Fire Marshal

Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 74,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana State University seeks a University Fire Marshal to lead fire code enforcement and life safety programs for the MSU Bozeman campus. You will oversee inspections, testing of fire protection systems, and coordination with city authorities to ensure compliance across 120+ buildings.

The role requires significant technical knowledge of NFPA/ICC codes, plan review, and post‑fire investigations. It offers an exempt, full‑time position with opportunities for leadership and campus safety impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or Associates Degree in Fire Science, Fire Administration or other related field plus two years of full‑time (or part‑time equivalent) work in fire safety and emergency services, plus current certification in fire inspection through NFPA or ICC, or an equivalent combination of relevant education, experience, and training (such as a firefighter) plus current certification in fire inspection through NFPA or ICC, and five or more years working in fire and life safety.
• Working knowledge of ICC/NFPA fire codes and fire protection systems including building alarm systems, smoke detection, suppression systems, and testing/inspection criteria.
• Ability to read architectural plans and provide feedback on fire alarm, suppression, occupancy, egress, and life safety code compliance areas.

Responsibilities

• Act as AHJ for fire code enforcement and application for the MSU Bozeman campus.
• Interpret and enforce codes across campus based on occupancy and building age.
• Manage Deputy Fire Marshal schedule and duties.
• Coordinate testing and maintenance of fire protection systems with stakeholders and contractors.
• Coordinate building fire code inspections with supervisors and local fire department.
• Review building plans for fire code compliance on capital projects.
• Conduct post‑fire investigations with University Police and local fire department.
• Prepare annual Fire & Life Safety activity reports.
• Maintain fire system drawings with CAD staff.
• Develop and review evacuation plans with Building Supervisors.
• Provide fire extinguisher training and related outreach.

Skills

Fire safety experience

Fire inspection certification

Code compliance knowledge

Plan reading skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Associate in Fire Science/Administration

Tools

MS Office

iAuditor

Job description

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27045 For questions regarding this position, please contact: Lisa Dorn [e-mail] 406-994-7870

Classification Title Occup Safety/Health Spec II Working Title Fire Marshal Brief Position Overview Responsible for fire code application and enforcement, fire code inspections, fire systems inspections/testing, code review for new construction and major renovations, fire drills and associated coordination, fire extinguisher program, and fire and life safety-related training.

Position Number 4M0558 Department Safety & Risk Mgmt Division University Services Appointment Type Classified Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Minimum $82,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type Classified Salary If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open

General Statement

Safety & Risk Management (SRM) strives to protect the people, property and assets of the MSU Bozeman campus. It provides expertise and management in the following areas: risk assessment and mitigation strategies; MSU workers’ compensation and Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work (SAW/RTW) programs and policy; Property/Casualty insurance programs and loss control; Occupational Health & Safety programs; Industrial Hygiene programs; chemical and hazardous waste programs; Electronic Waste and Universal waste programs; Biowaste program; Fire & Life Safety; EHS policy and training.

The position of University Fire Marshal reports to the Director of SRM, along with the State Fire Marshal, and is responsible for fire code application and enforcement, fire code inspections, fire systems inspections/testing, code review for new construction and major renovations, fire drills and associated coordination, fire extinguisher program, and fire and life safety-related training. The position works independently and demonstrates high-level decision‑making on behalf of the Department and University, impacting over 120 buildings totaling over 5 million gross square feet. The MSU Bozeman campus, taken on its own, is roughly the size of the 8th largest city in the State of Montana.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Independently act as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for fire code enforcement and application for the MSU Bozeman campus. Incumbent has designation as Special Deputy State Fire Marshal with the Montana Department of Justice Fire Marshal Office. Responsible for supporting MSU Bozeman’s campus with roughly 19,000 students, faculty and staff, over 120 buildings and 5 million gross square feet.
• The above includes code interpretation and enforcement across the entire campus and requires determination of applicable codes based upon type of occupancy and building age.
• Manage schedule and duties associated with the Deputy Fire Marshal.
• Schedule, coordinate, supervise, and direct all testing and maintenance of fire protection systems with stakeholders and licensed contractors to include building alarm systems; smoke detection systems; wet, dry & special agent suppression systems; water main and hydrants and associated components.
• Coordinate and perform building fire code inspections with building supervisors and the Bozeman Fire Department.
• Perform building plan fire code review for capital projects and major renovations.
• Perform post‑fire investigation in concert with University Police and the Bozeman Fire Department as appropriate.
• Provide annual report on Fire & Life Safety related activities each fiscal year.
• In partnership with the Campus Planning, Design & Construction Computer Aided Design staff, maintain accurate fire system drawings.
• Schedule, coordinate and develop/review building evacuation plans with Building Supervisors.
• Provide expertise and review of special events that may include pyrotechnics or require review of fire evacuation planning.
• Manages the fire extinguisher program and all related duties associated.
• Provide fire extinguisher training.
• Provide education and outreach as related to fire safety.
• Provide training on fire extinguishers and other fire and life safety topics as requested.
• Act as liaison between the University and City Fire Department and Building Code officials.
• Assist in planning, coordinating and ensuring fire drills are conducted timely and appropriately.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree or Associates Degree in Fire Science, Fire Administration or other related field plus two years of full‑time (or part‑time equivalent) work in fire safety and emergency services, plus current certification in fire inspection through either the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or International Codes Council (ICC), or an equivalent combination of relevant education, experience, and training (such as a fire fighter) plus current certification in fire inspection through either the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or International Codes Council (ICC), and five or more years working in fire and life safety. If in need of inspector credentials, must be able to obtain within probationary period.
• Working knowledge of the International Codes Council fire codes and the NFPA codes referenced therein and of fire protection systems to include building alarm systems; smoke detection systems; wet, dry & special agent suppression systems and associated components and testing/inspection criteria.
• Knowledge of how to test municipal fire systems, including building systems, water mains, and hydrants and ability to perform building fire drills and fire code inspections.
• Ability to read architectural plans and provide clear feedback pertaining to fire alarm systems, fire suppression systems, emergency lighting, occupancy types, egress, and other relevant fire and life safety code compliance areas.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of the Montana State University campus (or similar) with respect to occupancy types, laboratory operations, facilities operations, and associated fire and life safety issues.
• Experience working and interacting with city and state fire department staff, leadership, and fire marshals.
• Ability to articulate ideas clearly, practice active listening, and collaborate cross functionally.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Work independently and to make high-level decisions on behalf of the University to ensure compliance with fire and life safety codes and best practices.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and students at all levels of the organization, as well as outside stakeholders such as the State Fire Marshal, the City Fire Marshal, Fire Department staff, City Code officials, and University Police.
• Manage time effectively, and to work with attention to detail.
• Use personal computers and software such as e-mail, web browsers, MS Office, and iAuditor.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills and competence in communicating information, directions, and procedures to internal and external stakeholders.
• Schedule, coordinate and perform fire systems testing.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

Current certification in fire inspection through either the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or International Codes Council (ICC), and five or more years working in fire and life safety. If in need of inspector credentials, must be able to obtain within probationary period.

Must possess currently or be eligible to obtain a valid State of Montana Driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record (less than 12 points). Do NOT send a copy of the driver’s license.

This position may work non‑routine hours for events and emergencies.

In accordance with MSU policy, hiring will be conditional upon successful completion of a pre‑employment background check.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities