INFORMATION: 425-276-9500 | EMERGENCY: 9-1-1

2025 Deputy Fire Marshal I, II – Inspector/Investigator

2025 Deputy Fire Marshal I, II – Inspector/Investigator

DEPUTY FIRE MARSHAL I OR II – INSPECTOR/INVESTIGATOR


Do you admire the public service work and community engagement of the fire department? Did you know there are many roles within the fire department besides the role of firefighter? If working with the fire department interests you, and you have some education or work experience in code enforcement, or a related area, our Deputy Fire Marshal position may be just the opportunity you’re looking for.

As a Deputy Fire Marshal for our organization, you’ll work with a variety of different entities to promote effective fire prevention strategies, including fire code enforcement and instructing the general public regarding fire codes and fire safety, and complete fire investigations to determine the origin and cause of fires. The work you’ll do will play a major role in keeping the Renton community safe and preventing devastating losses for businesses and individuals alike.

We offer a great starting salary, excellent benefits, initial and ongoing training, and a flexible work environment.

This position is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed weekly. When completing your application, please include a cover letter outlining your interest in this position, your current resume, and complete the supplemental questions.

Deputy Fire Marshal I – Job Summary:

Completes basic inspections to enforce fire prevention laws, ordinances, and codes; promote the development and use of effective fire prevention methods; provide instruction to the general public regarding fire codes and prevention and other community risk reduction focused programs; conduct and participate in training; perform basic fire scene investigations to determine the origin and cause of fires and respond to complaints pertaining to fire and life safety concerns.

Deputy Fire Marshal I is an entry level professional classification in the Deputy Fire Marshal series.

Essential Functions:

  • Completes work in assigned programs related to fire inspections and fire investigations.
  • Inspect commercial, industrial, assembly, educational and institutional occupancies, buildings and facilities; identify fire hazards and utilizing licensed third-party inspection test reports, verify the proper function of fire protection equipment.
  • Inspects occupancies with potentially hazardous conditions or specialized activities such as welding or spray-painting facilities and facilities where flammable, combustible or hazardous materials are stored, mixed, or dispensed.
  • Respond to complaints and reports of fire code violations; inspect premises and assess hazards; make appropriate recommendations and issue inspection reports; conduct re- inspections and follow-up.
  • Walk through facilities with the owner or designated representative to identify fire and safety hazards.
  • Assure compliance with a variety of fire prevention laws, ordinances and codes; initiate steps to enforce compliance as needed.
  • Support our public education efforts by providing instruction to employers, civic groups, and others in various topics, including evacuation planning and drills, and operating fire extinguishers; assist in the development of handouts and other informational materials.
  • Respond to fire scenes when paged; secure fire scene, interview witnesses, photograph fire scene, prepare scene diagrams and assist law enforcement, when requested, in collection of evidence to establish the origin and cause of the fire. Prepare fire investigation reports as required, documenting fire damage, description of premises, fire indicators, area of origin and substantiating evidence of cause, origin and classification.
  • Remain current with relevant technological advancements as it relates to field.
  • Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance; work evening and/or weekend hours as required (overtime eligibility pursuant to collective bargaining agreement); ability to travel as required.
  • Prepare and maintain records related to fire inspections, code requirements, permits and training.
  • Research code sections to determine proper application of requirements.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

  • High school degree or equivalent.
  • Candidates must pass a pre-employment background check and physical.
  • Specialized course work and/or training in fire prevention related topics and/or fire/building codes; or
  • Two years of experience in fire inspection or closely related field; or
  • Four years of relevant education and experience; or
  • A combination of relevant work experience and education.
  • Obtain ICC Fire Inspector I certification within one year of employment.
  • Valid Driver License.
  • Must be a citizen of the United States of America, a lawful permanent resident, or a deferred action for childhood arrivals recipient. An applicant for a position of any kind under civil service under the provisions of the RCW 41.080.070 must be able to speak, read and write the English language.

Salary:

Deputy Fire Marshal I – II
$80,164 – $102,638 Annually

Benefits:

Benefits include medical, dental and vision, 457(b) and DRS/PERS retirement plans.  Other benefits include: paid holidays, personal days, management leave, life insurance and LTD. For more information regarding benefits with Renton RFA, view our Benefits Guide.

Job Type:

Regular Full-Time

Location:

Fire Station 14

Division:

Office of the Fire Marshal

Deputy Fire Marshal II – Job Summary:

Performs complex inspections to enforce fire prevention laws, ordinances and codes; promote the development and use of effective fire prevention methods; provide instruction to the general public regarding fire codes and prevention; and perform basic fire scene investigation and handle complaints.

Deputy Fire Marshal II is an intermediate level professional classification in the Deputy Fire Marshal series and performs a variety of higher hazardous commercial and industrial inspections to identify fire and safety hazards, promotes public awareness and fire prevention practices and performs more complex fire scene investigations. Deputy Fire Marshal I performs basic inspections to enforce fire prevention laws, ordinances and codes. Deputy Fire Marshal III administers programs, performs complex inspections, develops legislation, and provides training.

Essential Functions

  • Inspect commercial, industrial, assembly, educational and institutional occupancies, buildings and facilities; identify fire hazards and utilizing licensed third party inspection test reports, verify the proper function of fire protection equipment.
  • Inspect complex occupancies with potentially hazardous conditions or specialized activities such as welding or spray-painting facilities and facilities where flammable, combustible or hazardous materials are stored, mixed or dispensed.
  • Respond to complaints and reports of fire code violations; inspect premises and assess hazards; make appropriate recommendations and issue citations as needed; conduct re-inspections and follow-up as appropriate.
  • Respond to fire alarm calls; secure fire scene, interview witnesses, photograph fire scene, prepare scene diagram and collect evidence to establish the cause and origin of the fire.
  • Prepare fire investigation reports as required, documenting fire damage, description of premises, fire indicators, area of origin and substantiating evidence of cause, origin and classification.
  • Remain current with relevant technological advancements as it relates to field.
  • Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance; work evening and/or weekend hours as required (overtime eligibility pursuant to collective bargaining agreement); ability to travel as required.
  • Promote the development and use of effective fire prevention methods; provide information regarding the storage of flammable and combustible materials, electrical hazards and other common causes of fires.
  • Assure compliance with a variety of fire prevention laws, ordinances and codes; initiate steps to enforce compliance as needed.
  • Instruct employers, civic groups, school children and others in extinguishing small fires, escaping burning buildings, operating fire extinguishers and establishing evacuation plans; prepare and produce handouts and other informational materials.
  • Prepare and maintain records related to fire inspections, code requirements, permits and training.
  • Write inspection infraction letters and other communications outlining code compliance requirements; research code sections to determine proper application of requirements.
  • Conduct special studies and projects related to fire inspection and prevention.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High school degree or equivalent.
  • Specialized course work and/or training in fire prevention related topics and/or fire/building codes.
  • Four years of experience in fire inspection or closely related field.
  • Or 6 years of relevant education and experience.
  • ICC Fire Inspector II certification.
  • Obtain IAAI Fire Investigator Technician certification and successful demonstration of the job performance requirements outlined in NFPA 1033, or other nationally recognized Fire Investigator Certification within one year of employment or promotion.
  • Candidate must pass a pre-employment background check and physical.
  • Valid Driver License.
  • Must be a citizen of the United States of America, a lawful permanent resident, or a deferred action for childhood arrivals recipient. An applicant for a position of any kind under civil service under the provisions of the RCW 41.080.070 must be able to speak, read and write the English language.

Promotional Fire Inspector Program:

APPLICANT SHALL POSSESS THE FOLLOWING:

  • A minimum of two-years work experience as a Deputy Fire Marshal I;
  • Completion of the current NFPA Standard 1031, “Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector I;”
  • The performance standards for Level I shall be signed-off and have successfully passed testing prior to progressing to the Deputy Fire Marshal II level.

DEMONSTRATED ATTRIBUTES

  • Knowledge of principles and practices of fire science.
  • Knowledge of methods, materials and equipment used in fire suppression.
  • Knowledge of fire prevention laws, ordinances and codes.
  • Knowledge of record-keeping techniques.
  • Oral and written communication skills.
  • Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
  • Technical aspects of field of specialty.
  • Ability to inspect businesses, buildings and facilities to assure compliance with fire codes, laws and ordinances.
  • Ability to provide instruction to civic groups, school children and others regarding fire inspection and prevention.
  • Ability to prepare displays, teaching materials and make oral presentations.
  • Ability to identify fire hazards and causes.
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Maintain records and prepare reports.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
  • Respond to fire-related incidents to investigate the cause and origin as assigned.
  • Remain current with emerging technologies as they relate to field of specialty.
  • Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The following represent the physical demands that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

  • 60% of work is performed in a typical office or indoor environment and the remaining 40% is performed outdoors in all weather conditions and involves moving throughout the facility and community.
  • Driving and field work required.
  • Frequent communication with City employees and customers.
  • Lift or move items weighing up to 30 pounds regularly.
  • Climb and work from ladders, climb stairs, good reflexes and eyesight, and bending, stretching, and standing for extended periods.
  • Exposure to high voltage wires, hazardous materials, heights, and noise from equipment.
  • Noise level out in the field is moderately loud and noise level in the office is moderately quiet.

Approved reasonable accommodation requests will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Simply click the button below to complete our online application now! Be prepared to include the following:

  • Cover letter explaining your interest in the position
  • Current resume
  • Answers to supplemental questions
Click here to apply!