Fire Marshal

Announcement Number: STAFF - VA - 27045 | For questions, contact Lisa Dorn at lisa.dorn@montana.edu or 406-994-7870.

About the Role

Safety & Risk Management (SRM) strives to protect the people, property, and assets of the MSU Bozeman campus. It provides expertise and management in 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 University Fire Marshal reports to the Director of SRM, along with the State Fire Marshal, and is responsible for fire code application and enforcement across over 120 buildings totaling over 5 million gross square feet. The MSU Bozeman campus is roughly the size of the 8th largest city in Montana, serving approximately 19,000 students, faculty, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Act as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for fire code enforcement and application for the MSU Bozeman campus, including designation as Special Deputy State Fire Marshal with the Montana Department of Justice Fire Marshal Office.
• Interpret and enforce fire codes across campus, determining applicable codes based on occupancy type and building age.
• Schedule, coordinate, supervise, and direct testing and maintenance of fire protection systems, including building alarm systems, smoke detection systems, wet/dry/special agent suppression systems, water mains, hydrants, and associated components.
• Coordinate and perform building fire code inspections with building supervisors and the Bozeman Fire Department.
• Perform fire code review for capital projects and major renovations, including plan review for fire alarm systems, suppression systems, emergency lighting, occupancy types, egress, and other life safety compliance areas.
• Conduct post-fire investigations in coordination with University Police and the Bozeman Fire Department.
• Provide an annual report on Fire & Life Safety activities each fiscal year.
• Maintain accurate fire system drawings in partnership with Campus Planning, Design & Construction CAD staff.
• Schedule, coordinate, and develop/review building evacuation plans with Building Supervisors.
• Provide expertise and review for special events involving pyrotechnics or requiring fire evacuation planning.
• Manage the fire extinguisher program, including training and related duties.
• Provide fire safety education, outreach, and training on fire extinguishers and other life safety topics.
• Act as liaison between the University and City Fire Department and Building Code officials.
• Assist in planning, coordinating, and ensuring timely and appropriate fire drills.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or Associate’s Degree in Fire Science, Fire Administration, or a related field, plus two years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) work in fire safety and emergency services, or an equivalent combination of relevant education, experience, and training (such as a firefighter) plus five or more years working in fire and life safety.
• Current certification in fire inspection through either the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or International Codes Council (ICC). If not currently certified, must obtain certification within the probationary period.
• Working knowledge of International Codes Council fire codes, NFPA codes, and fire protection systems, including building alarm systems, smoke detection systems, wet/dry/special agent suppression systems, and associated testing/inspection criteria.
• Ability to test municipal fire systems, including building systems, water mains, and hydrants, and to perform building fire drills and fire code inspections.
• Ability to read architectural plans and provide clear feedback on fire alarm systems, suppression systems, emergency lighting, occupancy types, egress, and other life safety compliance areas.
• Must possess or be eligible to obtain a valid State of Montana Driver’s license with an acceptable driving record (less than 12 points).
• Ability to work non-routine hours for events and emergencies.
• Must successfully complete a pre-employment background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Montana State University campus (or similar) regarding occupancy types, laboratory operations, facilities operations, and associated fire and life safety issues.
• Experience working with city and state fire department staff, leadership, and fire marshals.
• Strong collaboration and active listening skills, with the ability to articulate ideas clearly across functional teams.

Skills

• Ability to work independently and make high-level decisions ensuring compliance with fire and life safety codes and best practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with competence in conveying information, directions, and procedures to internal and external stakeholders.
• Effective time management and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with personal computers and software such as email, web browsers, MS Office, and iAuditor.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students, and external stakeholders, including the State Fire Marshal, City Fire Marshal, Fire Department staff, City Code officials, and University Police.

Physical Demands

• Ability to routinely transport up to 25 pounds, with or without accommodation.
• Ability to use ladders to inspect valves at heights and access rooftops via fixed ladders.
• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Pay

Minimum salary of $82,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

Benefits

This is a full-time (1.0 FTE), benefits-eligible classified position.