Description
Lead and manage the fire prevention division, directing code enforcement, life safety inspections, plan review, public education, and fire investigation programs; supervise staff, set policy, and coordinate with operations and external agencies to reduce community risk and ensure compliance with fire and life safety codes.
- • Plan, direct, and evaluate fire prevention, code enforcement, and community risk reduction programs.
- • Supervise, schedule, and mentor fire inspectors, investigators, and public education staff.
- • Establish divisional policies, procedures, and performance standards.
- • Review building plans and fire protection system submittals for code compliance.
- • Approve and issue operational and construction permits for hazardous materials, special events, and high-risk occupancies.
- • Oversee inspections of properties and occupancies for compliance with fire and life safety codes and ordinances.
- • Direct testing and acceptance of fire alarm, sprinkler, standpipe, and other fire protection systems.
- • Lead origin-and-cause investigations; coordinate with law enforcement on suspected arson cases.
- • Prepare and present inspection, investigation, and enforcement reports to leadership and governing bodies.
- • Develop and manage the division budget; monitor revenues and expenditures.
- • Analyze fire incident and inspection data to identify trends and set prevention priorities.
- • Coordinate pre-incident planning and access considerations with operations companies.
- • Develop evacuation plans and fire safety guidelines for nonresidential and assembly occupancies.
- • Train personnel on codes, inspection techniques, investigation practices, and public education.
- • Assign instructors and track training completion; report training status to command staff.
- • Evaluate employee performance and recommend hiring, promotion, discipline, or corrective action.
- • Manage complaint intake and enforcement actions, including notices, citations, and hearings.
- • Recommend adoption of new codes, amendments, and local ordinances.
- • Collaborate with building, planning, and public works departments on development reviews.
- • Oversee hazard abatement programs, including defensible space and WUI mitigation where applicable.
- • Direct smoke alarm, sprinkler outreach, and risk-reduction campaigns for target populations.
- • Maintain required records, maps, permits, and inspection databases; ensure data integrity.
- • Prepare correspondence, policies, and annual work plans with measurable objectives.
- • Recommend and procure inspection, investigation, and testing equipment and software.
- • Ensure staff compliance with safety standards and professional certifications.
- • Serve as duty officer for significant incidents, providing code and occupancy intelligence to command.
- • Represent the department at community meetings, boards, and media briefings as needed.
- • Develop false alarm reduction and system impairment management procedures.
- • Coordinate open burning permits and enforce burn restrictions when authorized.
- • Support emergency operations planning and business continuity outreach with local partners.
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Public Service & Safety
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
