An Overview
A Deputy Fire Marshal I performs base level job duties while obtaining Local and State mandated training and certifications. An incumbent in this class inspects buildings, equipment, and processes for compliance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code and conducts investigations for cause and origin of res, explosions, environmental crimes, and industrial accidents occurring within the City
What you Should Bring
Under the general supervision of a Chief Deputy Fire Marshal, a Deputy Fire Marshal I enforces the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code as adopted by the City of Alexandria; applicable provisions of the Code of Virginia, Code of the City of Alexandria, and related laws and ordinances; conducts re prevention inspections of commercial and residential properties; prepares written inspection reports and notices of violation; prepares and makes written and oral presentations for the education of the public and other city employees; participates in special events within the city; interacts and coordinates activities with the public to include property owners, tenants, attorneys, development and design professionals, and professional and civic organizations. 5/15/25, 2:49 PM Job Bulletin https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/%7B0%7Dalexandria/jobs/newprint/4228944 1/5 A Deputy Fire Marshal I is a sworn law enforcement officer and investigates re, explosion, and environmental incidents within the City and investigates the origin and cause of res, explosions, and environmental crimes; conducts in-depth interviews of suspects and witnesses; collects and preserves evidence; issues summonses and makes custodial arrests as necessary; prepares detailed investigation reports and cases for court and testifies as needed; responds to emergency incidents as directed; conducts in-depth investigations and follow-ups; maintains all state and local certifications required of the position; and performs related duties as required. This position requires the ability to work shifts, stand-by, and call-backs for emergency or staffing needs. This position requires a candidate who can work independently and with minimal supervision at night, on weekends, and on holidays. This position requires the candidate to qualify and become proficient in the use of an issued duty rearm and the operation of an emergency vehicle. Deliver innovative re prevention solutions that meet code and regulatory requirements while providing the customer with reasonable and obtainable options. Must have interpersonal skills in working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Examples of Work
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Conducts cause and origin investigations for fires and explosions;
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Conducts investigations for environmental crimes;
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Conducts investigations for industrial and construction accidents;
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Assists with police investigations when requested;
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Conducts inspections for violations of the Statewide Fire Prevention Code, Uniform Statewide Building Code, and Virginia Maintenance Code for: fire prevention permits, hazardous use permits, citizen complaints, City Council requests, unfit housing cases, new business licenses, alcoholic beverage control, daycares, and department of housing and urban development requests;
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Assists fire inspectors and performs all related fire inspector activities;
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Attend Metro Area Arson & Explosive Investigator Group meetings with representatives from ATF, the Washington D.C. fire department and local Virginia fire departments;
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Attends civic association meetings;
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Attend meetings with other City agencies including the police department, the sheriff's office, fire suppression, mental health, and adult protective services;
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Develops strategies to remediate code violations with other City agencies;
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Performs law enforcement activities related to listed investigations and inspections, including: obtaining and executing search warrants;
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collecting evidence;
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interviewing witnesses and suspects of crimes;
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making arrests and transporting prisoners to the jail;
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issuing summonses, parking tickets, and civil penalty tickets;
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impounding vehicles;
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preparing case files for prosecution and conferring with the Commonwealth's Attorney with regards to cases;
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Obtains subpoenas for records;
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Provides backup for police when requested or when evidently necessary;
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Assists police with any law enforcement activities when requested;
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Assists State and Federal authorities with any law enforcement activities when requested; Proactively monitors known nuisance activity areas for illegal activities;
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Attends required training, including: firearms training and firearms qualification;
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Joint training in conjunction with the Alexandria Police Department and the Alexandria Sheriff's Office in the areas of officer safety, defensive tactics, building searches, and patrol procedures;
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Attends educational seminars and training classes related to the re-certification of law enforcement officer, fire investigator, fire inspector, and property maintenance inspector certifications; Attends Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development training;
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Provides courtroom testimony for criminal cases;
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Provides courtroom testimony for civil cases;
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Provides courtroom testimony for police cases when requested;
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Provides extensive interaction with citizens, including: advising and instructing occupants regarding fire causes and hazards;
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Responding to citizen complaints related to housing; instructing occupants on fire watch procedures; discussing housing conditions with landlords and tenants; responding to citizen complaints related to waste, trash, weed and grass control;
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Interacting with potentially dangerous and mentally unstable subjects;
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Providing outreach and educational fire safety training to various citizen groups;
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Observing fire drills at businesses and schools and providing feedback;
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Answering any related questions received from citizens;
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Maintains accurate records of all activities and manages code administration programs, including: the Residential Rental Inspection program; coordinating in-house training; coordinating special events;
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Developing and conducting fire safety programs for public educational purposes; and, reviewing approved site plans for field compliance with emergency vehicle easement requirements;
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Prepares accurate correspondence and report writing of inspections, investigations, condemnations, and corrections;
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Works in other dangerous and hazardous scenarios, including: providing assistance in rendering properties safe during emergency incidents due to natural disasters or major fire situations; working in hoarded and unsanitary buildings; working in structurally unsafe buildings; working in dangerous outdoor conditions, including both landscape and weather hazards; working special events involving fireworks, explosives, and other hazards;
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Acts quickly and calmly in all hazardous and dangerous circumstances, including dealing with mentally unstable individuals;
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Maintains 24-hour standby status for a full week once every 8 weeks in preparation for callback to investigate fires or other events;
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Responds to the City with full work equipment within two hours at any time during the standby week;
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Performs related work as required.
The Opportunity
Working within the Alexandria Fire Department to schedule and respond to business owners and residents request for re prevention inspections of businesses, schools and all other structures or processes regulated by applicable local, state and federal re codes, regulations and ordinances. Identify re code violations and hazards while working with the business owner and residents to abate the violation and/or hazard. Performs timely follow-up inspections to ensure compliance of applicable local, state and federal codes, regulations and ordinances to ensure compliance. The candidate will maintain an assigned City vehicle and equipment and must have the ability to maintain all certifications incumbent with the position of a Deputy Fire Marshal I.
About the Department
Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other
The Alexandria Fire Department provides re, emergency medical services, and special operations such as technical rescue, hazardous materials and marine response operations with additional capabilities including re prevention, inspections, protection and investigation to a 15 square mile city. The Alexandria Fire Department employs more than 290personnel, which include firefighters paramedics, re prevention staff and administrative support. A network of ten stations protects 15 square miles. Among the department's specialized teams are the Northern Virginia Regional Hazardous Materials Team, Technical Rescue, Marine Operations and the Special Operations Team. The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is also a city-wide function within the Alexandria Fire Department.
DFM I
Starting Salary Range ($68,097.64 - $94,983.98)
Minimum: High School Diploma or GED; some knowledge of fire inspection practices with the ability to recognize and define fire hazards and causes, and to recommend effective remedial measures; some knowledge of the Uniform Statewide Building Code, and the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code and the City ordinances that relate to fire prevention and nuisance activities; some understanding of responsibilities associated with Building and Fire Code procedures; some knowledge of State fire protection and related laws; ability to successfully complete the minimum standard training required by the State of Virginia for fire marshals, and to successfully complete the minimum standard training requirements adopted for this position by the City; ability to deal tactfully and effectively with the general public; ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; and the ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions; some experience in at least one of the following areas: fire protection, firefighting, electrical, building, plumbing or mechanical trades; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
DFM II
Starting Salary Range ($71,504.68-$99,733.66)
Minimum: High School Diploma or GED; some knowledge of fire inspection practices with the ability to recognize and define fire hazards and causes, and to recommend effective remedial measures; some knowledge of the Uniform Statewide Building Code, and the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code and the City ordinances that relate to fire prevention and nuisance activities; some understanding of responsibilities associated with Building and Fire Code procedures; some knowledge of State fire protection and related laws; ability to successfully complete the minimum standard training required by the State of Virginia for fire marshals, and to successfully complete the minimum standard training requirements adopted for this position by the City's Office of Building and Fire Code Administration; ability to deal tactfully and effectively with the general public; ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; and, the ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions. Some experience in at least one of the following areas: fire protection, firefighting, electrical, building, plumbing or mechanical trades; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
DFM III
Starting Salary Range($75,075.00-$104,718.12)
Minimum: Completion of two (2) years of experience as a Deputy Fire Marshal II with the Alexandria Fire Department; and completion of the minimum standard training required by the State of Virginia for local Fire Marshals and assistants (Sec. 27-34.2 Code of Virginia); and possession of a high school diploma or GED; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities; successful completion of the following certification programs: Hazardous Materials Technician, Fire and Explosion Investigator, or equivalent National Fire Investigator certification, the Virginia Building Code Academy Advanced Officials Module.
