Summary of Work
The North Dakota State Fire Marshal's Office is committed to protecting lives, property, and communities through fire prevention, fire investigation, code enforcement, public education, and partnerships with local fire departments and public safety agencies across the state.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Deputy Fire Marshal to provide leadership for Deputy Fire Marshals serving western and south-central North Dakota while overseeing several statewide fire prevention programs. This position combines supervisory responsibilities, advanced fire investigation, fire code enforcement, and statewide program management to support the mission of the State Fire Marshal's Office.
As our Senior Deputy Fire Marshal, you will serve as a trusted leader and technical expert, ensuring consistency in fire prevention activities, mentoring Deputy Fire Marshals, coordinating complex investigations, and managing programs that improve fire and life safety throughout North Dakota.
Duties and Tasks
As our Senior Deputy Fire Marshal, your duties and responsibilities will include:
Leadership & Supervision
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Provide direct supervision, leadership, and mentorship to Deputy Fire Marshals assigned to the southern districts.
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Assign work, establish priorities, and ensure timely completion of inspections, investigations, and other assigned responsibilities.
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Conduct performance evaluations, provide coaching, and support employee development.
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Review reports for quality, consistency, and compliance with agency standards.
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Assist with recruitment, onboarding, and training of new Deputy Fire Marshals.
Foster teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
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Fire Investigation
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Lead and assist with complex fire and explosion origin and cause investigations.
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Coordinate investigations with local fire departments, law enforcement agencies, insurance investigators, prosecutors, and federal partners.
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Conduct scene examinations, interviews, evidence collection, photography, and documentation.
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Review investigative reports and provide technical guidance to Deputy Fire Marshals.
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Serve as an expert witness in criminal and civil court proceedings.
Participate in statewide on-call rotation for fire investigations.
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Fire Prevention & Code Enforcement
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Conduct fire prevention inspections as required by North Dakota Century Code and at the request of local jurisdictions.
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Inspect commercial, industrial, institutional, and special occupancy buildings for compliance with adopted fire codes.
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Interpret and enforce applicable fire codes and standards.
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Assist with complex inspections involving hazardous materials, energy systems, construction sites, fireworks, explosives, and other specialized occupancies.
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Provide technical code guidance to local governments, businesses, and fire departments.
Statewide Program Management
Provide leadership and oversight for statewide fire prevention programs, including but not limited to:
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Community Risk Reduction (CRR)
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Certificate of Existence Program
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Fire Safe Cigarette (Fire Safer Tobacco) Program
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Fireworks Wholesale Licensing
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Additional prevention initiatives assigned by the State Fire Marshal
Administrative Leadership
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Assist with development of office policies, procedures, and operational standards.
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Monitor statewide trends involving fire prevention and investigations.
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Provide recommendations to agency leadership regarding operational improvements and emerging fire safety issues.
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Assist with implementation of legislative changes and special projects.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must meet one of the following:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Public Administration, Business Administration or a closely related field, and experience related to fire prevention, fire investigation, or code enforcement;
OR
Associate degree in a related field and:
Four years of fire service experience; or
Four years of experience in fire prevention, fire investigation, code enforcement, or a closely related field.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
In addition, applicants should possess demonstrated leadership experience through supervision, project leadership, officer responsibilities within the fire service, or comparable experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Certified Fire Investigator (ProBoard, IFSAC,IAAI-CFI or NAFI-CFEI)
NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator
NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector II or III (Proboard/IFSAC)
ICC Fire Inspector certification
Community Risk Reduction (CRR) experience
Previous supervisory experience
Experience managing statewide programs or regulatory initiatives
Experience working with local, state, and federal public safety partners
Knowledge of North Dakota fire codes and state government operations
About Team ND
"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt
More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.
Total Rewards: The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.
Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.
Application Procedures
Applicants are screened based on qualifications, successful completion of the interview process and a background and criminal investigation. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The Insurance Department does not provide sponsorships.
Application package must be received by 11:59 PM Central Standard Time (CST) on the closing date listed on the opening.
TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE AT: ND Careers website
Documents to be submitted:
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Resume
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Cover letter with a summary that clearly explains how the applicant's work experience is related to the summary of work and minimum/preferred qualifications.
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3 Professional References
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College Transcripts (copies or unofficial versions are acceptable for the initial application process but when the top candidate is given a conditional employment offer, they are required to present official transcripts)
Anyone needing assistance or accommodations during any part of the application or interview process please contact Rachel, E-mail: [email protected]; phone: (701) 328-2931 or TTY: 1 (800) 366-6888.
Comments
Why You'll Love Working Here
As a Senior Deputy Fire Marshal, you'll have the opportunity to make a statewide impact by protecting lives, reducing fire risk, and strengthening North Dakota's fire service community.
This position offers a unique combination of leadership, public service, technical expertise, and statewide program management. You'll work alongside dedicated professionals while helping shape the future of fire prevention and investigation throughout North Dakota.
Whether mentoring Deputy Fire Marshals, leading complex investigations, or improving statewide prevention programs, your work will directly contribute to safer communities across the state.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.
