Fire Science Jobs in Montana (NOW HIRING)

Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number
STAFF - VA - 27045
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Lisa Dorn
lisa.dorn@montana.edu
406-994-7870
Classification Title
Occup Safety/Health Spec II
Working Title
Fire Marshal
Brief Position Overview
Responsible for fire code application and enforcement, fire code inspections, fire systems inspections/testing, code review for new construction and major renovations, fire drills and associated coordination, fire extinguisher program, and fire and life safety-related training.
Position Number
4M0558
Department
Safety & Risk Mgmt
Division
University Services
Appointment Type
Classified
Contract Term
Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA
Exempt
Union Affiliation
Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE
1.0
Benefits Eligible
Eligible
Salary
Minimum $82,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type
Classified Salary
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type
Open
Position Details
General Statement
Safety & Risk Management (SRM) strives to protect the people, property and assets of the MSU Bozeman campus. It provides expertise and management in the following areas: risk assessment and mitigation strategies; MSU workers' compensation and Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work (SAW/RTW) programs and policy; Property/Casualty insurance programs and loss control; Occupational Health & Safety programs; Industrial Hygiene programs; chemical and hazardous waste programs; Electronic Waste and Universal waste programs; Biowaste program; Fire & Life Safety; EHS policy and training.
The position of University Fire Marshal reports to the Director of SRM, along with the State Fire Marshal, and is responsible for fire code application and enforcement, fire code inspections, fire systems inspections/testing, code review for new construction and major renovations, fire drills and associated coordination, fire extinguisher program, and fire and life safety-related training. The position works independently and demonstrates high-level decision-making on behalf of the Department and University, impacting over 120 buildings totaling over 5 million gross square feet. The MSU Bozeman campus, taken on its own, is roughly the size of the 8th largest city in the State of Montana.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Independently act as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for fire code enforcement and application for the MSU Bozeman campus. Incumbent has designation as Special Deputy State Fire Marshal with the Montana Department of Justice Fire Marshal Office. Responsible for supporting MSU Bozeman's campus with roughly 19,000 students, faculty and staff, over 120 buildings and 5 million gross square feet.
  • The above includes code interpretation and enforcement across the entire campus and requires determination of applicable codes based upon type of occupancy and building age.
• Manage schedule and duties associated with the Deputy Fire Marshal.
• Schedule, coordinate, supervise, and direct all testing and maintenance of fire protection systems with stakeholders and licensed contractors to include building alarm systems; smoke detection systems; wet, dry & special agent suppression systems; water main and hydrants and associated components.
• Coordinate and perform building fire code inspections with building supervisors and the Bozeman Fire Department.
• Perform building plan fire code review for capital projects and major renovations.
• Perform post-fire investigation in concert with University
• Police and the Bozeman Fire Department as appropriate.
• Provide annual report on Fire & Life Safety related activities each fiscal year.
• In partnership with the Campus Planning, Design & Construction Computer Aided Design staff, maintain accurate fire system drawings.
• Schedule, coordinate and develop/review building evacuation plans with Building Supervisors.
• Provide expertise and review of special events that may include pyrotechnics or require review of fire evacuation planning.
• Manages the fire extinguisher program and all related duties associated
• Provide fire extinguisher training.
• Provide education and outreach as related to fire safety.
• Provide training on fire extinguishers and other fire and life safety topics as requested.
• Act as liaison between the University and City Fire Department and Building Code officials.
• Assist in planning, coordinating and ensuring fire drills are conducted timely and appropriately.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

1. Bachelor's Degree or Associates Degree in Fire Science, Fire Administration or other related field plus two years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) work in fire safety and emergency services, plus current certification in fire inspection through either the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or International Codes Council (ICC), or an equivalent combination of relevant education, experience, and training (such as a fire fighter) plus current certification in fire inspection through either the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or International Codes Council (ICC), and five or more years working in fire and life safety. If in need of inspector credentials, must be able to obtain within probationary period.
2. Working knowledge of the International Codes Council fire codes and the NFPA codes referenced therein and of fire protection systems to include building alarm systems; smoke detection systems; wet, dry & special agent suppression systems and associated components and testing/inspection criteria.
3. Knowledge of how to test municipal fire systems, including building systems, water mains, and hydrants and ability to perform building fire drills and fire code inspections.
4. Ability to read architectural plans and provide clear feedback pertaining to fire alarm systems, fire suppression systems, emergency lighting, occupancy types, egress, and other relevant fire and life safety code compliance areas.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

1. Knowledge of the Montana State University campus (or similar) with respect to occupancy types, laboratory operations, facilities operations, and associated fire and life safety issues.
2. Experience working and interacting with city and state fire department staff, leadership, and fire marshals.
3. Ability to articulate ideas clearly, practice active listening, and collaborate cross functionally.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Work independently and to make high-level decisions on behalf of the University to ensure compliance with fire and life safety codes and best practices.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and students at all levels of the organization, as well as outside stakeholders such as the State Fire Marshal, the City Fire Marshal, Fire Department staff, City Code officials, and University Police.
• Manage time effectively, and to work with attention to detail.
• Use personal computers and software such as e-mail, web browsers, MS Office, and iAuditor.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills and competence in communicating information, directions, and procedures to internal and external stakeholders.
• Schedule, coordinate and perform fire systems testing.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Current certification in fire inspection through either the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or International Codes Council (ICC), and five or more years working in fire and life safety. If in need of inspector credentials, must be able to obtain within probationary period.
Must possess currently or be eligible to obtain a valid State of Montana Driver's license and have an acceptable driving record (less than 12 points). Do NOT send a copy of the driver's license.
This position may work non-routine hours for events and emergencies.
In accordance with MSU policy, hiring will be conditional upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
Person will need to transport up to 25 pounds routinely with or without accommodation.
vThe position requires use of ladders to inspect valves at heights, and to use fixed ladders to get on some roof tops.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties?
Yes
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on August 18, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.