Human Resources

Job Location

County of Chelan Fire Prevention & Investigation 400 Douglas Street, #201 Wenatchee, WA 98801

Description

First Review Date On: July 20, 2026

Salary: PW12 Steps 2-4 $4,996.80 - $5,463.65 DOE Longevity Steps 5-8 $5,714.72 - $6,545.79

Benefits: Participation in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) retirement program, with an optional deferred compensation program. Comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, plus County contributions to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). Employees receive up to 11 paid holidays annually, additional floating holidays as provided by the applicable collective bargaining agreement, and monthly accrual of vacation and sick leave.

SUMMARY

Work is performed under general supervision of the Fire Marshal, to ensure compliance with fire and life safety codes, regulations, policies and procedures; perform a variety of duties in response to fire prevention program activities and operations, including inspection and investigation.  The Fire Inspector/Investigator provides staff assistance to the Fire Marshal and maintains effective working relationships with other personnel, departments, divisions, outside agencies, and the general public; and works under the guidance of State/ Federal regulations, and County policies/procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Investigate fires for origin and cause, coordinate with on scene incident command, create a photographic or video recording of the event, provide detailed reports for fire scene investigations, process and maintain evidence for criminal investigations in conjunction with law enforcement, maintain On-Call status outside of normal working hours on a designated scheduled rotation
• Investigate complaints of alleged fire code violations and generate code violation files as needed, organize and maintain files related to compliance activities and present testimony in court, as needed
• Assist with the implementation of the adopted wildland urban interface
• Conduct pre-application field visits and intake meetings, apply criteria as appropriate and coordinate with local Fire Districts
• Conduct inspections for compliance with sprinkler and fire alarm codes
• Conduct inspections for new construction, tenant improvements, commercial occupancies, operational permits, annual fire & life safety inspections and assist with issuing stop work orders as needed
• Assist in fire and life safety educational meetings and workshops, educate the public of fire and life safety codes, and assist with fire prevention assemblies at schools
• Examine and analyze plan specifications for compliance with current adopted codes for sprinkler, fire alarm, new construction/tenant improvement, and operational permits as required by code
• Advise patrons of code-related changes that directly affect their project and educate patrons in the knowledge of code requirements, ordinances and policies to create better working relations with county citizens
• Interpret code language and requirements for patrons into easily understood lay terms.
• Notify patrons of new information in the building trade that would be to their advantage to use.
• Attend meetings and seminars on code and policy changes
• Review manufacturer’s literature and new products to stay current with product changes and developments
• Provide investigation and enforcement support to Code Enforcement Officer on an as-needed basis

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• One (1) year experience in fire suppression, investigation, or inspection and/or inspection or plans examination in a related field.
• Equivalent education or experience may be considered in lieu of some minimum qualifications.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License or ability to obtain prior to employment.
• Certification by the International Code Council as a Fire Inspector I or obtain within six (6) months of employment.
• Certification by the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) as a Fire Investigation Technician or obtain within eighteen (18) months of employment.
• A criminal history and background check will be performed on qualified candidates.  Convictions may preclude candidates from employment in some circumstances.  Factors such as relativity to the position, age at time of the offense, seriousness and nature of the violation, and rehabilitation will be considered.
• Be on a rotational on-call as assigned.
• Must be able to respond to a fire within 30 minutes of a call while On-Call.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of current fire & building codes

• An Associate’s degree in Fire Science, Fire Administration, or Criminal Justice and/or a Bachelor’s degree in a closely related field and technical training in fire prevention, fire engineering or fire science; AND two-three (2-3) years progressive work experience in fire or criminal investigation, fire inspection, fire code compliance and fire system plan examination, or as a fire fighter of a recognized fire department;
• Certification by either the National Fire Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) as a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, or the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) as a Certified Fire Investigator.
• Certification by the International Code Council as a Fire Inspector II must be obtained within eighteen (18) months of employment.
• Experience in building plans examination with Certification by the International Code Council as a Fire Plans Examiner must be obtained within Twenty-Four (24) months of employment.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Knowledge of modern fire prevention principles, procedures, techniques; equipment, building, electrical, mechanical and fire codes; inspection techniques; fire suppression techniques and equipment; first aid; fire-fighting tactics, oil fire control and hydraulics
• Problem solving techniques
• Proficient with computer systems, including Microsoft Office software and the ability to learn/use other associated department-specific software
• Ability to plan, organize, and monitor activities according to priorities, established schedules, and deadlines.
• Ability to comply with established safety program, to include training
• Effectively interpret and apply laws, codes, standards, regulations, and policies
• Communicate in a clear and concise manner, with tact and diplomacy, in verbal and written format, to promote understanding and cooperation with a diverse population
• Establish and maintain professional and cooperative working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Certification by either the National Fire Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) as a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, or the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) as a Certified Fire Investigator.
• Certification by the International Code Council as a Fire Inspector II must be obtained within eighteen (18) months of employment.
• Experience in building plans examination with Certification by the International Code Council as a Fire Plans Examiner must be obtained within Twenty-Four (24) months of employment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments throughout Chelan County in both urban and rural settings.  Exposure to inclement weather including temperature extremes, windy/dusty conditions, smoke and other potentially hazardous materials will occur.  The noise level can be loud in the field and moderately quiet in the office.  Must be able to sit, stoop, bend, squat, kneel, crawl, twist, lift, reach, grasp, climb, balance and stand for prolonged periods of time while performing essential functions of this job.  May be required to push, pull, lift and/or carry up to 50 lbs. for operation of safety equipment and potentially in the course of general office duties.  Work involves frequent walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms.  Vision abilities required by this job include close and distant vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus, and the ability to see in all levels of light.  All safety rules and regulations must be adhered to and PPE must be worn when required for employee safety.

Operating a motor vehicle is required for travel throughout Chelan County with occasional travel to other areas to attend meetings, conferences, training, etc.

There are variations in working hours that will include occasional evening and weekend work as well as on-call status outside of normal working hours on a scheduled rotation.  Regular attendance and punctuality are required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.