DEPUTY FIRE MARSHAL - Fire Marshal's Office

Summary

The Deputy Fire Marshal is responsible for investigating fires, arson, explosions, fire hazards, complaints, and bomb threats. They will also prepare and file arson cases to the Criminal District Attorney's Office, maintain and enforce the Tarrant County Fire Code for the unincorporated areas of the County, conduct fire safety inspections in County buildings and jails, and teach fire prevention. This position works with all of the fire departments in the County.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Investigates fires, arson, explosions and related crimes.
• Administers and enforces the Tarrant County Fire Code.
• Issues permits, collects permits and inspection fees, reviews construction and fire suppression system plans, and inspects new businesses.
• Works with builders and business owners on new construction projects and conducts site visits and inspections on new construction projects.
• Provides fire prevention education and training.
• Works with county, city, state, and federal agencies regarding fire investigations and complaints.
• Maintains files, records, and reports.
• Coordinates the Tarrant County Arson Task Force.
• Works with the Tarrant County Emergency Services District #1 and all of the fire departments in the County on inspections, investigations, and training.
• Serves as part of the response team for emergency management dealing with disasters and Homeland Security issues.
• Coordinates and investigates hazmat incidents in the unincorporated areas and smaller cities.
• Enforces State fireworks rules, inspects fireworks stands, and issues and reviews firework permits.
• Files arson cases with the Criminal District Attorney's Office and testifies in court.
• Conducts fire and life safety inspections and handles complaints.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of building construction, materials, codes and laws related to fire prevention.
• Knowledge of fire investigation methods and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational, observation and analytical skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and public speaking abilities.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Five (5) years of fire/arson investigating, fire inspection experience, and criminal investigating.
• Texas Commission on Fire Protection certified Fire/Arson Investigator and Fire Inspector.
• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement licensed Peace Officer.
• Valid Texas driver license.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is regularly required to bend, be exposed to burns, carry, climb ladders and stairs, be exposed to electrical hazards, grasp/squeeze, use hand tools, hear, tolerate hot and cold indoor temperatures, use a keyboard, kneel, lift below the waist, lift between waist and shoulder, lift overhead, lift to the side/twist, use material handling equipment, tolerate noise, tolerate hot and cold outdoor temperatures, pull, push, be exposed to radiation, reach, reach overhead, perform repetitive tasks, negotiate rough or uneven surfaces, see color, see far and near, sit, negotiate slippery surfaces, be exposed to solvents, squat, stand, talk, twist, use hands, drive a vehicle, be exposed to vibration, walk, walk on an incline, use a wide hand spread, work at height, work alone and with others, and work overtime. At fire scenes, incumbents are exposed to fire, heat, smoke, and other gas by‑products from the fire. They can be exposed to a proliferation of synthetic products and plastics and other toxic chemicals that release carcinogenic by‑products when burned. Investigating the fire scene requires incumbents to enter hazardous areas and walk, climb, and crawl through fire debris. Many times, incumbents have to reconstruct fire scenes that require them to move, carry, or replace items that were moved during the fire‑extinguishing operations. Incumbents are exposed to electrical hazards, chemicals, burned debris, possible explosive devices, and hazardous materials. Incumbents can serve warrants, which could subject them to struggles and violence.