FIRE MARSHAL

SUMMARY:

Responsible for the direction of a comprehensive county-wide fire protection, and Building Safety program to include the following: inspection of a variety of existing structures and new construction both Commercial and Residential; conducting fire origin and cause investigations. Attending continuing education programs to remain current on fire prevention technology and techniques; and make presentations to general public. In addition, the incumbent will assist the Administrator Public Safety with the immediate supervision of the Counties EMS oversight. The Fire Marshal will also serve as a liaison to the Fire Association.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Oversees the daily operations of the Building Safety Department conducting inspections of residential, commercial, industrial, public, and institutional buildings; checking for compliance with County and State laws, codes and ordinances as to life safety, fire hazards and fire protection equipment. Secures compliance from contractors and/or the property owners.
• Reviews plans of new commercial building construction, additions, and alterations for items of concern to the fire departments. Conducts field inspection of commercial construction in progress.
• Conducts or assists in the conducting of investigations of large fires or of fires of uncertain origin including a search of the scene of the fire and questioning witnesses or occupants. Compiles written reports.
• Investigates complaints of hazardous conditions. Determines if hazard is present and initiates action to secure corrections if required.
• Oversees the inventory of county owned fire apparatus and firefighting equipment.
• Additional Building Safety administrative responsibilities include budget preparation and compliance, record keeping, and filing of various reports with the proper agencies or County departments.
• Gives lectures and demonstrations on the subject of fire prevention. Distributes educational material and talks to schools, civic groups, etc.
• Attends all staff, planning, quorum court and quorum court committee meetings as necessary to ensure the success of the department and the County.
• Develops and maintains strong working relationships with the County Fire Chiefs and firefighters.
• Serves as the County's liaison with the Benton County Fire Association.
• Serves as the Benton County Fire Coordinator working directly with the Arkansas Emergency Management agency ensuring all volunteer fire departments maintain minimum training and state of readiness requirements so that they remain certified and able to receive Act 833 funding and local, state and federal grants.
• Regular and reliable attendance.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Requires considerable experience (10 years minimum) in fire science relating to fire prevention, inspection, plans review, fire cause investigation, hazardous materials, supervisory, resource management and fire suppression techniques beyond a high school level. Training in supervision, fiscal and personnel management; or any combination of experience and training which provides the following knowledge, skill, and abilities. Successful completion of state required firefighter and EMS courses.

OTHER SKIILLS and ABILITIES: Considerable knowledge of building construction, fire science, fire behavior, fire technology, fire origin and cause investigation techniques, building and fire codes, laws and ordinances, Arkansas Statutes and specific fire, rescue and EMS conditions of the county. Considerable knowledge of Rescue and EMS operations, skills and laws. Thorough knowledge of understanding of county safety policies practices procedures, county policies and labor practices.

Ability to analyze County's fire and life safety needs and identify target hazards. Ability to read and interpret complex written materials. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, coworkers, the public, elected officials, the business community, Planning, Environmental Affairs and DEM departments and Sheriff's Office personnel.

Ability to develop, prepare and present annual budget. Ability to recognize situations that need action and then to take appropriate actions as necessary. Ability to resolve conflict at lowest levels. Skill and ability in fire suppression techniques,

Valid Arkansas Driver's license and good driving record.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Director of Risk Reduction will supervise all interactions within the division as well as the various counties fire departments and firefighters. Directly supervises 8 county employees. Coordinates with 21 Volunteer Fire Departments providing secondary supervision as needed.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Communication, education, and program support for all county departments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit; use hand to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level is quiet in the office setting and moderate to loud when training or operating fire equipment.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS OVERVIEW:

Benefits are an important part of the overall compensation package. We are pleased to offer a comprehensive array of valuable benefits.

County Paid Insurance Benefits

• Employee Medical
• Basic life and ADD Insurance
• Long‑term disability insurance

Access to voluntary benefits, including:

• Medical (Spouse/Children)
• Dental, and Vision coverage
• Supplemental life insurance
• Short‑term disability
• Critical Illness coverage
• Accident insurance
• Hospital indemnity plans

View the Benefits Guide for more information

Retirement & Financial Security

• Participation in the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System (APERS) pension program
• Voluntary Nationwide Deferred Compensation 457(b) Retirement plan

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• 11 Paid Holidays annually
• Paid Sick Leave (up to 12 working days per year)
• Paid Vacation Leave (up to 10 working days per year)
• Paid Personal Day annually