Full-Time Deputy Fire Marshal

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Deputy Fire Marshal serves as the principal assistant to the Fire Marshal and is responsible for the day-to-day administration and operational management of the Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Division. The position coordinates and oversees fire inspections, code enforcement, plan review, fire investigation, public education, and wildfire risk reduction activities to reduce community risk and ensure compliance with adopted fire and life safety regulations.

Provides direct supervision to Fire Inspectors and assigned personnel while supporting the Fire Marshal in achieving the department's mission, vision, organizational goals, and Community Risk Reduction objectives.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Promotes and exemplifies the department's and Layton City's mission, vision, values, and expectations, with a strong emphasis on accountability, professionalism, customer service, and organizational health.

 

Leadership & Administration

• Coordinates and oversees the daily operations of the Community Risk Reduction Division, including inspections, plan review, fire investigations, records management, and public education activities.
• Assists the Fire Marshal in the implementation of division goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and programs.
• Supervises, coaches, and develops assigned personnel; establishes clear expectations and promotes accountability to department standards.
• Reviews inspection reports, investigation reports, plan review comments, and related documentation to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance with department expectations.
• Assists with employee evaluations, training plans, certification tracking, and professional development efforts.
• Monitors workload distribution and establishes priorities to ensure effective service delivery and timely completion of assigned tasks.
• Evaluates operational processes and recommends improvements to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and customer service.
• Acts on behalf of the Fire Marshal during absences or as assigned.

Fire Code Administration & Plan Review

• Conducts and coordinates fire plan reviews for commercial, industrial, multi-family, and other development projects to ensure compliance with adopted fire and life safety codes.
• Reviews construction documents for fire access, water supply, fire protection systems, hazardous materials requirements, and other applicable fire code provisions.
• Coordinates with Community Development, Engineering, Building Inspection, and other agencies to facilitate efficient development review processes.
• Provides technical guidance and interpretation of fire code requirements to architects, engineers, contractors, developers, business owners, and the public.
• Assists in the administration and enforcement of adopted fire codes, ordinances, and regulations.

Inspections & Code Enforcement

• Oversees and participates in fire inspection programs for new and existing occupancies.
• Conducts complex inspections involving commercial occupancies, hazardous materials, special hazards, and high-risk facilities.
• Reviews and approves inspection findings, correction notices, and enforcement actions.
• Ensures consistent application and enforcement of fire codes, hazardous materials regulations, and local ordinances.
• Issues notices of violation, citations, permits, and enforcement actions as authorized and necessary.
• Promotes voluntary compliance through education while maintaining authority to enforce regulations when required.

Fire Investigation

• Conducts and coordinates origin and cause investigations of fires and related incidents.
• Collects, preserves, documents, and evaluates evidence in accordance with accepted investigative practices.
• Coordinates investigations with law enforcement agencies, insurance representatives, state investigators, and prosecutorial agencies as appropriate.
• Prepares reports, diagrams, photographs, and supporting documentation related to fire investigations.
• Provides expert testimony and technical assistance in administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings when required.

Community Risk Reduction & Public Education

• Assists in the development and implementation of Community Risk Reduction strategies and initiatives.
• Utilizes inspection data, incident trends, and community risk information to identify prevention opportunities and support CRR planning efforts.
• Coordinates and participates in public education programs, outreach events, fire prevention campaigns, and community engagement activities.
• Supports wildfire risk reduction efforts, including participation in Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) planning, code application, fuel reduction initiatives, and public outreach efforts.
• Collaborates with local, regional, and state partners on fire prevention and risk reduction programs.

Operational Support

• Maintains working knowledge of incident command principles and the department's operational structure.
• Responds to emergency incidents as needed or assigned; functions within the Incident Command System consistent with training and assignment.
• May serve as a department representative on committees, task forces, and community partnerships as assigned.
• Subject to emergency call-back and availability as required.

Other Duties

• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from High School or equivalent.
• Associate degree from an accredited college or university within 24 months of promotion.
• Associate degree in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Public Administration, or a related field is highly desirable.

AND

• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in fire prevention, fire inspection, code enforcement, fire investigation, plan review, Community Risk Reduction, or closely related activities.
• Previous supervisory, project management, or leadership experience is highly desirable.
• Prior experience as a firefighter is highly desirable.

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• International Fire Code (IFC), NFPA standards, and applicable state and local regulations.
• Fire inspection, code enforcement, and plan review processes.
• Fire investigation methods and procedures.
• Community Risk Reduction principles and strategies.
• Principles of supervision, employee development, and personnel management.
• Incident Command System (ICS) and emergency operations.

Ability to:

• Supervise personnel and coordinate division operations.
• Interpret and consistently apply fire codes and regulations.
• Analyze technical information and make sound recommendations.
• Communicate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Build and maintain positive professional relationships.
• Exercise sound judgment in dynamic and complex situations.
• Promote accountability, professionalism, and alignment with department values.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES

Must possess a valid Utah Driver License.

Certified Fire Inspector I through IFSAC/Pro Board, International Code Council (ICC), or Utah Fire and Rescue Academy.

Certified Fire Inspector II through IFSAC/Pro Board or International Code Council (ICC) within 18 months of promotion date.

Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) through the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI), Fire Investigator through the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), Utah Fire and Rescue Academy, or IFSAC/Pro Board equivalent within 24 months of promotion date.

Certified Fire Plan Examiner through NFPA, ICC, or IFSAC/Pro Board equivalent within 24 months of promotion date.

Completed NIMS/ICS Training IS-100, IS-200, ICS-300 within 12 months of promotion date, IS-700, and IS-800.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES

Currently or previously certified as a Utah State Firefighter I or IFSAC/Pro Board equivalent.

Currently or previously certified as a Utah State Firefighter II or IFSAC/Pro Board equivalent.