Lieutenant - Inspections

About the role

The Lieutenant position is a critical leadership and operational supervisory role within the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office (HCFMO) Prevention Bureau. Lieutenants serve as the direct link between Captains, Sergeants, and field personnel and are responsible for ensuring that organizational expectations, policies, operational priorities, and performance standards are consistently carried out within their assigned area. The role provides day‑to‑day leadership while maintaining operational readiness, technical competency, professionalism, and accountability of assigned personnel.

Responsibilities

• Leadership and Supervision: Provide high‑level supervision and leadership to multiple teams, resources, and personnel; ensure daily and long‑term objectives are met.
• Operational Coordination: Oversee and manage agency activities through effective resource management, deployment, and support in alignment with HCFMO policies, procedures, and strategic goals.
• Strategic Planning: Assist in developing and implementing strategic plans to improve operational efficiency, personnel development, and public safety initiatives; collaborate with senior leadership.
• Incident Management: Manage HCFMO services at emergency incidents and assigned non‑emergency events; coordinate response teams, collaborate with other emergency services, and ensure safety of personnel and the public.
• Administrative Oversight: Manage reporting, record‑keeping, and documentation for multiple teams; ensure compliance with deadlines, legal requirements, and internal policies.
• Budget Management: Assist in budget planning and management for respective branches or units; ensure efficient allocation of resources within budget constraints.
• Policy and Procedure Development: Assist in developing, reviewing, and implementing HCFMO policies and procedures; ensure compliance with applicable regulations and standards.
• Training and Development: Develop and implement training programs to improve technical and leadership capabilities of Sergeants and other team members; ensure personnel maintain relevant certifications.
• Community Engagement and Public Relations: Represent HCFMO at public meetings, community events, and other engagements; promote fire safety, prevention, and awareness campaigns.
• Performance Management: Monitor and evaluate performance of Sergeants and subordinate staff; provide feedback, recommend promotions, and handle disciplinary actions.
• Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned that align with HCFMO policies, procedures, and strategic vision.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
• TCFP Fire Inspector I and II.
• TCFP Plans Examiner.
• NIMS ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 certifications.
• No criminal history that would prevent commissioning or continued employment.
• Demonstrated supervisory and leadership experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of HCFMO Prevention Bureau operations, policies, procedures, and applicable fire and life‑safety codes.
• Valid Texas Driver's License.
• Candidates possessing a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Basic Peace Officer License or higher will be subject to additional position requirements (FM Lieutenant, LE) and must complete the TCOLE Personal History Statement and Background Investigation Authorization forms.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Leadership & Supervision
• Program Development & Management
• Budget Insight & Management
• Evaluation & Feedback
• Problem Solving & Adaptability
• Senior‑Level Decision‑Making
• Mentoring & Development
• Interpersonal Skills
• Technical Presentation
• Critical Incident Response
• Situational Awareness
• Knowledge of incident management systems (NIMS) and, within one year, proof of completion of ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal rules and regulations.

Licenses and Certifications

• TCFP Advanced Fire Inspector or higher.
• TCOLE Basic Peace Officer or higher.
• TCFP Instructor.
• TCFP Fire Investigator.
• NIMS ICS 300, 400.
• ICC certifications.
• NICET certifications.
• Current rank of Sergeant or higher within HCFMO.

Preferences

• Associate Degree with fire service, fire prevention, code enforcement, emergency management, public safety, or related experience; or Bachelor’s Degree with comparable focus.
• Successful experience in a supervisory or team‑leadership capacity.
• Participation in ICC, NFPA, SBC, TCFP, or similar committees.
• Incident Management Team experience.
• Public Information Officer experience.
• Program or project management experience.
• Experience developing or delivering technical training.
• Experience mentoring, coaching, or providing formal field training.
• Experience representing HCFMO before stakeholders, County departments, community organizations, or professional groups.
• Experience representing an agency before elected officials, public meetings, or professional organizations.

Pay

Hourly rate $47.55 – $66.57, depending on qualifications; based on 26 pay periods.

Schedule

Regular full‑time Monday‑Friday, 40‑hour workweek. Position may require flex time, after‑hours, night, holiday, and weekend work, possibly without prior notice. Overtime and weekend work may be required for special program events.

Work Environment

Light work, occasionally exerting up to 20 lb of force. Work performed both indoors and outdoors in heat, cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. May require personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to various hazards.

Location

2318 Atascocita Rd, Humble, TX 77396

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen. Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check that includes fingerprinting. Automatic disqualification applies for certain felony and misdemeanor convictions, open arrests, or family‑violence convictions as detailed in the posting.