Fire Marshal

Role overview

The Village of Ruidoso is seeking a Fire Marshal to lead fire inspection and prevention activities across the community. This is a professional and administrative role responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating fire prevention programs and related operations. The Fire Marshal is expected to serve as the technical authority on fire prevention, code compliance, inspections, and investigations, while working closely with the Community Development Director, building officials, building inspectors, the Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, Deputy Village Manager, and Village Manager.

Key duties

• Act as the Village’s Fire Code Official.
• Lead fire prevention programs and departmental prevention activities, and help shape policies, procedures, ordinances, and codes that improve public safety and department effectiveness.
• Oversee village-wide inspection and fire investigation work, including checks of new and remodeled commercial and public properties for compliance with adopted fire codes.
• Inspect businesses, industrial properties, lodging facilities, and schools for compliance with the International Fire Code and the VOR Fire Prevention Code.
• Address complaints from property owners and resolve issues within the scope of the role.
• Supervise inspection of sprinkler systems and other fire protection or prevention systems.
• Review fire prevention codes and ordinances, identify gaps, recommend updates, and help educate staff and the public on new requirements.
• Handle public complaints related to fire code violations and fire hazards.
• Calculate water flow capacity for proposed fire safety systems.
• Evaluate building construction, storage methods, occupancy type and load, fire exits, fire prevention equipment, and electrical/heating equipment for safety and compliance.
• Develop and implement evacuation planning, and train or test commercial occupants on fire prevention, suppression, and escape procedures.
• Coordinate with building officials on fire-related code review and occupancy load approvals.
• Attend pre-planning meetings with city staff, contractors, builders, architects, and similar stakeholders.
• Prepare memorandums on fire code interpretation and project compliance, negotiate compliance options, and explain requirements to the public.
• Issue pre-construction compliance letters to support necessary changes during construction.
• Attend planning commission meetings as needed to present departmental positions on code matters.
• Monitor compliance with hazardous materials storage requirements in residential, business, institutional, commercial, and public buildings.
• Issue burn permits for open fires.
• Serve as the department’s arson investigator, respond to fires to determine cause and origin, coordinate serious cases with the New Mexico State Fire Marshal, collect and analyze evidence, and work with police and state investigators as needed.
• Prepare investigative reports, diagrams, and summaries, draw evidence-based conclusions, recommend case actions, and testify in court as an expert witness when needed.
• Maintain files and records related to prevention and investigation in a central filing system and use computer systems to store and retrieve information.
• Gather public safety information and deliver presentations to the community.
• Develop and run public education efforts, including brochures, posters, talks at public events, school presentations, and demonstrations on fire hazards and prevention methods.
• Train business staff in the use of extinguishers and hoses.
• Attend public events to help ensure fire safety standards are followed.
• Assist with review and approval of construction and development plans for fire code compliance, including alarm systems, sprinkler devices, emergency exits, retardant materials, hydrant placement, and fire wall locations.

Additional job requirements

• Complete timesheets accurately and on time, using actual time worked.
• Attend meetings, trainings, and workshops when required or needed.
• Report workplace injuries immediately and complete the necessary follow-up forms and actions.
• Report harassment concerns immediately.
• Maintain strong knowledge of adopted fire codes, laws, ordinances, regulations, and fire prevention/fire suppression practices.
• Follow Village of Ruidoso IT policies.
• Keep all certifications current and stay updated on federal, state, and local codes and ordinances.
• Use strong customer service skills when explaining violations and correction requirements to homeowners, businesses, and contractors.
• Perform other related duties and special projects assigned by management.
• Assist in the Emergency Operations Center when activated and carry out assigned duties as needed.

Physical demands

• Maintain the physical condition and stamina needed for extended sitting, standing, walking, driving, or riding in vehicles.
• Handle routine office tasks that may include lifting boxes, moving supplies, and adjusting office furniture.
• Perform occasional pushing, pulling, lifting, and moving of heavy items.
• Traverse rough terrain at construction sites.
• Occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds.
• Climb, balance, stoop, kneel, squat, bend, or crawl when required.
• Maintain physical readiness expected of emergency responders.
• Work is classified as moderate duty.

Work environment

• Adapt to weather-related challenges and changing field conditions.
• Drive for work, including occasional long-distance travel.
• Be available for irregular schedules, long shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• Work flexible hours as determined by management.
• Be available on call when needed.
• Work in environments where noise may be moderate to loud.
• Remain effective in stressful situations and manage pressure professionally.

Qualifications

Preferred certification includes Fire Inspector I from the International Code Council and/or IFSAC/Pro Board. Fire Investigator certification through IFSAC/Pro Board, IAAI, or NAFI is also preferred. The candidate must hold and maintain a valid New Mexico motor vehicle operator’s permit with the proper class and endorsement, keep a satisfactory driving record, and meet insurability requirements. The Village will conduct MVR background checks.

Preferred background

Previous work as a firefighter, fire inspector, fire investigator, or fire marshal is preferred. Applicants should also have knowledge and practical skill in structural and wildland firefighting principles, procedures, practices, and equipment.

Travel

Normal travel is expected for meetings, classes, and workshops inside and outside the area. Air travel may be required for training, conferences, and related activities, and overnight travel may also be necessary.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Understanding of program administration principles and practices.
• Knowledge of budget development, cost control, and workflow management.
• Knowledge of common fire and chemical hazards and related safety precautions.
• Ability to train, manage, and motivate personnel.
• Familiarity with the layout of the Village of Ruidoso.
• Public speaking and strong interpersonal communication.
• Ability to interpret departmental rules, policies, and regulations.
• Skill in balancing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and organizing varied duties.
• Ability to communicate clearly with employees and management, verbally and in writing.
• Competence using a Windows-based computer environment, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Closing notes

Any candidate selected for hire must provide proof of any required education or license/certification. During emergencies, employees are expected to work to protect public safety and help deliver or restore vital services. This position description may change as Village or departmental needs evolve.