Assistant Fire Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Submit the following information to be considered for this position:

1. Cover letter explaining your interest in the position.

2. Current resume.

3. Complete supplemental questions listed for this position.

Application window closes at 11:59pm on July 31, 2026.

JOB SUMMARY

Technical assistant to the Fire Marshal, interpreting and enforcing the provisions of the International Fire Code and Municipal Codes. Performs a variety of administrative, technical, and supervisory work related to the Inspection/Investigation Section. Provides direction to assigned staff, coordinates resource needs and assumes responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the assigned programs.

Work involves a substantial amount of hands-on management, administrative, and supervisory functions in maintaining program effectiveness. Develops and recommends strategic plans, and applicable policies and procedures. Must demonstrate leadership and excellent communication skills. This position is responsible for prioritizing work with the assigned staff and ensuring accountability for completion of the program’s objectives in line with the mission and goals of the Division.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plan and implement assigned programs related to fire inspections, fire investigations, and code enforcement.
• Schedules, trains, mentors, and supervise Deputy Fire Marshal staff assigned to the Inspection/Investigation Section.
• Assign, prioritize, review, and ensure timely completion of duties of assigned staff.
• Implement the goals of the workgroup as directed by the Fire Marshal.
• Assist with the resolution of work-related complaints and issues. Ensure fire inspection documentation is complete, accurate and timely, and provided to the customer at the conclusion of the inspection.
• Evaluate inspection and investigation practices through a hands-on review with assigned staff to ensure consistency.
• Establish strong working relationships with City of Renton partners.
• Refer issues that elevate to the level of code enforcement to the Fire Marshal for review and discussion.
• Respond to fire investigations as needed to evaluate, mentor and assist assigned staff.
• Testify in court as required.
• Ensure compliance with a variety of fire prevention laws, ordinances, and codes, and initiate steps to enforce compliance as needed.
• Review all fire investigation reports for completeness and accuracy prior to the final copy being uploaded into ESO.
• Remain current with relevant codes and technological advancements as it related to our field work.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance, work evening and/or weekend hours as assigned, and travel as required.
• Serve as acting Fire Marshal in the absence of the Fire Marshal.
• Research and draft fire-related legislation and fire prevention policies and procedures.
• Conduct special studies and projects related to fire inspection and prevention.
• Provide recommendations to the Fire Marshal for staff training and personnel development and assist in the development of an annual staff training plan.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• May be assigned to support critical Organizational priorities during disasters or other emergencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate degree with a focus in Fire Science, Business Management, Public Administration, or other relevant field from an accredited college.
• 5 years of fire or building code enforcement experience.
• 2 years of investigation experience with a fire agency, law enforcement agency, or as a fire investigator working for a private company.
• OR equivalent combination of relevant education, experience and training.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience (guiding, coaching, and mentoring).
• International Code Council Fire Inspector II certification, or other nationally recognized Fire Inspector certification such as IFSAC (obtaining ICC Inspector II certification will be required within one year of employment as part of the probationary period).
• Completion of IFSAC Fire Investigator or other nationally recognized certification within one year of hire.
• Successfully passing a medical exam.
• Successfully passing a required background check.
• Valid Driver License.
• Must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• None

DEMONSTRATED ATTRIBUTES

• Strong and effective verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Fire prevention principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
• State adopted fire codes and amendments and locally adopted municipal codes.
• Fire suppression and detection systems and equipment.
• Fire investigation principles, procedures, techniques, and safety standards and/or best practices.
• Supervision principles and techniques.
• Relationship building with other fire and government agencies.
• Data collection, management and report building.
• Effectively direct and evaluate the work of others.
• Respond to common inquires and complaints from staff, customers, and the public.
• Develop, implement, and monitor performance measures for assigned programs.
• Use of various software programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSIAL DEMANDS

The following represent the physical demands that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• 60% of work is performed in a typical office environment and the remaining 40% is performed outdoors in all weather conditions, and involves walking, standing, bending, climbing and other physical activities with possible exposure to hazardous materials.
• Driving and field work required.
• Operating a computer and other office equipment.
• Frequent communication.
• Lift or move items weighing up to 40 pounds on occasion.
• Respond to work within an average of 45 minutes during off-duty hours as needed.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The noise level in the work environment is typically moderately quiet in the office but can be loud when in the field at a fire scene or at a construction site.
• Work routinely requires the employee to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or crawl.
• Work will require routine work in outside weather conditions, in wet conditions, in high, precarious places, or near fumes, airborne particles, and/or toxic or caustic chemicals. Protective gear and respiratory protection are provided and required when conditions require it.

Approved reasonable accommodation requests will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.