Deputy Fire Marshal I / II

SUMMARY:

In order to hire and maintain a quality workforce that reflects the diversity of the community and works well within our True North values-based organization, the Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services (DLS) is accepting applications for the position of Deputy Fire Marshal I or II.  
   
The primary focus of this position is to perform fire protection engineering review and site inspections.  Responsibilities include the review of building and land development permits, and the review of fire systems permits to ensure compliance with applicable fire and life safety codes. This includes reviewing construction documents and supporting engineering, interpreting, and applying fire codes and standards, evaluating new materials, conducting formal meetings with clients virtually, in-person and in the field and performing site inspections. 

The Deputy Fire Marshal (DFM) I position works under the direction of the Fire Marshal or designee and is assigned standard reviews and inspections. The Deputy Fire Marshal II is a journey level position working independently and may be assigned complex reviews and inspections. Placement into the DFM I or II position depends on the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills described in that section.

Our commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:
The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering equity, racial and social justice in every aspect of our work.  Our commitment to “True North” values which ensures every person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential and forms the core of our mission and purpose.  Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike.

JOB DUTIES:

Applying equity, racial and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.

To be considered for this opportunity, you must at a minimum, demonstrate knowledge, skill, and ability to:  

• Review of fire, building and related permit applications documents to ensure construction proposals meet code requirements for life and safety, including fire, building, mechanical and other applicable codes.  
• Perform field inspections on new and existing construction, fire protection systems, hazardous materials, and places of assembly to ensure fire, building, and other life safety requirements are met. 
• Review building and land permits to ensure adequate fire department access and fire flow are provided.
• Review fire system permits including fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, monitoring systems, and various other fire and life safety systems.  
• Provide direct customer assistance for the public, design professionals, property owners regarding fire and building code questions, their application, and the permit process.  
• Receive and respond to complaints about buildings/construction from citizens, other agencies and jurisdictions, King County Council, and Executive staff.  
• Communicate on the job in ways that reflects well upon King County, the County Executive, the department, and the incumbent.  
• Exhibit and support a culture of superior customer service.  
• Scrupulously honor commitments made to customers and others.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Deputy Fire Marshal II Duties:

• Occasionally perform scheduled, after-hours inspections, including weekends, to conduct inspections of events requiring special fire event permits. 
• Interact with multiple fire districts to coordinate on fire safety issues and inspections.
• Offer alternatives and initiate problem-solving conferences with owners, contractors, and design professionals.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Plans examination or inspection experience or education and experience in Fire Engineering and inspections or related field.  
• Knowledge of the permitting process.
• Skill in reading, interpreting, and explaining construction documents, specifications, codes, ordinances, and policies.  
• Handle multiple competing priorities and producing quality detailed work within tight timeframes.
• Working effectively and cooperatively with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.  
• Must work well in a fast-paced, results oriented, team environment with the ability to think quickly and independently.   
• Strong communication skills, collaborative working style, and the ability to handle stressful situations in a positive manner.  
• Experience with electronic review of construction documents.  

Additional Deputy Fire Marshal I Experience and Qualifications:

• International Fire Code Certification within one year of employment 
• Basic knowledge of national, state, and local building and fire codes and standards  
• Basic knowledge in the review of fire protection system.  

Additional Deputy Fire Marshal II Experience and Qualifications:

• International Fire Code Certification  
• Demonstrated experience in the application and interpretation of national, state, and local building and fire codes and standards.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated experience in the review of fire protection system.  
• Conducting meetings with builders, professionals, or other customers to review construction, code, or other technical requirements.  

Our Most competitive Candidate Will Also Have:

• ICC certification as a building inspector and/or plans examiner.
• Engineer or architect license or professional degree 

Necessary Special Requirements:

• An offer of employment will be contingent on the success of a pre-employment physical examination.
• Must be able to lift 20lbs. 
• Must have a valid Washington State driver's license and the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle throughout the county.

Deputy Fire Marshal I / II