Deputy Fire Marshal I/II

Salary Range

8,122.00 - 10,389.00

Job Summary

The Vancouver Fire Department, Fire Marshal's Office plays a vital role in keeping our fast-growing community safe, working behind the scenes through fire prevention, fire code compliance, fire plan reviews, fire-arson investigations, and community risk reduction to protect the lives and property of everyone who calls Vancouver home. As our city continues to grow, so does the responsibility—and opportunity—to shape a smarter, safer community from the ground up. Working for the Fire Marshal's Office means joining a team of dedicated professionals who take pride in making a tangible difference every day, collaborating closely with agency partners, law enforcement, developers, builders, business owners, and residents to prevent tragedy before it happens. If you're looking for meaningful, mission-driven work backed by a supportive Fire Department and a city invested in doing things right, the Vancouver Fire Marshal's Office offers a rewarding career where your expertise directly protects the community you serve.

We’re currently recruiting for a Deputy Fire Marshal I/II. The primary responsibilities for the job are to perform a variety of fire code new development work, fire code enforcement work, fire-arson investigation work, and fire-safety education program administration

This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt union position. This position is covered under the provisions of an agreement between the City and the Vancouver Fire Department Guild. The schedule for this position is M-F, 7:30am to 4pm. 40 hours per week (Plus on-call rotation).

Salary range:
Deputy Fire Marshal I: $7,358 - $9,413/month
Deputy Fire Marshal II: $8,122 - $10,389/month

Union Pay Strategy
Salary for this position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement with negotiated step increases based on seniority. Candidates meeting the minimum requirements for the position will be at the beginning of the listed range, equal to Step 1. Directly related experience, certifications and relevant credentials exceeding minimum requirements will be considered for step credit at hire, with such credit not to exceed Step 4, the approximate midpoint of the listed range, unless otherwise stipulated in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Job Details

Essential Functions:

• Complete technical fire and life safety plans review and new development on-site inspections, including but not limited to: Fire protection systems, occupancy hazard use, water supply and emergency access. Upon completion, enter the technical review and inspection findings into the City’s records management system. Escalate inspection findings to supervisor if necessary.
• Investigate fires to determine causes and damages; keep records of fire losses, investigations, fire deaths and injuries; collect, photograph and maintain evidence; prepare detailed reports documenting investigation findings. Receive and investigate complaints regarding fire violations; recommend corrective actions and enforce compliance.
• Conduct annual inspections for existing buildings and fire code permits inspections of buildings and property for fire hazards, efficiency of fire protective equipment, adequacy of fire exits, and general compliance with fire prevention laws and standards. Advise property owners on the removal of fire hazards; enforce compliance to correct hazards.
• Participate in the coordination of fire safety education activities; provide training on fire and safety programs, fire and life safety codes, and inspection practices. Participate in the development and delivering fire safety and prevention educational programs to local schools, community groups, and members of the general public.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the fire suppression personnel, general public, contractors, architects, and media relations regarding fire and life safety codes and standards.
• Conduct youth fire setter intervention assessments, document the educational/assessment findings and maintain accurate records in the electronic management system.
• Serve as an expert witness testifying in court cases involving fire and code violations.
• Maintain a variety of records, files and maps related to fire prevention and safety activities and programs
• Drive a city vehicle in a safe and appropriate manner in order to travel between various sites.  Ensure various equipment used in performing duties is properly maintained.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience and Education

Experience: 

• Deputy Fire Marshal I: two years’ experience in education, prevention, or inspection work preferred
• Deputy Fire Marshal II: five years’ experience in education, prevention, or inspection work.

Education: 

• HS graduate supplemented by specialized training in fire science, fire prevention, fire investigation, or a related field.

*Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills

• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Excel Outlook, and PowerPoint

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

Possession of:

Deputy Fire Marshal II:

• Possession of a Fire Inspector II Certification from the International Code Council.
• Possession of an IFSAC Fire & Life Safety Educator I Certification or Fire Marshal approved equivalency.
• Possession of a Fire Plans Examiner Certification from the International Code Council.
• Possession of an IAAI or NAFI Certified Fire-Explosives Investigator Certification.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Ability to obtain:

Deputy Fire Marshal I:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Fire Inspector II Certification from the International Code Council within six months of hire.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, IFSAC Fire & Life Safety Educator I Certification within five years of hire, or Fire Marshal approved equivalency.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Fire Plans Examiner Certification from the International Code Council within five years of hire.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, IAAI or NAFI Certified Fire-Explosives Investigator Certification within five years of hire.

Knowledge

• Fire hazards and the related prevention and abatement methods. Principles of fire prevention and safety education, including effective teaching and presentation techniques.
• Fire prevention inspection methods and techniques.
• Firefighting techniques, incident command system, and fire suppression equipment
• Principles of fire behavior. Techniques of fire and arson investigation. Laws and ordinances pertaining to fire prevention, the Uniform Fire Code, and the Uniform Building Code.
• Safe work practices and procedures. Public relations as they relate to obtaining cooperation and compliance to fire codes and laws.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• Use of personal computers and basic software.

Abilities

• Conduct fire inspection and code enforcement work
• Respond to inquiries, complaints and requests for service in a fair, tactful and firm manner Speak publicly and give presentations Deal effectively with property owners, managers and the general public in difficult work situations
• Detect fire hazards and make recommendations for their correction
• Give instructions on ways to prevent and eliminate fire hazards
• Conduct preliminary fact-finding inspections and investigations, including evidence gathering
• Observe and record findings during inspections
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; communicate with the general public and the news media in such a way as to be easily understandable to them
• Properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations and policies
• Perform basic mathematical calculations and read blueprints or building plans
• Handle many different tasks in a short amount of time
• Work effectively across organizational boundaries
• To wear SCBA and other required personal safety equipment
• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software
• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s Operating Principles
• Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees
• Provide a high level of customer service at all times
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
• Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others
• Consistently provide quality service
• Maintain regular and dependable attendance

• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive.
• Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
• Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.

This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, a basic criminal background check, a driving abstract, and a medical evaluation. 

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you’ll consider joining us on the journey!

Safety: The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans’ preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans’ preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 360-487-8417 or email [email protected]

Job Posting End Date

September 8, 2026