Deputy State Fire Marshal - Education, Enforcement, and Analytics Section

About the Position

The Deputy State Fire Marshal reports to the Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Education, Enforcement, and Analytics Section. This position assists in the state‑wide fire and life safety program by providing professional-level work in the administration of the Fire Sprinkler, Fireworks, and Fire Safe Cigarette programs.

• Enforce the Fire Sprinkler Law, Fireworks Law, Cigarette Ignition Propensity Law, and associated WACs.
• Conduct routine, complex, and difficult investigations, including multi‑jurisdictional investigations and investigations involving patterns or ongoing alleged violations.
• Interview and question witnesses to establish facts, gather evidence, and prepare detailed and comprehensive reports.
• Review and evaluate the investigative effort to improve methods and techniques, increasing quality and quantity of work completed.
• Interpret and apply relevant statutes, rules, and codes.
• Develop and conduct ongoing training for internal staff and provide technical guidance to other investigators.
• Complete inspections of fire sprinkler systems to ensure compliance with applicable codes and recall requirements.
• Serve as a technical expert in the Fire Sprinkler, Fireworks, and Cigarette Ignition Propensity Law programs.
• Coordinate with program staff on managing, developing, and implementing fire‑related course curriculum, including updates and instruction as needed.
• Serve on the Fire Mobilization Team during the summer months for the Washington State Fire Service Resources Mobilization Plan.

• Valid, unrestricted Washington State Driver's License or ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Knowledge and ability to interpret state‑adopted fire and building codes, statutes, and nationally recognized standards.
• Knowledge of administrative investigative methods, report writing, auditing, and record‑keeping techniques.
• Knowledge or experience with the Fire Sprinkler Contractor, Fireworks, and Cigarette Ignition Propensity laws and associated WACs.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with the public, industry representatives, and government officials.
• Strong analytical and communication skills for explaining complex technical concepts in plain language.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, including anticipating, diagnosing, and resolving problems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams).
• Strong organization, time‑management, and workload‑management skills; experience operating in a complex database environment.
• Willingness to travel statewide and occasionally out of state, including extensive overnight travel during the fire season.

• Successful completion of a pre‑employment polygraph examination and background investigation.
• Pass ICC Fire Inspection I & II within 6 months of employment, and IFSAC Public Educator I & Instructor I within 1 year.
• Pass the in‑house driver's training program within 8 months of employment.

• Health/work balance with flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
• Infants at Work Program supporting infant‑parent bonding and breastfeeding.
• Continuous growth and development opportunities.
• Recognition of military veterans and/or spouses per Governor Executive Order 19‑01.
• Qualification for the Public Loan Forgiveness Program.

Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. Benefits include medical, vision, dental, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, long‑term disability, retirement through the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), Deferred Compensation Program (DCP), public service loan forgiveness, paid holidays, sick leave, vacation, and various leave options. More detailed information is available on the State HR website.

Questions? Please contact Monica Simpson at monica.simpson.gov
.