State of Maryland

A Deputy State Fire Marshal I is the entry level of work as a law enforcement officer in the field of fire prevention, investigation and inspection.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions.

Employees in this classification receive close supervision from a Deputy State Fire Marshal Supervisor. The work is usually performed within a designated geographical area, but requires travel to emergency sites that may be located anywhere within the State.  Employees may be exposed to hazardous conditions such as unsafe buildings and intense heat, hazardous materials and extreme weather conditions.  Employees are subject to call-in on a 24-hour basis.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

The Deputy State Fire Marshal I and Deputy State Fire Marshal II are differentiated on the basis of degree of supervisory control exercised by the supervisor over these employees.  The Deputy State Fire Marshal I learns to perform duties under close supervision while the Deputy State Fire Marshal II performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision.

Learns to collect, examine and analyze physical evidence at a fire scene to determine the origin and cause of a fire;

Learns to determine burn patterns and use specialized equipment that detects the presence of flammable materials;

Learns to photograph and sketch the scene to record the condition of the site after the fire or explosion;

Learns to question witnesses and suspects in order to determine the cause and origin of the fire or explosion;

Learns to inspect commercial, institutional, industrial, educational, medical and storage facilities to assure compliance with the Maryland Fire Prevention Code and Statutes;

Learns regulations for the manufacture, sale, transfer and use of explosive materials;

Learns to inspect and dispose of explosive materials;

Learns to inspect proposed sites for firework displays and monitor the displays during the show;

Learns to maintain records and prepare comprehensive reports;

Attends specialized schools, seminars and workshops at local, State and national levels;

May assist in undercover work to obtain evidence for criminal proceedings;

May testify in court;

Performs other related duties.

Ability to learn Maryland State fire laws and regulations;

Ability to learn fire inspection and investigation methods and techniques;

Ability to learn to inspect and dispose of explosive materials;

Ability to learn the physical characteristics of fire and the typical burn patterns from the various flammable substances;

Ability to learn construction and building fire codes;

Ability to learn the methodology employed in controlled pyrotechnic displays;

Ability to learn proper use and care of firearms;

Ability to learn to use specialized and technical equipment used in the investigation of fires and explosions;

Ability to learn to understand blueprints and engineering drawings;

Ability to learn to gather, analyze and evaluate pertinent data in order to reach accurate conclusions;

Ability to learn to explain relevant laws and regulations to property owners, local government officials and the general public;

Ability to learn to handle official situations with diplomacy, fairness and good judgment;

Ability to learn appropriate federal and State laws, rules and regulations regarding Life Safety Code Standards for health facilities;

Ability to prepare clear and accurate reports;

Ability to follow specific instructions;

Ability to react quickly and calmly during emergency situations;

Ability to communicate effectively with the general public, co-workers and supervisors.

Education:   Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: None.

Notes:

1. The above educational requirement is set by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission in accordance with Public Safety Article, Section 3-207, Annotated Code of Maryland.

2. Candidates must have attended an orientation for this classification in the same year as the recruitment announcement is posted.

3. Candidates must have successfully completed the functional fitness requirements for this classification conducted by the Maryland State Police.

4. Candidates must have successfully passed the written test for this classification administered by the Maryland State Police.

5. Candidates who already possess a current Maryland Police certification or are eligible for comparative compliance training approved by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission are exempt from the functional fitness and the written test requirements.

1. Employees in this classification who have not already done so must successfully complete the Entrance Level Police Training Course required by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission during the probationary period.

2. Employees in this classification will be required to secure Police Officer certification as required by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission during the probationary period.

1. Employees must meet the selection standards required and successfully complete the training prescribed by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission for a Police Officer in accordance with Public Safety Article, Section 6-303, Annotated Code of Maryland or be eligible for comparative compliance training, approved by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission. Selection standards for Police Officer training are listed in detail in the Code of Maryland Regulations 12.04.01.04 and include the following:

U.S. Citizenship

Must be at least 21 years of age

A completed background investigation, including a check of criminal history

Oral interview

Physical examination

Possession of a driver's license valid in the State of Maryland.

2. Employees in this classification will be required to bear firearms and to demonstrate practical knowledge and proficiency in the safe use and care of firearms on a periodic basis, as required by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission.

3. Employees in this classification are assigned duties in a given service area.

4. Employees in this classification are subject to call-in and, therefore, will be required to provide the employer with a phone number where they can be reached.

5. Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System. All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions. Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit I, Sworn Police Classes. As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining. Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation. An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime as provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.

This classification is one level in a Non-Competitive Promotion (NCP) series. NCP promotions are promotions by which employees may advance in grade and class level from trainee to full performance levels in a classification series. In order to be non-competitively promoted to the next level in a NCP series an employee must: 1) perform the main purpose of the class as defined in the Nature of Work section of the class specification; 2) receive the type of supervision defined in the class specification, and 3) meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.