Nature of Work
In a training capacity, acquires the ability to perform protective services work in fire prevention, fire safety inspection or arson/explosives investigation. For a period of time to be specified by the State Fire Marshal, the employee learns proper methods of fire prevention, inspection/investigation through self study and by assisting with fire prevention and inspections/ investigations in the field. The employee works within an assigned geographic region of the state. Travel is required. Required to work in potentially hazardous conditions during arson/explosives investigations and fire safety inspections. Performs related work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the trainee level in the Assistant Fire Marshal series. Employees work under the close supervision of a senior Assistant State Fire Marshal or other technical superior and are expected to acquire the work specific knowledge, skills and abilities to function as an Assistant Fire Marshal. Employees may work at this level until the training program is completed and the supervisor determines the employee can function independently.

Examples of Work
Participates in formal classroom and on-the-job training to develop familiarity with state and federal laws on fire safety inspection and/or arson/explosives investigation.
Assists with fire safety inspections of schools, public and private health care facilities, correctional facilities; businesses and occupancies for compliance with fire safety codes; assist with follow-up inspections. Learns to determine adequacy of hallways, stairways and doors to allow safe exit from the building.
Assists in the preparation of written reports.
Assists with fire investigations. Learns to searches fire scenes for physical evidence. May make sketches and/or take photographs at fire scenes. Learns to employ electronic detectors to locate physical evidence. Assists with interviewing witnesses and suspects to obtain corroborative evidence.
Assists in organizing and presenting classes on public fire safety education.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Learns to acquire knowledge of state and federal laws on fire safety inspection and/or arson/explosives investigation.
Learns to acquire knowledge of fire safety inspection and/or arson/explosives procedures and techniques.
Ability to critically examine plans, drawings, and specifications to determine compliance with fire codes.
Ability to conduct fire safety inspections and/or arson/explosives investigations.
Ability to identify and preserve evidence collected at fire scenes.
Ability to present ideas clearly, both orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with property owners, public officials and fellow employees.
Ability to make presentations and instruct various age levels.

Minimum Qualifications      [Top]
Training:
Graduation from a standard four-year high school or equivalent and four (4) years of full-time or part-time equivalent paid or volunteer experience in law enforcement, fire prevention, fire safety, building inspection or related experience.

Established: 4/17/03
Effective:     7/1/03