Fire Marshal

FIRE MARSHAL Category: Full-Time, Exempt Status: Open Annual Salary: Min. $102,866

• Mid. $128,583 Published: October 28, 2026 Closing: Until Filled DEFINITION Under limited supervision, manage and supervise the Fire Marshal Division of the Fire Department to include coordinating and conducting inspections to assure compliance with fire regulations, conduct fire investigations, develop and execute the City’s public education program for fire safety and prevention. Assist the Fire Chief by being an active contributor at the command level and supporting strategic planning efforts, proactively participating in discussing issues, projects, and programs that support the overall goals for the department. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives directions from the City Manager, or his or her designee. Exercise direct and indirect supervision over subordinates full-time and volunteer personnel. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• THE STATEMENTS BELOW ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY THE INDIVIDUAL(S) ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES, AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED IN THIS POSITION. THE POSITION DESCRIPTION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY THE CITY AS THE NEEDS OF THE CITY AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION CHANGE. Manage the activities and operations of the Fire Marshal Division of the Fire Department, as well as research and develop a strategic plan to address staffing, training, and technological requirements to keep up with city growth. Ensure that Arson investigations are performed appropriately with investigative techniques and procedures complying with industry standards. Plan and execute fire inspection and fire investigation programs and ensure that establishments are inspected for compliance with the applicable Fire Code prior to initial occupancy, periodically after occupancy, when changes in occupancy type or construction modifications warrant, and on complaint; document findings and problems requiring resolution prior to occupancy or continued occupancy. Work cohesively with other city departments and community partners to reach internal and external goals and objectives. Stay current on changes within Fire Code and best practices for fire prevention. Keeps the Fire Chief, of his or her designee, fully informed on Fire Marshal Divisions activities that require his/her attention and/or awareness. Inspect plans for new construction to ensure design and construction conform to building codes and inspect subsequent construction to assure variations from the approved plan stay within the standard Fire Prevention Code, National Fire Protection Association Code, and the Life Safety Code. Meet with contractors, building owners, architects and engineers to explain fire code and ordinance. Perform any of the functions performed by the Arson Investigator during vacancies to maintain service to the community. Investigates all structure fires occurring in the city to determine the cause and origin and make appropriate reports as warranted by the circumstances. Direct and Manage the department’s TCOLE certification and requirements and coordinate all members’ TCOLE training and compliance. Serve warrants or make arrests related to arson investigations. File court cases related to unlawful fires and arson in court hearing jurisdiction. As needed, present facts about fire investigations in legal and other formal settings. Lead the division’s budget preparation, planning and submission for inclusion in the City's annual fire control budget. Hire, train, develop, and evaluate staff effectively. Take corrective action as necessary on a timely basis and in accordance with City policy. Consults with Human Resources as appropriate. Prepare written instructions, analysis, internal policies and procedures, memos and reports as needed. Tactfully and courteously communicate and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, departments, divisions, public officials, community groups, vendors, and members of the public. May be required to attend and/or make presentations in schools, seminars, or city events, including City Council and other policy making and advisory boards. Make recommendations for changes to improve the City's Fire Code and serve as a staff liaison on the COLP fire code review board. On call as required to perform the duties of the position. Perform other related duties as assigned. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS For indefinite periods of time - mobility within an office and field environment; exposure to toxic waste, chemical, dust/mites, fume, odor, explosive, electrical and mechanical hazards; exposure to extreme cold, heat, temperature swings, and heights; walking; twisting body; stooping; standing; squatting; sitting; seeing; running; pushing, pulling, lifting, dragging, and carrying up to 40 pounds; climbing; crawling; reading; decision making; reaching above shoulder level; using both hands for simple and firm grasping; clarity of hearing; communicating clearly and effectively, in person and by two-way radio; fine finger manipulation; operation of calculator, personal computer and typewriter; operation of flam/comb. detector and a variety of hand tools; operation of a motor vehicle through city traffic.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or GED Associate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in Fire Protection Technology or a related field. (Bachelor’s degree or Higher Preferred) A minimum of 10 years of paid full-time Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) experience and 3 years of increasingly responsible administrative experience.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES Possess a valid Texas Drivers License. Possess a current Advanced Peace Officer Certification (or higher level) by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Possess a current Advanced Fire Inspector Certification (or higher level) by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. Possess a current Advanced Fire Investigator Certification (or higher level) by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.

Possess a current Advanced Arson Investigator Certification (or higher level) by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. Possess a current Basic Fire Marshal Certification by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. Possess a current Plans Examiner Certification by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. Possess a current Fire and Life Safety Educator II certification by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, or the ability to obtain within timeframe specified by City.

Must have NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 certifications. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations. Knowledge of rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the Department. Knowledge of government structure and leadership. Ability to follow oral and written instructions and/or orders.

Ability to effectively communicate oral and written instructions and/or orders. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to City management, elected officials, public groups and/or boards. Ability to prepare, maintain, and present a variety of records and reports.

Ability to positively motivate employees to work efficiently and effectively. Ability to utilize knowledge of local geography, including the location of streets, water mains and hydrants, and the major fire hazards of the City of La Porte response jurisdiction. Proficiently use a variety of vehicles, equipment, tools, and apparatus used in firefighting, rescue, and medical assistance operations.

Continually learn and act in accordance with departmental policies, rules, instructions, and written material in the field of firefighting. Ability to analyze fire and emergency situations and adopt effective courses of action. Retain presence of mind in emergency situations. Ability to operate and maintain radio equipment.

Ability to read, write, and speak the English language fluently. Ability to respond appropriately to requests and inquiries. Ability to maintain regular attendance and punctuality. Ability to make sound decisions and effectively handle stressful situations in a professional manner. Ability to abide by all rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Ability to safely perform all physical requirements of the job. Must have an understanding and knowledge of the HIPAA Privacy Rule that corresponds to their job responsibilities and of the Fire Department’s policies and procedures that impact their job duties. *Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

*Duties, responsibilities and actions may change at any time with or without notice. The City of La Porte is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of Qualified Individuals.