Deputy Fire Marshal I (#MBBC01)

Deputy Fire Marshal II (#MBBC02)

Deputy Fire Marshal III (#MBBC03)

Deputy Fire Marshal IV (#MBBC04)
$58,858.00 Yearly Min / $73,573.00 Yearly Mid / $88,288.00 Yearly Max

Deputy Fire Marshal V (#MBBC05)
$66,646.00 Yearly Min / $83,307.00 Yearly Mid / $99,968.00 Yearly Max

This class series uses five levels in the Public Safety occupational group, Law Enforcement and Public Safety occupational series and describes enforcement of state and federal fire and explosives safety code compliance and investigation of the origin and cause of fires and explosions.

Note: This career ladder series incorporates levels I, II and III.  The I level is to provide entry for hiring new employees into the class series but does not preclude hiring new employees at higher levels. Employees may be promoted through the career ladder in accordance with minimum qualifications and promotional standards. Promotional standards, a selection document under separate cover, sets forth the criteria that defines and describes the requirements that must be met at each level. Advancement of employees through the career ladder is dependent on an agency's/department's operational needs and distribution of work. 

The IV and V levels, although not part of the career ladder, provide competitive opportunity for movement of employees.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Determines life safety and code compliance through evaluation of building design, construction materials and mechanical plant.
   
• Provides interpretation of fire codes and standards.
   
• Provides alternative strategies for acceptable modifications for fire safety and prevention.
   
• Investigates fire and explosions; secures the scene, identify and gather physical evidence, test materials to establish facts and interviews witness to obtain information and sworn testimony.
   
• Prepares reports of investigation.
   
• Participates with other law enforcement agencies and insurance carriers to investigate fires and explosions and prosecutes responsible individual(s).
   
• Conducts public fire and arson prevention presentations.
   
• May testify in court cases involving fires, explosion and suspected arson.

Deputy Fire Marshal I

This is the entry level.

• Receives close supervision from a technical superior.
• Performs the full range of essential functions.
• Provides analysis and evaluations of existing buildings to determine fire and life safety and code compliance.
• Conducts routine investigations of fire and explosion to determine cause, origin and responsibility.
• Contacts include local, state, other states and federal authorities to identify, arrest, and bring to trial individuals suspected of arson and false alarms.

Deputy Fire Marshal II

This is the full performance level.

• Reports to a technical superior.
• Provides analysis and evaluations of existing buildings, underground and above ground facilities storage, and on-site transmission of flammable and combustible liquids and gases to determine fire, explosives and hazardous material code compliance.
• Conducts complex investigations of fire and explosion to determine cause, origin and responsibility.
• Testifies in court as expert witness.

Deputy Fire Marshal III

This is the advanced level.

• Reports to a technical or administrative superior.
• Provides analysis and evaluations of fire protection engineering and counter terrorist measures to best promote the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
• Investigates explosions and fire incidents resulting in fatality and/or major loss to determine cause, origin and responsibility.
• Conducts complex testing using state of the art test equipment to establish facts, such as burn patterns and flash points of materials.
• Serves as recognized expert in the field of fire and arson investigation on committees such as National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) technical committees; evaluates codes, standards and requirements to assist in revising legislation.
• Provides guidance and training to lower level technical staff.

Deputy Fire Marshal IV

This is the supervisory level, which includes regional responsibility within an assigned district or geographical area of the State.

• Supervision is exercised over at least two or more merit full time positions per Merit Rule, one of which must be in the Deputy Fire Marshal series.  The elements of supervision include planning, assigning, reviewing, evaluating, coaching, training, recommending hire/fire and discipline.
• Ensures coordination between multiple agencies.
• Ensures flow of information between administration and operations.
• Plans, develops and implements statewide and regional community outreach and training programs.
• Participates in drafting new and revised laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures applicable to fire safety enforcement and investigative work.

Deputy Fire Marshal V

This is the management level, which includes statewide responsibility for fire and arson investigation, code enforcement and occupancy inspection, Juvenile Intervention and agency administration.

• Reports to agency top level management.
• Manages technical, administrative, contractual and seasonal staff directly or through subordinate supervisors.
• Develops, implements and evaluates operational plans, goals and objectives.
• Ensures program activities are in compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, goals and objectives.
• Provides final analysis, evaluation, development and acceptance of equivalencies or alternatives to the standard code or ordinance application.
• Works with other governmental agencies and private sector organizations to ensure efficient integration of agency activities and assigned programs.
• Prepares and monitors budget for assigned programs.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA's listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of local, state and federal laws, rules, regulations and ordinances applicable to assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Knowledge of construction principles and practices.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of fire protection engineering.
• Knowledge of fire and explosives technology, including cause and control.
• Knowledge of nationally accepted fire prevention and life safety standards.
• Knowledge of laws, policies and procedures related to investigation, search, arrest and prosecution.
• Skill in analysis of building plans, construction, materials and mechanical plant.
• Skill in interpretation and implementation of practical compliance of life safety codes.
• Skill in gathering, compiling and reporting and testifying technical information.
• Skill in self-defense and the care and use of lethal weapons.
• Ability to take immediate and independent action including command of scene investigation and crowd control.
• Ability to operate investigative equipment and record and communicate technical information.
• Ability to prepare a variety of reports.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Deputy Fire Marshal II requires:

• Knowledge of geology and soils as applicable to the migration of flammable and combustible liquids and gases.
• Skill in interpreting engineered plans and schematics.
• Skill in analysis of complex facility plans, construction, materials, mechanical plant and site conditions.
• Skill in planning, coordinating and conducting complex investigations with multiple local, state and federal agencies.
• Skill in analyzing and evaluating complex information to determine course of action.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Deputy Fire Marshal III requires:

• Skill in the use of complex test equipment used to establish facts, such as burn patterns and flash points of materials.
• Skill in the application of explosives technology, including cause and control.
• Skill in geology and soils analysis as applicable to the migration of flammable and combustible liquids and gases.
• Ability to organize and direct the work of other staff and assisting agencies.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Deputy Fire Marshal IV requires:

• Knowledge of staff supervision.
• Skill in maximizing the efficient use of resources.
• Ability to identify and communicate agency objectives.
• Ability to recognize and mediate diverse and conflicting priorities.
• Ability to build consensus and maintain a free flow of information.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Deputy Fire Marshal V requires:

• Knowledge of state budgetary process.
• Skill in staff supervision.
• Skill in developing and implementing plans for efficient use of resources.
• Skill in identifying and mitigating diverse and conflicting priorities.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Deputy Fire Marshal IV
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Possession of a State of Delaware Council on Police Training Certificate.
2. Three years experience in conducting fire investigations which includes conducting interviews to obtain information, gathering evidence and documenting findings.
3. Three years experience in interpreting national and local building and fire codes.
4. Three years experience in reviewing architectural, mechanical, civil and electrical plans and specifications.
5. Six months experience in presenting and defending sworn expert testimony.
6. Six months experience in narrative report writing.
7. Knowledge of staff supervision acquired through course work, academic training, training provided through an employer, or performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others; OR supervising staff which may include planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others; OR supervising through subordinate supervisors a group of professional, technical, and clerical employees.
8. Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).