Walton County Sheriff's Office - Division Chief - Fire Marshal

Position Summary 

The Division Chief – Fire Marshal oversees and manages all fire prevention, life safety, fire investigative, and fire code enforcement functions within the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Division of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services. This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local fire codes, ordinances, and standards; developing and implementing prevention and inspection programs; supervising fire investigations and inspections; and managing staff assigned to prevention and technical services. The Fire Marshal plays a key role in reducing fire risk through proactive education, plan review, and enforcement activities. Work involves significant administrative oversight, strategic planning, and coordination with other public safety divisions, government agencies, and the community.

Qualifications

• Education – Associate degree in fire science technology, fire safety, public administration, business administration or a closely related field
• Experience – Six (6) years’ experience in fire service operations and administrative experience, including two (2) years of fire investigation and fire inspection
  • Or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required competencies to perform the job.
• Must have experience developing and providing oversight to programs
• Valid Driver License
• Certifications:
  • Certification as a Firefighter by the State of Florida
  • Certification as a Florida Fire Safety Inspector II
  • Certification as a Florida Fire Investigator
  • Certification as Life Safety Educator
• Preferred:
  • Bachelor’s degree in fire science technology, fire safety, public administration, business administration or a closely related field
  • Certification as a Fire Code Official or Fire Code Administrator
  • Experience in developing or managing Community Risk Reduction (CRR) or other public education programs
  • NFPA 1037 Fire Marshal Certification or Community Risk Reduction (CRR-C) Certification

Essential Job Functions

• This list of functions, duties, responsibilities, skills, and physical abilities is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as deemed necessary.
• Provides administrative direction, leadership, and management of all fire prevention and life safety programs and personnel.
• Develops, recommends, and implements fire prevention goals, policies, and procedures consistent with departmental objectives and applicable laws and codes.
• Interprets and enforces local, state, and federal building and fire codes, ordinances, and statutes to ensure compliance and public safety.
• Reviews building plans, blueprints, and construction documents for code compliance and provides recommendations for approval or correction.
• Oversees fire inspections, investigations, and permitting processes; ensures proper documentation and case management.
• Supervises assigned personnel, including evaluating performance, making recommendations for promotions, transfers, disciplinary actions, and professional development.
• Disseminates and enforces directives, general orders, special orders, and standard operating procedures among assigned personnel.
• Participates in administrative functions such as policy development, budget preparation, personnel management, and long-term strategic planning.
• Prepares and reviews reports and records related to fire prevention, inspection activity, budgetary oversight, and resource allocation; ensures compliance with departmental policy and Florida law.
• Maintains current knowledge of trends, technologies, and developments in the fire prevention and life safety field for continuous improvement of division operations.
• Accounts for all assigned equipment, vehicles, materials, and supplies to ensure proper inventory and operational readiness.
• Coordinates activities with other divisions, departments, and agencies involved in emergency response, building safety, and community risk reduction.
• Responds to major emergency incidents as needed to assist with command, scene coordination, and post-incident investigation.
• Provides strategic and tactical command during incidents when assigned, ensuring proper resource allocation, perimeter security, and responder safety.
• Represents the Fire Rescue Division at meetings, hearings, and public events; serves as liaison with community and government officials on fire prevention matters.
• Develops and maintains a comprehensive CRR program in alignment with NFPA 1300.
• Leads public education, smoke alarm, and injury prevention initiatives.
• Coordinates with Operations, EMS, and Training to analyze fire and incident data for prevention priorities.
• Partners with schools, civic groups, and businesses to promote life safety.
• Tracks CRR outcomes through measurable performance indicators.
• Incorporate data-driven and technology-based language (e.g. analytics, GIS mapping, and trend analysis).
• Emphasize long-term planning, performance measurement, and integration of prevention goals into the department’s strategic plan.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills 

• Comprehensive knowledge of Florida fire prevention codes, NFPA standards, and related state and local regulations.
• Strong understanding of building construction, electrical, mechanical, and life safety systems.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, construction plans, and technical specifications.
• Ability to apply administrative principles and practices in the planning, analysis, and coordination of complex fire prevention operations.
• Skilled in the preparation and administration of budgets, reports, and strategic plans.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and evaluate subordinates effectively.
• Competence in emergency incident command and coordination with other responding agencies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare and deliver presentations.
• Computer proficiency, including database management, word processing, and specialized fire prevention software.
• Ability to remain calm and make critical decisions under emergency conditions.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and Accountability: Demonstrates sound judgment, ethical decision-making, and commitment to public service
• Technical Expertise: Possesses in-depth knowledge of fire prevention, code enforcement, and life safety systems.
• Strategic Thinking: Plans and implements long-term prevention strategies and resource management initiatives.
• Communication: Effectively conveys technical and regulatory information to staff, the public, and government officials.
• Collaboration: Works cooperatively with internal divisions, community stakeholders, and external agencies.
• Problem-Solving: Analyzes complex fire prevention challenges and develops practical, compliant solutions.
• Integrity and Professionalism: Represents the Sheriff’s Office with honesty, respect, and professionalism.

Physical Requirements 

• Tasks involve intermittent performance of extremely physically demanding work, including reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and running.
• May be required to lift, carry, push, or pull heavy objects and equipment.
• Must maintain sufficient physical strength, agility, and stamina to perform duties in hazardous conditions.
• Work may be performed in high-stress, emergency environments with exposure to fire, extreme temperatures, humidity, inclement weather, loud noise, toxic chemicals, electrical hazards, fumes, and gases.
• Involves potential exposure to pathogens, erratic human behavior, weapons, and explosives.
• Must be able to operate vehicles, equipment, and tools safely in dynamic and potentially hazardous environments.
• Requires visual and auditory acuity sufficient for reading plans, observing scenes, and communicating effectively.

The Walton County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Walton County Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Pursuant to applicable state and federal law, preference and priority shall be given to certain service members and veterans (including spouses and family members of such service members and veterans), and certain service members may be eligible for a waiver of post-secondary educational requirements as provided in Chapter 295, Florida Statutes.