Deputy Fire Marshal

Under the direction of the Fire Marshal, this position is accountable for assisting nuisance/abatement as outlined H&SC Chapter 341 and 343 and fire investigations as required by VCS Art. 1606C as well as training of County employees and citizens involved in all four phases of emergency management. Patrols unincorporated areas and enforces applicable state and local laws to prevent illegal dumping, littering, the accumulation of refuse and junk near public highways, the regulations of sight distances along County roads, and public nuisances. Ensures environmental safety in unincorporated areas, and other areas throughout Dallas County when requested by city or state agencies.Education, Experience and Training:
Education and experience equivalent to an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in a job related field of study with at least 30 college credit hours in public safety. Three (3) years of public safety, law enforcement, code enforcement, or fire service experience.

In addition, must have successfully maintained all State Department commissioning requirements (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education - TCOLE certification as a Peace Officer).

A candidate may be considered for a Deputy Fire Marshal Recruit at a lower salary grade with one of the following below and must have successfully maintained all State Department commissioning requirements (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education - TCOLE certification as a Peace Officer):

1) Certified Law Enforcement Officer OR
2) one (1) year of law enforcement, code enforcement or fire service experience OR
3) thirty (30) hours of college from an accredited college or university

Special Requirements/ Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Experience in law enforcement or responding to hazmat incidents including site safety and incident command preferred. Recommended to be state certified Code Enforcement or gain certification within six months of date of hire. Must have a valid Texas Driver’s License and good driving record. Recommended to be state certified Fire Investigator or gain certification within one year of date of hire. Ability to independently conduct investigations and examine scenes to determine violations of code or Texas law. Ability to assist in conducting acceptance testing on fire sprinkler systems, fire alarms systems, and other fire protection systems. Ability to issue citations to enforce codes. Ability to communicate effectively with property owners or managers regarding code violations, provide recommendations to resolve violations. Ability to instruct large groups at public or county education venues. Must pass mandatory drug test prior to employment and subject to random unannounced drug testing during employment.

“Individuals holding or considered for a position which has, or may have, access to criminal justice databases including the FBI Criminal Justice Information Systems, NCIC/TCIC and similar databases, must pass a national fingerprint-based records check prior to placement in such position and may be denied placement in such positions and/or access to such systems. Incumbents must also maintain the ability to pass the records check while in the position or until such time that the Commissioners Court and the County Civil Service Commission deem this position no longer has this requirement.”

Physical/Environmental Requirements:
Ability to walk, crawl, bend, stoop, and climb. Will be required too walk over rough uneven grounds. Ability to lift and/or wear protective clothing that weighs up to 60 lbs. May require prolonged sitting, standing, slow-walking, and regular ascent/descent of stairs. Must pass standard hearing and color-blind tests. May be exposed to contaminated areas and hazardous chemicals. Subject to entry into tight and dark areas. Works eight (8) hour standard shift with weekends and holidays off, unless assigned as the investigator on call. Will normally be assigned on-call investigator on one-week rotating bases. Must be available for call back to duty with short notice. Works inside/outside the jail with potential exposure to communicable diseases.1. Investigates incidents and nuisance and abatement violations in unincorporated areas of Dallas County, including determination of on-scene cause and origin, maintains appropriate records and prepares appropriate reports. Investigates fires in municipalities within Dallas County as requested by the given jurisdiction. Code Enforcement achieves compliance with substandard housing, life safety and hazards issues in the unincorporated areas of the county. Investigate environmental crimes that deal with waste discharges and chemical releases and illegal dumping.

2. Inspects sites and issues burn permits in unincorporated Dallas County. Responds to code and life safety complaints, chemical spills, and other concerns or complaints by citizens in the unincorporated areas of Dallas County; assists other cities with code inspection within their cities when requested. Commercial Construction inspections to achieve compliance with building and standards and regulations.

3. Conducts training to public and County personnel as requested; attends various training activities needed to maintain proficiency and certification in required fields. Special Events and permitting process coordinate of permit process for gathering and special events. Attend meeting and have regulatory oversight of developments and compliance activities.

4. Maintains records of inspections, investigations, and other programs. Ensures reports, correspondence, and effective financial departmental actions are submitted timely. Attends meetings in the absence of the Fire Marshal.

5. Maintains all vehicles, equipment, and devices used in investigations, emergency management, major disasters and severe weather, hazmat incidents, and other fire department activities for immediate response and use.

6. Performs other duties as assigned and required by department.