Assistant Fire Marshal - Wildfire Mitigation

The Position

This recruitment will remain open until filled. First application review will be conducted the week of August 10, 2026. The Community This nearly 40 square mile city is ideally situated in north San Diego County with an approximate population of 115,000. It offers a great climate, beautiful beaches, lagoons and abundant natural open space. World-class resorts, family attractions, well-planned neighborhoods, a diverse business sector and a charming village atmosphere combine to create the ideal California experience.

The Department The Carlsbad Fire Department is an all-risk, all-hazards public safety agency organized into the Emergency Operations and Community Risk Reduction Bureaus. Guided by a mission to enhance the quality of life in our community, the department is committed to providing exceptional service with professionalism, integrity, and excellence. The Community Risk Reduction Bureau advances the Fire Department's mission through proactive prevention, preparedness, and risk-reduction programs.

Within the Bureau, the Division of Fire and Life Safety leads wildfire mitigation, emergency management, public education, and code compliance initiatives designed to enhance community safety, strengthen resilience, and reduce the impacts of natural and human-caused hazards. The Position The City of Carlsbad Fire Department is seeking an experienced, innovative, and highly motivated professional to lead the city's expanding wildfire mitigation program.

This newly established position will play a critical role in advancing community wildfire resilience through strategic planning, public engagement, risk reduction initiatives, and regulatory compliance. Under general supervision, the Assistant Fire Marshal may plan, develop, implement, and manage wildfire mitigation programs and initiatives designed to reduce community wildfire risk. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, conducting wildfire risk assessments, administering defensible space and home hardening programs, coordinating development of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), conducting public outreach and education, enforcing applicable codes and regulations, and collaborating with residents, stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and city departments to enhance community safety.

This position combines technical expertise, program management, field inspections, public engagement, and policy development to support the city's long-term wildfire risk reduction goals. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with strong technical knowledge of wildfire mitigation, fire prevention, and community risk reduction. They possess excellent communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to balance regulatory requirements, environmental considerations, and community needs while advancing innovative wildfire resilience strategies.

As the Assistant Fire Marshal overseeing wildfire mitigation, successful leadership and implementation of programs and services will depend upon your ability to assess wildfire hazards, community vulnerabilities, and structure ignition potential; analyze wildfire behavior, field inspections, and fire history to develop and prioritize mitigation efforts; utilize GIS and other technology platforms to support planning, risk assessment, and project implementation; navigate CEQA and environmental regulations affecting vegetation management and wildfire mitigation projects;

coordinate land managers, regulatory agencies, and community partners; develop and deliver effective public education programs focused on wildfire preparedness and risk reduction; and monitor emerging legislation, regulations, and best practices related to wildfire mitigation. Working Conditions Work is performed in both office and field environments and includes exposure to varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, vegetation, active construction sites, and wildfire-prone areas.

Duties require walking, standing, climbing, crouching, lifting, and operating vehicles and field equipment. The position may require occasional evening and weekend work to support community meetings, outreach events, emergency operations,…