Deputy Fire Marshal (Inspector Specialist 4)

About Us

The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) is dedicated to safeguarding fire and building safety. Our core functions encompass developing essential policies and programs to uphold and enforce fire safety principles. We actively advise multiple levels of government on matters pertaining to fire protection, working closely with fire service partners throughout the province.

With a team of approximately 20 skilled professionals, our primary focus lies in supporting provincial and municipal partners in their efforts to achieve stringent building and fire safety standards. Additionally, we diligently collaborate with the Joint Municipal Fire Services Committee, ensuring the implementation of effective recommendations to enhance fire services.

About Our Opportunity

As the Deputy Fire Marshal, you will play a crucial role in implementing fire safety and prevention measures within buildings and premises across the province. This position requires a subject matter expert in the field of fire safety, prevention, investigation, and enforcement. You will have the opportunity to provide innovative solutions and concepts to support client needs while ensuring compliance with fire safety initiatives.

This position will cover various counties which include Annapolis and Kings Counties.

Primary Accountabilities

• Stakeholder Support: Provide information, advice, and guidance to multiple stakeholders and professionals regarding their duties and responsibilities under the Fire Safety Act and regulations of Nova Scotia. You will assist the public, building owners, and occupants in ensuring the highest standard of fire and life safety within buildings and premises.
• Inspections and Compliance: Conduct fire and life safety inspections in buildings and premises to ensure compliance with minimum fire and life safety measures.
• Fire Investigations: Conduct fire investigations, particularly those involving fatalities or injuries, to determine the cause, origin, and circumstances of fires. Investigate allegations of violations of the Fire Safety Act and Regulations, and if necessary, issue orders or initiate prosecution.
• Training and Education: Develop and deliver fire and life safety training and educational materials to enhance awareness and preparedness.

Qualifications and Experience

You must be a Certified Fire Inspector. In addition to this, you have at least eight (8) years of work-related experience in fire, enforcement, building investigations/inspections, and fire prevention, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience.

You must demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge of the Fire Safety Act, Regulations, Codes, and Standards related to fire and life safety. 
• Working knowledge of the Nova Scotia Building Code Act, Regulations, Codes, and Standards as they relate to building construction.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Diplomacy and sound judgment in assessing existing conditions and making recommendations for fire protection principles.
• Computer skills in word processing and database management.

Assets include:

• A National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1033 Standard (Fire Investigator)
• Successful completion of courses recognized by the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing in fire prevention, fire inspection, and fire investigation.

Equivalency

The OFM recognizes equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Equivalent training, experience, and certifications include:

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1033
• Other provincially recognized Fire Inspector Certification
• Several years of training and experience in fire investigation and enforcement

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

Will be required to often work alone and be on-call twenty-four hours a day. Extensive travel is a requirement for this position. You will attend unstable buildings at fire scenes, and hazardous materials may be present. Some activities require a high degree of physical fitness; i.e. climbing ladders, and moving heavy objects. You will be required to work in adverse weather conditions.

Additional Information

Applicants must qualify for Special Constable Status, possess a valid driver's license, and have access to a reliable vehicle as a requirement of this position.

What We Offer

At OFM, we value and support our team members, offering a wide range of benefits and opportunities for personal and professional growth. We recognize the importance of your passion and commitment to our mission. Some of the benefits we provide include:

• A government vehicle for travel
• Meaningful Impact: Contribute to fire and building safety, safeguarding lives and properties.
• Professional Development: Access to training programs and resources for skill enhancement.
• Collaborative Environment: Work with experts in the field and learn from experienced professionals.
• Influence on Policy: Directly impact safety regulations and initiatives.
• Contribution to Public Safety: Fulfilling work that positively impacts community well-being.

Based on your employment status, we offer various benefits, including:

• Employee and Family Assistance Programs: fostering a caring and supportive work environment.
• Health, Dental, and Life Insurance: ensuring you and your family's well-being.
• Defined Pension plan: investing in your long-term security.
• General Illness (Short and Long Term) support: taking care of you when you need it most.

To learn more about our diverse benefits offerings and eligibility criteria, click here.