Assistant Fire Marshal

Assistant Fire Marshal

Salary

$61,983.02 - $105,371.14 Annually

Location

Johnston County Public Safety Center, NC

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

02690

Department

Emergency Services

Division

Fire Marshal

Opening Date

10/26/2026

Closing Date

11/9/2026 5:00 PM Eastern

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Johnston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Description

The Assistant Fire Marshal is responsible for fire code enforcement and inspections, technical consultation with fire departments, fire investigations, public education and plan reviews. Work involves establishing and maintaining records and reports and requires exercising independent judgment and initiative, analytical skills, and extensive knowledge of federal, state and local policies and regulations in fire codes and hazardous materials management. Decisions must be made quickly and accurately during emergency situations and communicated in a tactful and diplomatic manner when dealing with the public.

An employee in this position may be subject to hazards associated with fire inspections, fire investigations, hazardous materials, emergency management work and working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to high heat, chemicals, and in the proximity to atmospheric conditions and blood borne pathogens, and is sometimes required to wear a respirator, and may be required to work in close quarters.

Work is performed under the general direction of the Deputy Fire Marshal and is evaluated through conferences, reports and feedback on services and emergency coordination. The position performs origin and cause fire and/or explosion investigations and serves as a subject matter expert and a liaison for county resources that may be needed during fire and emergency management operations.

This position is Monday - Friday, 0800 - 1700.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts fire and life safety inspections on educational, institutional, mercantile, business, storage, hazardous, assembly, industrial and residential occupancies as required for compliance with the state building codes and local ordinances.

• Investigates illegal burn complaints. Document such complaints; Orders actions to comply with state and local codes and ordinances.

• Investigates complaints of fire safety hazards; compiles data and orders actions to comply with codes and ordinances, as applicable; issues citations for violations of state and county fire codes; advises business and property owners of action necessary to resolve violations.

• Conducts fire service review of commercial site and Technical Review Committee (TRC) plans. Provides technical assistance as requested on fire code-related issues.

• Reviews commercial building plans for the county and other municipalities to ensure compliance with state and county building codes; conducts technical inspections of new construction or building modification in the county and for municipalities to check conformance with state, federal and county fire codes.

• Conducts or witnesses acceptance testing of life safety systems (sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, fixed suppression systems, etc.) to determine initial compliance with codes and standards. (Added for Fire Inspection job function).

• Investigates fires; gathers data at the scene of fire; analyzes the facts and reports findings.

• Conducts public education classes on fire prevention and safety for the public, businesses, schools and other emergency responders.

• Prepares and teaches fire and life safety education classes for public schools, nursing homes, civic organizations, etc., as requested.

• Assists in managing the Emergency Operations Center and coordinates various local emergency agencies with state and federal agencies during emergency situations or disasters.

• Serves on various committees representing the County.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations pertaining to the various emergency services activities, including those pertaining to fire marshal activities.

• Thorough knowledge of modern principles, practices, and processes involving fire inspections, fire investigations, emergency management, and hazardous materials handling, storage, and resources available.

• Working knowledge of computer software including Google workspace, Word, Excel, Smart draw, and GIS applications.

• Knowledge and skills in conducting fire inspections.

• Knowledge of incident safety and incident command structure.

• Knowledge of hazardous materials incident management.

• Knowledge of confined space and technical rescue techniques.

• Skills in management, organization and supervision.

• Skills in conducting fire investigations and modern methods for collecting and analyzing data.

• Ability to plan, organize, direct and supervise staff, paid and volunteer, especially in emergency or disaster situations.

• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.

• Ability to react quickly, effectively, and professionally in emergency situations and major disasters.

• Ability to use sound judgment and determine best options and make decisions for handling emergency matters.

• Ability to interpret, explain, and apply laws, policies, procedures and regulations during specific emergency situations and in daily operations.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with emergency agencies and personnel, volunteer emergency service organizations, public officials at the local, state and federal levels, business and community leaders and organizations, other department heads, superiors and employees.

Desired Education and Experience

Graduation from a two year college or university and 5 years of experience in fire and rescue services, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements:

• Valid North Carolina Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.
• North Carolina certification as a Fire Investigation Technician, or the ability to obtain within 1 year.
• Possess a minimum of a standard level I Fire Inspector or higher certification issued through the North Carolina Department of Insurance Code Officials Qualification Board.

Preferred Requirements:

• Valid North Carolina Class B Drivers License
• Standard Level II Fire Inspector
• North Carolina Hazardous Materials Operations Certification
• NIMS ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800
• North Carolina Firefighter Certification
• North Carolina Certified Fire Investigator

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned.

Important Pre-Employment Information:

• If the position requires a degree, official transcripts must be submitted within 30 days of hire.
• A pre-employment reference check will be conducted.
• A background check may be required and may include criminal history, motor vehicle records, sex offender registry checks, pre-employment drug screening, SBI fingerprinting, and, if applicable, a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) check.
• A conviction record does not automatically disqualify you from employment, unless otherwise required by state law. Each situation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Johnston County provides a comprehensive, affordable insurance and benefits program.

Employees are offered a diverse selection of benefits including medical (no-cost for the employee plan), dental, life, and supplemental benefit coverages. Employees can also take advantage of our on-site wellness clinic and virtual telehealth program, both at no-cost!

Additional benefits include participation in the NC Retirement System, a 401(k) match option, generous paid leave and holiday schedule, tuition reimbursement, and more! To learn more, visit www.myjcbenefits.com

• This description applies to benefits eligible positions.

01

Approximately how many years have you participated in fire prevention inspections?

• 0 - 1 year
• 1 - 3 years
• 3 - 5 years
• 5+ years

02

Approximately how many years have you participated in origin and cause fire investigations?

• 0 - 1 year
• 1 - 3 years
• 3 - 5 years
• 5+ years

03

Please select the highest fire prevention code enforcement certificate you possess.

• Probationary Level 1
• Standard Level 1
• Probationary Level 2
• Standard Level 2
• Probationary Level 3
• Standard Level 3
• None of the above

04

Please select the highest fire origin and cause certificate you possess.

• NC Fire Investigation Technician
• NC Certified Fire Arson Investigator
• None of the above
• Other

Required Question

Employer Johnston County

Department Emergency Services Address 2875 US HWY-70 BUS E

PO Box 530

Smithfield, 275755

Phone 919-934-4700

919-989-5052

Website https://www.johnstonnc.gov/emerserv/