Fire Marshal

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The County Fire Marshal is responsible for the administration, coordination, and enforcement of the North Carolina State Fire Prevention Code and applicable local ordinances as set forth in North Carolina General Statute 153A-234. This position oversees fire inspections, plans review, fire investigations, public education, and supports emergency management functions. The Fire Marshal ensures compliance with state statutes, promotes life safety, and reduces fire risk across the county. An employee in this classification is responsible for the comprehensive management of the Fire Marshal’s Office, including the supervision and oversight of Fire Inspections, Fire Investigations, Fire Plans, and Community Risk Reduction programs. Additionally, the Fire Marshal will support the Emergency Services Fire Director in the administration and strategic direction of contracted County Fire service agencies.

DISTINGUISING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

This senior-level position is responsible for managing and directing all functions of the Fire Marshal’s Office, including fire prevention, code compliance, and life safety programming. Beyond internal management, the role serves as the County Fire Marshal, providing expert staff assistance to Department Directors and facilitating coordination among various Fire Protection Districts, public schools, and municipalities. During Emergency Operations Center activations, this role serves in a senior leadership role for the fire services.

Fire Code Enforcement & Inspections

• Enforces the North Carolina State Fire Prevention Code and local fire ordinances.
• Ensures inspections of commercial, industrial, institutional, and assembly occupancies.
• Issues notices of violation and ensures corrective actions are completed.
• Maintains inspection records in accordance with state and departmental requirements.
• Coordinates inspection priorities and follow-ups.

• Ensures the review of building construction plans for compliance with fire and life safety codes.
• Works with allied agencies in inspections and planning departments.
• Provides technical guidance to developers, contractors, and design professionals.
• Evaluates fire protection systems including alarms, sprinklers, and suppression systems.

Fire Investigations

• Conducts origin and cause investigations of fires and explosions.
• Determines fire cause (accidental, natural, incendiary, undetermined).
• Coordinates with law enforcement agencies when criminal activity is suspected.
• Prepare detailed reports and may provide courtroom testimony.

Public Education & Community Risk Reduction

• Develops and delivers fire prevention and life safety education programs.
• Engages with schools, businesses, and community organizations.
• Promotes fire safety awareness, burn prevention, and emergency preparedness.

Emergency Management Support

• Supports the county Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during activations.
• Serves in designated ICS/EOC roles as assigned.
• Assists with hazard mitigation planning and risk assessments.
• Coordinates with emergency services partners during incidents and disasters.

Administrative & Leadership Functions

• Supervises Fire Marshal staff (Deputy Fire Marshal, Assistant Fire Marshals, Fire Prevention Inspectors.
• Develop policies, SOPs, and annual work plans.
• Prepares and manages program budgets.
• Tracks performance metrics and ensures compliance with state mandates. Represent the county in regional and state fire prevention initiatives.
• Provides the strategic focus for the daily operations of the Fire Marshal’s Office, including the establishment of priorities, workload, quality, and evaluation of the function.
• Assist the Fire Services Director in managing and directing assigned divisions and special projects as needed.
• Assist the Fire Services Director with coordination of Fire Protection Districts including strategic planning, operations, ratings inspections, and budgets
• Serve as technical lead on all fire code related matters, including interpretation of fire code
• Development of goals and objectives of the Fire Marshal’s division.
• Assist in development and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Coordinates efforts and communications between internal resources and all allied agencies.
• Prepare budgets for areas of responsibility.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports.
• Participate in the forecast of funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of principles and practices of organization, administration and personnel management involving emergency services/public safety and fire prevention code.
• Working knowledge of computer programs and software including but not limited to Fireworks and Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to accurately develop and maintain necessary records and databases.
• Ability to become proficient in the use of the County Fire Records Management software Fireworks and permitting software Tyler Technologies EPL
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Knowledge of medical responder treatment protocols.
• Ability to conduct research to stay abreast of all aspects of current emergency and fire service information.
• Working knowledge of ISO and NC Insurance Ratings Program

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Fire Protection Technology or related field and five years of experience in emergency services administration, public service, research, or other related field including at least three years of direct fire inspections experience; OR Associates Degree in Fire Science, Fire Protection Technology, or related field and seven years of experience in the fire service with five years of direct fire inspections experience.

3 years of volunteer fire experience is equal to 1 year of fulltime firefighter experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Valid North Carolina vehicle operator’s license
• Certifications:
  • Level III Fire Code Official
  • Haz-Mat Operation
  • NC Firefighter
  • NIMS ICS 100, 200, 700, & 800

Preferred Requirements

• NC Emergency Medical Technician
• NC or National Certified Fire Investigator
• Documented Supervisory experience
• NIMS ICS 300, 400

Additional Requirements:

All senior Emergency Services staff are considered essential County personnel and are subject to an “On-call” and “emergency call back” status and must be a resident of Guilford County or live within five (5) miles or ten (10) minutes of the Guilford County line.

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

An employee in this position must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. The employee must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Must be able to properly wear a respirator and annually pass a fit test administered utilizing 1910.134-Appendix A.

Driving is Essential

Driving is an essential requirement of this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver’s license and that the driving record is compatible with the county’s driving criteria.

If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County’s vehicle use policy.

Special Note: This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job description with physical abilities checklist which can be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal defensible personnel decisions.