Position Description
The
Assistant Fire Marshal serves as a senior member of the Fire Prevention Division and acts under the direction of the Fire Marshal to administer, coordinate, and enforce the City’s fire prevention, inspection, investigation, and community risk reduction programs. This position requires advanced technical expertise, sound judgment, and leadership in the interpretation and application of fire codes, ordinances, and standards.
The Assistant Fire Marshal assumes delegated authority of the Fire Marshal as assigned and may act in the Fire Marshal’s absence. During emergencies, the Assistant Fire Marshal may be assigned to command support, investigation, firefighting, EMS, SOT, or other operational duties as directed.
Scope Of Impact
The Assistant Fire Marshal exercises significant independent judgment and authority in enforcing fire and building codes, issuing corrective orders, approving plans, and directing inspections and investigations. This position provides functional leadership to fire prevention personnel, mentors operational staff, and influences departmental policy, procedures, and long-term risk reduction strategies.
The Assistant Fire Marshal represents the Fire Department as a technical authority and advisor to City departments, elected officials, developers, engineers, architects, and public and private organizations.
Essential Functions
Fire Prevention Program Administration
- Administers and enforces fire, building, electrical, and mechanical codes; applicable ordinances; and state statutes related to fire prevention and life safety.
- Oversees and coordinates fire inspections, code enforcement activities, and special hazard permitting.
- Exercises authority to issue fire prevention orders, stop-work orders, citations, and corrective action notices in accordance with City policy and state law.
- Reviews, approves, and signs inspection reports, permits, and compliance documentation.
- Makes formal recommendations to the Fire Marshal regarding policy development, ordinance revisions, enforcement strategies, and operational improvements.
- Assists in developing division goals, work plans, and performance expectations.
Plans Review and Technical Authority
- Performs and oversees plan review for fire protection systems, building and site design, construction materials, hazardous processes, and occupancy classifications.
- Serves as the Fire Department’s technical authority for fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, standpipes, hydrant systems, and special suppression systems.
- Provides technical direction to engineers, architects, designers, contractors, and inspectors regarding code compliance and system performance.
- Reviews and approves Fire Department Special Hazard Permits.
Inspections and Enforcement
- Oversees inspections of new and existing buildings, licensed daycare facilities (commercial and residential) and fire permits
- Responds to complex or high-risk code compliance issues and public complaints.
- Ensures consistent enforcement practices and provides guidance on interpretation of ambiguous or complex code provisions.
Leadership, Training, and Mentorship
- Provides leadership, training, and mentorship to fire prevention staff and operational personnel in inspections, investigations, pre-fire planning, and evidence security.
- Develops and delivers training related to fire codes, inspection practices, fire protection systems, and fire investigation techniques.
- Performs quality assurance reviews of inspections, reports, and investigations conducted by other personnel.
Emergency Response and Operations
- Perform firefighting, EMS, SOT, investigation, and command-support duties as assigned.
- Responds to significant fire incidents to support incident command, conduct origin and cause investigations, and ensure evidence preservation.
- Participates in after-action reviews and recommends operational and prevention-related improvements.
- Participates in emergency response after hours as needed.
Fire Investigation
- Leads or assists in complex fire investigations, independently or as part of a multi-agency team.
- Conducts and documents interviews, witness statements, and investigative findings.
- Prepares comprehensive investigative reports suitable for administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings.
- Oversees evidence collection, documentation, and chain-of-custody procedures.
- Coordinates investigations and fire prevention activities with law enforcement, building officials, and other City departments.
- Participates in fire investigation after hours as needed.
Public Education and Community Risk Reduction
- Oversees and participates in fire prevention and public education initiatives targeting identified community risks.
- Serves as a subject matter expert and spokesperson for fire prevention matters.
- Represents the Fire Department on public and private safety committees, planning teams, and advisory groups.
- Provides technical input on development projects, special events, and community risk assessments.
Professional Standards and Administration
- Maintains the highest ethical standards and public trust.
- Assists in budget planning, program evaluation, and data-driven risk reduction efforts as assigned.
- Performs other duties consistent with the authority and responsibility of the position as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Valid Minnesota driver’s license or equivalent out-of-state license.
- Minimum of four (4) years of full-time firefighting experience or equivalent combination of training and related experience.
- Minnesota certified Plans Examiner or equivalent
- Licensed firefighter through the Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education (MBFTE)by time of hire.
- Within two (2) years of appointment, must meet Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board (MFSCB) requirements for:
- Fire Investigator (NFPA 1033)
- Public Fire Educator I (NFPA 1035)
- Additional certifications as determined by the Fire Chief or Fire Marshal
Desired Qualifications
- Associate of Applied Science degree in Fire Science or Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration or a related field.
- NICET certification in fire protection systems.
- Fire Protection Engineer designation.
- International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) – Certified Fire Investigator (CFI).
- EMT certification
- Supervisory experience
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Advanced knowledge of fire prevention, inspection, and investigation practices.
- Advanced knowledge of fire sprinkler, fire alarm, and special suppression systems.
- Thorough knowledge of building construction and applicable fire and building codes.
- Ability to interpret and apply complex and ambiguous code provisions consistently and defensibly.
- Strong leadership, instructional, and mentoring skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with elected officials, professionals, staff, and the public.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in sensitive matters.
Supplemental Information
Physical And Mental Requirements
Physical effort for the inspector portion of the job is light the majority of the time, with lifting or carrying limited to 25 pounds intermittently. There is a need to deliver training and education, which may involve several hours of public speaking in front of employee groups and the public. Report preparation and writing will at times require use of a keyboard.
For the fire fighter portion of the job, incumbents must be able to stand, climb ladders, balance, kneel, stoop, crouch, and reach; to walk or run on uneven surfaces; and to drag in excess of 150 pounds. There is frequent lifting, pushing or pulling of up to 50 pounds and regular moving of objects up to 20 pounds.
Working Conditions
Inspection work is performed in a normal office environment or at sites being evaluated or inspected. Occasional driving or riding is required. Occasional exposure to loud noise may be expected.
For the Fire Fighter portion of the job, work involves calls to emergency situations. There is exposure to very disagreeable working conditions such as fumes, fire, smoke, extreme weather conditions including ice, snow, extreme high and low temperatures, humidity, rain, dirt, and mud. The work involves exposure to hazardous conditions such as toxic chemicals, slippery conditions, working in traffic areas and adverse road conditions. While at emergency scenes, incumbent may have exposure to injury, trauma, blood-borne pathogens, traffic accidents, and visual and emotional trauma. Incumbent is required to take appropriate safety precautions and wear protective equipment.
For the fire investigation portion of the job, incumbent may be exposed to extended work periods, extremes of weather/temperature, uneven terrain, trip, fall and electrical hazards, byproducts of combustion, adverse sights, smells and textures and situations.
Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this job at any time.
Full Time Employee Benefits
The City of Edina offers a competitive benefits package and uses a “cafeteria plan” model, which gives the employee a monthly sum of money and allows them the flexibility to choose how to spend it on the various benefits offered. All insurance coverage takes effect the 1st of the month following date of employment.
- Medical: 9 plans to choose from through Health Partners. All individual plans are fully covered and have leftover money towards other benefits. Family health insurance is also low cost and high quality.
- Dental: 2 plans to choose from through Health Partners depending on your dental needs.
- Vision: Supplemental Vision plan for glasses and contacts
- Long & Short-Term Disability: All full-time employees receive Long Term disability at no cost, with an option to purchase short term disability.
- Life insurance: All full-time employees receive a $20,000 Basic Life policy at no cost, with an additional buy up option.
- Retirement: All public employees are required by the State to participate in the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). 6.5% of the employee's gross wage or salary is matched with a 7.5% contribution from the City. Some Police and Fire employees are mandated to participate in PERA at a rate of 11.8% of their gross wage or salary, matched by 17.70% contribution by the City. 457 Deferred Compensation plans are also available.
- Supplemental Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Care plans
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free and confidential service for all employees and their families
Vacation/Sick Leave/Holidays
- Paid vacation is available to all regular full-time employees and begins with accruing 3.08 hours/paycheck (10 days per year). The amount increases as the years of service increase.
- Sick leave accrues at 3.69 hours/paycheck (12 days per year).
- Each regular full-time employee is eligible for 13 paid holidays during the year.
Part Time & Seasonal Employee Benefits
- Extended Part-time (30-39 hours/week year-round): Eligible for Health Insurance, 13 paid holidays, Retirement, and Employee Assistance (EAP) program. Employees also accrue Paid Time Off (PTO) at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.
- Regular Part-time (20-29 hours/week year-round): Eligible for 6 paid holidays, Retirement, and Employee Assistance (EAP) Program. Employees also accrue Paid Time Off (PTO) at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.
- Flexible Part-time and Seasonal employees: Employees accrue Paid Time Off (PTO) at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked and are eligible for the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Individual benefits may vary slightly depending on the specific position, full or part-time status or union contract.
01
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?
02
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)?
03
Do you have a valid Driver's License?
04
Do you have four or more years of full-time experience in firefighting or an equivalent combination of training and experience?
05
Do you possess a Minnesota Plans Examiner certification or equivalent?
06
Do you have a valid Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education (MBFTE) license?
07
Within two years of hire, will you be able to meet the Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board (MFSCB) requirements for: Fire Investigator (NFPA 1033), Public Fire Educator I (NFPA 1035), and any additional certifications identified by the Fire Chief or Fire Marshal?
08
Do you have an Associate’s degree or higher in Fire Science, Fire Administration, or a related field, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience?
09
Which of the following describes your years of professional experience in Fire Service?
- 5 years or less
- 5-10 years
- 11 or more years
- No experience
10
What additional certifications do you possess that may apply to this position?
- NICET certification in fire protection systems
- International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) -- Certified Fire Investigator (CFI)
- EMT certification
- Fire Protection Engineer designation
- Other
- None
11
If you listed "Other" please list any additional certifications and/or licensures below. Include any emergency medical certifications.
12
Please list any supervisory experience you possess. If none, please state N/A.
13
Which type of veteran's preference points did you apply for?
- I did not request veteran's preference points.
- Veteran or Spouse of Deceased Veteran
- Disabled Veteran or Spouse of a Disabled Veteran
- Required Question
