Job Details

Deputy Fire Marshal

The Deputy Fire Marshal will alternate between fire inspections and fire investigations. The Deputy Fire Marshal will inspect buildings and equipment to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws. The Deputy Fire Marshal may investigate and gather facts to determine cause and origin of fires and explosions and will assist the Fire Marshal in case development.

Receives direction from the Fire Marshal.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conduct fire and life safety inspections of mercantile and manufacturing businesses, public buildings, and state licensed facilities.
• Develop and present fire education programs to businesses, various groups and public/private schools.
• Provide classroom instruction fire/life safety hazards.
• Investigate complaints regarding hazardous conditions and fire code violations.
• Investigate cause and origin of fires.
• Investigate reported burn injuries.
• Interview victims, witnesses and suspects.
• Collect evidence.
• Prepare documentation for civil and criminal courts.
• Arrest arson suspects and testify in court (If TCLEOSE Certified).
• Review blueprints for fire code compliance.
• Prepare memorandums and technical reports.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Physical requirements include mobility within an office and field environment; exposure to toxic waste, chemical, dust/mites, fume, odor, explosive, electrical and mechanical hazards; exposure to extreme cold, heat, temperature swings, and heights; walking; twisting body; stooping; standing; squatting; sitting; seeing; running; pushing, pulling, lifting, dragging, and carrying up to 40 pounds; climbing; crawling; reading; decision making; reaching above shoulder level; using both hands for simple and firm grasping; clarity of hearing; communicating clearly and effectively, in person and by two-way radio; fine finger manipulation; operation of calculator, personal computer and typewriter; operation of flam/comb detector and a variety of hand tools; operation of a motor vehicle through city traffic.

Qualifications include knowledge of principles, practices, methods, and techniques of modern fire inspections and fire investigations; applicable laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and codes pertaining to fire inspection and investigation; plan, direct and organize public fire education programs; ability to work independently and self initiate activities; experience with public speaking and/or presentation of fire prevention programs; basic computer knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum requirements and prerequisite knowledge include a high school diploma or GED, ability to read, write, and speak English, possession of a valid Texas driver's license, 2 years of experience in conducting fire inspections preferred, Basic Fire Inspector, required. Arson Investigator License issued by Texas Commission on Fire Protection, preferred. Basic Texas Peace Office License issued by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education, preferred.

Duties, responsibilities and actions may change at any time with or without notice. The City of La Porte is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Qualified Individuals.