Definition

Within the Washington State Patrol Fire Protection Bureau, in cooperation with state, federal and local officials, serves as a technical expert, as designated in writing by the Assistant State Fire Marshal, in the development and implementation of statewide fire programs such as: fire training, standards and accreditation, life safety inspections, public fire education, fire incident reporting, fire sprinkler and fireworks licensing, plan review, emergency mobilization, regional outreach, hazardous materials, and/or fire investigations.  Supports and strengthens efforts to prevent fire and emergency incidents and control risk to life, property, and community vitality that may result from destructive fire and emergency incidents.

Typical Work

Provides technical assistance to facilities and local jurisdictions; coordinates compliance of state and federal regulations and requirements; 

Performs fire and life safety inspections of residential and health care facilities, day care and group home facilities licensed by the state;   

Provides technical consultation and reviews plans for fire and life safety requirements and the installation or alteration of fire protection systems; 

Conducts site inspections to verify compliance for new construction, additions or remodeling;  

Assists in the review of additions or revisions to and the development of fire and life safety requirements;  

Assists law enforcement with performing criminal investigations of fires or explosions involving arson or related crimes, and for violations of the Fire Sprinkler Contractors and Fireworks laws, coordinating activities with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and insurance industry;  

Provides case documentation and assists prosecuting attorneys in the preparation of fire related crimes and violations of the Fire Sprinkler Contractors and Fireworks laws in either state or federal courts;  

Provides lead responsibility in the training and field activities of newly hired deputy state fire marshals or other in-training positions;  

Develops and presents fire safety programs in state licensed facilities and to interested groups;  

Advises the public on fire safety and prevention; 

Enters inspection and other program specific data and provides analysis and develops reports as needed; 

Provides hands-on and classroom training to the fire service, public and allied professions addressing fire and life safety, hazardous materials, fire suppression, and other fire-related subjects; 

Attends training classes and seminars as required;  

Performs other work as required. 

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:  state-adopted fire and building codes, nationally recognized fire protection and fire prevention standards, standard building construction methods and materials; investigation procedures and techniques, proper collection of evidence and photography; fire training standards and standards and accreditation processes; hazardous materials; principles of public education; procedures for use of the National Fire Incident Reporting System; National Incident Management; emergency mobilization plans; fire protection systems; principles of customer service.   

Ability to:  apply state-adopted fire and building codes to ensure adequate levels of fire and life safety; conduct fire inspections; conduct plan reviews; develop and deliver public education programs, develop and deliver training programs; work in field conditions during emergency mobilizations; conduct fire investigations; work effectively with public, industry representatives and government officials in performing duties; communicate clearly. 

Legal Requirement(s)

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification.  It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Desirable Qualifications

Four years of paid or volunteer experience as a fire or police officer, codes enforcement officer, insurance industry inspector or investigator.   

College-level training in fire protection, police science, law enforcement or allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience. 

Class Specification History

New class adopted October 1, 1998.
Revise class. Revises class code (formerly 41893), general revision; adopted May 10, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.
Revise definition. Adopted November 8, 2007, effective November 9, 2007.
(11/15/2007) Added new typical work.