Assistant Chief - Prevention/Inspection/Fire Marshal

JOB SUMMARY :

This is a management position responsible for the development, delivery and administration of Fire Prevention, enforcement of local, state and national fire and life safety codes and standards in the community and overseeing the CAD / Records Management system relating to fire inspections and investigations.

The position requires use of a considerable amount of judgment and includes participation in the formulation, determination and implementation of management policy.

The incumbent possesses effective authority to commit fire department resources to achieve program goals. The work involves supervision of professional staff, coordinating community-wide fire prevention activities, representing the department on matters of local and statewide concern, fiscal and personnel management.

The incumbent works under the direction of the Fire Chief, with general supervision by the Deputy Chief of Operations.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES :

Making sure you fit the guidelines as an applicant for this role is essential, please read the below carefully.

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as all-inclusive.

• Administer and manage, in conjunction with the IS Department, records management software and hardware, as well as, the mobile data computer (HDC) system related to fire inspections, fire investigations, public education, and risk reduction.
• Assist law enforcement authorities in conducting arson investigations.
• Develop and implement prevention plans and strategies to address general and specific fire and life safety problems in the community based on national standards and state / local fire building codes.
• Develop and recommend code and ordinance changes to enhance fire and life safety in the community.
• Develop training for department employees to develop and enhance prevention and inspection skills.
• Direct follow-up inspections to Fire Prevention staff and with the Shift Commanders and engine company inspectors.
• Coordinate the activities of station / company personnel engaged in fire inspection activities of the public, commercial and industrial buildings, and occupancies.
• Comply with departmental safety standards and techniques at all times.
• Conduct fire and life safety plan reviews of new construction and major remodeling projects to ensure compliance with local, state and national codes and nationally recognized best practices.
• Conduct performance reviews of subordinates as required.
• Issue permits as necessary to ensure safe open burning operations, fireworks, flammable liquids, etc.
• Prepare position statements regarding variance requirements to fire prevention codes and standards.
• Review fire protection / detection system plans.
• Review and inspect fire safety sprinklers, alarms and built-in fire protection system plans and installation to ensure compliance with local and state codes and national standards and nationally recognized best practices.
• Review inspection and fire reports for accuracy, direct changes as necessary, and issue possible citations.
• Review emergency response reports, develop and supervise data tracking methods to identify trends both locally and nationally.
• Represent the Chief as necessary on appropriate boards, panels and committees.
• Serves as shift commander as needed and when directed by the Fire Chief.
• Serve as a credible witness or expert in a court of law.
• Supervise, coordinate and develop procedures for fire cause investigations to include the coordination of training for fire investigators, including internal and / or external training.
• Supervise fire inspection duties of Shift Inspectors and company inspections.
• Work with other Neenah and Menasha department managers on new developments, plats, licenses, ordinances, etc.

Additional Tasks and Responsibilities :

The following tasks, while not essential, are necessary to the successful operation of the department. Such tasks may be shared with other unit members.

• Administer and manage NFIRS data and distribute to appropriate reporting agency.
• Handle complaints received from public in a timely manner.
• Maintain records and answers correspondence regarding false alarms and fire prevention codes.
• Perform functions including typing, computer entry and communication with the public.
• Use area demographics, NIFIRS statistics and various diagnostic tools to target area needs and plan appropriate interventions.
• Recommend changes to policies and SOP’s as may be necessary to ensure safe and effective operation of the department.
• Work with Chief Officers in scheduling, planning and directing department activities and training.
• Write reports concerning personnel as required by the Fire Chief.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :

• Associate’s degree in Fire Science or related field.
• Wisconsin Firefighter I, Wisconsin Firefighter II, Driver / Operator-Pumper, and Wisconsin Fire Officer I certifications required.
• Wisconsin Fire Instructor I and II and Inspector required within 12 months of hire. Employees with equivalent out of state certifications must receive the Wisconsin certifications within 12 months of hire.
• NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, and 700 certification must be completed within 6 months of hire.
• Obtain and maintain a Wisconsin Fire Detection, Prevention and Suppression Inspector license.
• Valid State of Wisconsin First Responder License and CPR Certification.
• Valid Wisconsin Driver’s license and good driving record required.
• Three to five years fire prevention, suppression, investigation, and building plan experience.
• Three years management / supervisory experience.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES :

• Knowledge of fire science, fire behavior and fire protection engineering / technology.
• Knowledge of fire investigations as it relates to cause and origin of fire(s).
• Knowledge of codes, laws and ordinances, Wisconsin Revised Statutes and specific fire conditions of the community.
• Knowledge and understanding of Neenah / Menasha safety policies, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of departmental and Neenah / Menasha policies, SOPs and labor agreements.
• Skill in fire prevention methods and practices.
• Skill in functional reasoning and applying rational judgment in performing diversified work activities.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in compiling data and preparing reports.
• Ability to utilize and interpret a variety of advisory data and information and relay such information to others as appropriate.
• Ability to prepare, copy, record and transcribe data and information both written and orally.
• Ability to classify, compute and tabulate data and information following a prescribed plan.
• Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure and sort information.
• Ability to analyze community’s fire prevention needs and identify target hazards.
• Ability to recognize situations that need action and react with quick and accurate response.
• Ability to exercise judgment when interpreting data and regulations.
• Ability to resolve conflict at the lowest levels.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and delegate as appropriate.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.

The City of Neenah is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

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