- Professional
- Office in Brookings
Position Closes 10/06/2025
Job Summary
This position is responsible for the administration and enforcement of fire prevention, investigation, inspection, and life safety codes within the City of Brookings. The Fire Marshal leads the City’s fire prevention efforts by overseeing fire inspections, public education programs, and plan reviews. They will provide assistance to the Deputy Fire Chief in origin and cause investigations. The Fire Marshal serves as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) on fire code matters and collaborates closely with building officials, emergency responders, and community members to promote public safety.
Minimum Qualifications
•Associate’s degree in Fire Science, Fire Prevention, or closely related field.
•Five (5) years of progressive experience in fire prevention, code enforcement, or fire service operations.
•Certification as a Fire Inspector (NFPA or IFSAC/ProBoard recognized) required within the first 18 months of employment.
•Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
•Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; this position does not support visa sponsorship.
Preferred Qualifications
•Certification as a Fire Marshal through a national or state credentialing body.
•Experience with municipal government processes, building plan reviews, and fire protection systems.
•Familiarity with inspection software and GIS mapping.
•General understanding of emergency management, building and zoning regulations.
•Certification as a Firefighter 1,2, Fire Officer 1,2, or 3.
•Experience as a fire response commander.
•Certification as a Fire Investigator (e.g., IAAI-CFI or NAFI-CFEI).
•Bachelor’s degree in fire science, public administration, or closely related field.
•Active member of Brookings Fire Department
Major Duties (Essential Function)
•Enforce local, state, and national fire codes, including review of construction and fire protection plans for compliance.
•Conduct fire safety inspections in commercial, industrial, and public buildings; issue citations and ensure correction of violations.
•Assist Deputy Fire Chief in fire investigations to determine origin and cause; prepare documentation and coordinate with law enforcement as needed.
•Serve as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for fire prevention and life safety matters, including enforcement actions and legal testimony.
•Develop and deliver fire prevention and public education programs to schools, businesses, and the general public.
•Issue permits and oversee compliance for fire alarms, sprinklers, special events, and hazardous materials storage.
•Maintain detailed inspection and investigation records and produce reports in accordance with applicable regulations.
•Collaborate with building officials, planning staff, and first responders to coordinate fire and life safety efforts.
•Serve as a subject matter expert on fire code interpretations and policy development.
•Ensure compliance with all City safety standards and procedures.
•Stay current on fire safety trends, regulations, and emerging hazards; recommend updates to policies and procedures.
•Provide technical expertise and assist with training to city leadership, fire department staff, and the public regarding fire prevention and code interpretation
•Participate in emergency management activities, planning board reviews, and coordination with development stakeholders
•May supervise staff supporting fire prevention, education, or data entry.
Marginal Duties
•Attend training, seminars and workshops as deemed necessary.
•Perform all duties in compliance with safety standards and policies established by the City.
•Perform other job-related duties as deemed necessary and additional duties, tasks, or responsibilities as assigned.
Physical Demands/Work Environment/Typical Work Hours (Essential Function)
•Frequent walking, climbing ladders, bending, and kneeling during inspections and investigations.
•Ability to lift and carry objects up to 50 lbs; occasional exposure to smoke, fire-damaged structures, and hazardous conditions.
•Work performed in both indoor office and outdoor field environments, in all weather conditions and potentially hazardous sites.
•May be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including turnout gear when necessary.
•Typical work hours will be Monday-Friday either an 8 hour or 10 hour daily schedule. This schedule will vary based on needs of fire prevention division and will include some nights and weekends.
Mental Complexity/Interpersonal Contacts (Essential Function)
•Strong written and verbal communication required for public presentations, report writing, and legal documentation.
•Requires sound judgment, analytical thinking, and decision-making under stressful or complex conditions.
•Interacts with business owners, contractors, residents, public officials, and enforcement agencies with professionalism and clarity.
•Ability to interpret and apply complex code language and resolve conflicts effectively.
•Must maintain a high level of integrity and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills.
Pre-employment Screening
•Pre-employment screening may include, but are not limited to, the following: references, criminal background, credit history, drug and alcohol screening, medical history questionnaire, and pre-employment physical.
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job‐related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
