Careers as a Deputy State Fire Marshal

Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) deputy state fire marshals are hired as vacancies arise. New deputies have extensive fire service backgrounds. If you meet the qualifications outlined below and have additional questions about a career as a deputy state fire marshal, contact the State Fire Marshal's Office.

Vacant positions and the application form are posted on the state's Employment Information website.

Education and Experience

The knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position are typically acquired through the following combination of education and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a fire science-related field. With a Bachelor's degree, five years of experience is required in the fields of fire investigation, fire suppression, fire prevention, fire safety inspection and code enforcement.
• must possess a valid driver's license
• must possess a current National Fire Protection Association/Uniform Fire Code (NFPA/UFC) Certification, or obtain certification within 12 months of hire

The following are desired, but not required upon hire:

• Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator
• Certified Fire Investigator

Note: Two years of job-related work experience can be substituted for one year of job-related education (i.e., Bachelor's degree plus five years' experience; Associate's degree plus seven years' experience; nine years of experience with no higher education).

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Knowledge

For fire investigations, the Deputy requires knowledge of the relevant Montana Code Annotated; NFPA Fire Codes; fire behavior in structures, automobiles and wild lands; fire fighting techniques; behavior of electricity, LPG gas, and natural gas as it relates to fire; specialized investigative devices and equipment related to fire investigation; interview and investigative methods and techniques used in fire investigation; criminal investigation procedures; procedures used for collection and preservation of evidence; and legal proceedings relating to arson prosecution.

For building inspection and construction plan review activities, the Deputy requires knowledge of the standards pertaining to fire/life safety inspections; Building Codes; building construction processes and practices; installation and operation of fire alarm systems; installation and operation of smoke detection systems; installation and operation of automatic extinguishing systems; and blueprint interpretation.

Skills

Applicants must be skilled in the use of:

• various fire-related equipment used in on-sight fire investigations, hydrocarbon detectors, fire investigation kits, hand tools, fire department equipment, ladders, shovels, sifting screens, measuring devices, 35 mm cameras, specialized lenses, video cameras, and digital cameras. Must also be able to direct heavy equipment operators to remove large structural assemblies and assist with rigging chains and cables in appropriate locations to remove such assemblies. Voice recorders and transcription equipment are used for interviews.
• equipment related to the different inspection duties performed by Deputies including a volt-ohmmeter multi tester, an electric circuit tester, a pitot tube, and canned smoke.
• equipment needed to train/educate, such as a video camera, video cassette recorder, overhead projector and PowerPoint projector.
• 4X4 standard-shift vehicle in off-road conditions; standard office equipment; personal computer equipment; standard computer software including Microsoft Office programs and fire-related software; and personal protection equipment.

Competencies

Commitment

• Loyalty and Dedication
  • Helps and supports fellow employees in their work to contribute to overall organizational success
  • Does not hesitate to do extra work when required and as appropriate
  • Consistently models the values and vision of the organization
  • Understands and believes in the mission of the organization
• Commitment to Profession
  • Keeps current professionally and continually strives to improve ability to apply new knowledge
• Reliable and Dependable
  • Follows through and meets commitments and agreements in a timely manner

Communication

• Customer Orientation
  • Actively listens, probes, understands
  • Proactively informs and resolves problems/issues with customer
  • Builds rapport, establishes strong, cooperative working relationships and interaction
• Writing Effectively
  • Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the subject matter

Initiative and Accountability

• Decision Making
  • Takes responsibility for decisions made
  • Handles day-to-day work challenges effectively
• Initiative
  • Recognizes problems and solves them with little assistance
  • Looks upon difficult tasks as an opportunity or a challenge
• Efficiency and Focus
  • Handles multiple tasks and projects simultaneously without jeopardizing quality
  • Makes appropriate adjustments to meet deadlines and complete tasks
  • Adapts time and resources in proportion to the importance of the task
  • Reviews work to ensure accuracy, completeness and quality
• Organizational Awareness
  • Understands the rules, policies and laws that govern the work
  • Maintains strong working relationships within the organization
  • Knows when to get supervisory or managerial approval before proceeding

Influence

• Relationship Building
  • Earns recognition and respect
  • Recognized as being highly credible
• Networking
  • Develops and maintains a network of contacts, both inside and outside the organization, with those who are able to supply information, assistance or support for work-related goals
  • Supports and facilitates cooperation between others both within and outside the department

Personal Effectiveness – Self-Knowledge and Personal Awareness

• Asks questions or asks for help; admits when doesn't understand something
• Actively pursues learning and self development
• Applies new knowledge gained through training

Thinking and Problem-Solving – Analytical Thinking

• Understands what information is needed and where and how to collect it
• Displays sufficient attention to detail
• Puts a problem in context, recognizes risks, understands situational variables