Division Chief - Fire Marshal

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Final date to receive applications:

September 20, 2026

Compensation Details:

Full Pay Range - Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.

This is a full-time salaried position.

Scheduled Weekly

Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility Group:

Non Union (30+ Hours)
Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description

Summary:

Under general direction, commands and manages the Fire Marshal / Community Risk Reduction Division. Provides executive leadership for fire prevention, inspections, investigations, public education, and code enforcement. Oversees plan review for new construction and major projects, ensures compliance with fire codes and standards, and directs community outreach initiatives to reduce risk. Supports the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief as a member of the Department’s leadership team.

Supports the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief as a member of the Department’s leadership team and may act in higher command roles as assigned.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Leads the Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Division, including fire code enforcement, inspections, investigations, and plan review.

Serves as the City Fire Marshal and authority on fire code interpretation, alternative materials, and construction methods.

Manages assigned staff, including fire inspectors, plans reviewers, investigators, and administrative personnel.

Oversees review of residential, commercial, and mixed-use development plans for compliance with fire codes and standards.

Coordinates with architects, engineers, contractors, and Planning & Development Services on project applications, plan modifications, and construction inspections.

Directs public education, outreach, and community programs, including school safety, fire prevention campaigns, and smoke alarm initiatives.

Provides technical expertise and serves as liaison to City Council, boards, commissions, and partner agencies on fire code and CRR issues.

Coordinates code adoption, periodic reviews, and updates of local amendments to national/international fire codes.

Directs fire investigations, determines origin and cause, and collaborates with law enforcement on arson cases.

Manages division budget, staffing, and resource allocation.

Responds to fire and emergency incidents in command or general staff roles as assigned.

Participates in departmental leadership activities, including strategic planning, policy development, labor relations, and accreditation.

Provides supervisory and leadership training to officers and staff.

Performs other duties as required to meet the needs of the City and Fire Department.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSAbility to lead and supervise staff, manage budgets, and coordinate complex projects.

Ability to analyze problems, make decisions consistent with departmental policy, and assess effectiveness of outcomes.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, partner agencies, elected officials, and the public.

Ability to demonstrate leadership competencies:
Command Presence, Decision Making, Ethics, Integrity, Courage to Lead, and Problem Resolution.

Knowledge of fire and building codes, standards, and enforcement practices.

Knowledge of municipal government operations, HR practices, procurement, and fire department policies.

Knowledge of ICS/NIMS, NFPA standards, SOPs, and post-incident analysis.

Skill in communication, presentation, and report preparation.

Skill in using Microsoft Office Suite and departmental software systems.

Must successfully pass a background check before first day of work and maintain acceptable screening. See Background Information section for more details.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION Applicants may be required to complete a job suitability assessment, several stages of interviews and testing, successfully complete a pre-employment medical evaluation that includes an assessment of aerobic fitness (NFPA 1580), and complete a thorough background investigation, including a psychological evaluation and drug screen. Applicants must be able to…