 (Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior) certifications;
• Preferred Technical Certifications (Highly Desirable):
• National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level II or III in Fire Alarm Systems;
• NICET Level II or III in Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems;
• NICET Level II or III in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems;
• NICET Level II or III in Special Hazards Suppression Systems;
• NICET Level II or III in Water-Based System Layout (or Automatic Sprinkler System Layout).

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• An Associate's degree in Fire Science, Fire Protection Technology, Construction Management, or a closely related field; OR an equivalent combination of education, technical training, and professional experience;
• A proven track record in active fire services, civilian fire prevention, municipal code enforcement, emergency management, or industrial safety operations;
• Demonstrated experience conducting fire risk assessments, performing building design/blueprint reviews, and testing or maintaining complex commercial fire detection and suppression systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• OSHA Laws & Regulations (29 CFR): Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, which are extremely relevant to occupational safety, facility compliance, and general industry standards;
• NFPA Codes & Standards: National Fire Protection Association codes and standards, which are critical for the inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) of fire safety and prevention system;
• International Building Code (IBC): International Building Code standards, which are highly relevant for conducting structural design plan reviews and assessing construction compliance;
• Military Facilities Management & Safety Policies: Army Regulation (AR) 420-1 (Chapter 25, Fire and Emergency Services) and Department of the Army Pamphlet (DA Pam) 385-10 (Army Safety Program);
• National Guard Regulations: National Guard Regulation (NGR) 420-10 and National Guard Pamphlet (NG Pam) 420-10 (Construction and Facilities Management);
• Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC): UFC 3-600-01 (Fire Protection Engineering for Facilities) and UFC 3-600-02 (Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems).

Skill to:

• Communicate Effectively: Deliver clear, concise, and professional oral and written communications to establish strong working relationships with building occupants, safety offices, state contractors, and municipal emergency personnel;
• Utilize Technology: Demonstrate proficiency in computer systems and office software (specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook) to accurately schedule maintenance, draft compliance reports, and manage digital safety records;
• Navigate Fire Alarm Panels: Inspect, interface with, and interpret signals or trouble codes across multiple types of Fire Alarm Control Panels (FACPs) and system transmitters;
• Evaluate Fire Suppression Systems: Operate, monitor, and assess the functional readiness of multiple fire suppression system configurations (e.g., wet/dry sprinkler systems, deluge systems, and chemical suppression systems).

Operational & Technical Abilities:

• Maintain On-Call Availability: Respond to facility emergencies, critical system failures, or alarm events outside of standard business hours (24/7);
• Analyze Technical Plans: Read, interpret, and evaluate architectural drawings, blueprints, and construction specifications for fire and life safety compliance;
• Diagnose & Troubleshoot: Analyze complex fire alarm and suppression equipment failures, identify root causes, and coordinate effective repairs;
• Manage Multiple Projects: Organize, prioritize, and oversee several inspection, testing, and maintenance projects simultaneously while keeping accurate records.

Interpersonal & Communication Abilities:

• Deliver Technical Training: Translate highly technical fire codes and regulations into clear, understandable training and guidance for diverse audiences;
• Foster Collaborative Relationships: Establish and maintain positive, productive working relationships with state vendors, municipal emergency agencies, and facility stakeholders.

Physical & Environmental Abilities:

• Perform Physical Inspection Duties: Work safely at heights (from ladders, scaffolding, or platforms) and maneuver within confined spaces or utility structures;
• Meet Physical Demands: Lift, carry, and maneuver equipment, tooling, or fire extinguishers weighing up to 50 pounds;
• Adapt to Environments: Work outdoors in all weather conditions and navigate uneven terrain across training sites and wildland areas.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9.The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here .This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.