Head of Fire Prevention & Life Safety

Walton County Sheriff's Office; DeFuniak Springs (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Walton County Sheriff's Office in DeFuniak Springs, FL seeks a Division Chief – Fire Marshal to oversee all fire prevention, life safety, investigations, and code enforcement within the Division of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services.

This leadership role requires strategic planning, budget oversight, staff supervision, coordination with public safety agencies, and active community risk reduction efforts to reduce fire risk.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in fire-related field as required.
• Six years of fire service operations with two years in investigations/inspections.
• Equivalent education/experience accepted.
• Experience developing oversight to programs a must.
• Valid Driver License.
• Certifications: Florida Firefighter, Florida Fire Safety Inspector II, Florida Fire Investigator, Life Safety Educator.
• Preferred: Bachelor's degree in related field and Fire Code Official/Administrator certification.
• NFPA 1037 or CRR-C certification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative direction and management of all fire prevention and life safety programs.
• Develop and implement fire prevention goals, policies, and procedures.
• Enforce building and fire codes and review construction plans for compliance.
• Oversee fire inspections, investigations, and permitting processes.
• Supervise personnel and manage performance, promotions, and training.
• Lead policy development, budget planning, and strategic initiatives.
• Maintain CRR program and lead public education and life safety initiatives.
• Coordinate with other divisions and external agencies for prevention priorities.

Skills

Fire prevention codes

Code enforcement

Emergency incident command

Budgeting

Leadership

Communication

Strategic planning

Team supervision

Education

Associate degree in fire science technology or related field

Bachelor’s degree in fire science or related field

Job description

The Walton County Sheriff's Office in DeFuniak Springs, FL seeks a Division Chief – Fire Marshal to oversee all fire prevention, life safety, investigations, and code enforcement within the Division of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services.

This leadership role requires strategic planning, budget oversight, staff supervision, coordination with public safety agencies, and active community risk reduction efforts to reduce fire risk.