The primary purpose of this position is to supervise the Office of the State Fire Marshal including overseeing the state's fire safety protocols; implementing fire safety, prevention, and control measures; and collaborating with local agencies and the State Fire Council.

Major duties and responsibilities include but not limited to:

A. Administrative Activities

• Serves as the head of the Office of the State Fire Marshal and liaises with the State Fire Council.
• Coordinates fire protection efforts between local and state agencies.
• Works with the State Fire Council on matters relating to fire services in the State.
• Assesses the potential benefits of a statewide public fire safety messaging program.
• Reviews the emergency resources that are available in the State to be deployed to address fires.
• Represents the State Fire Marshal's office at local, regional, and national meetings, and conferences.
• Maintains close working relationships with other staff in local and state agencies to determine the conditions of operations and expedite work flow.

• Keeps and maintains records of all fires in the State, analyzing data and preparing reports indicating trends, vulnerabilities, and strategies for improvement, including causes and circumstances.
• Develops reports on prevention, especially wildfire prevention and preparedness.
• May manage in the disbursement of federal grants for fire protection.

• Conducts training for state, county officials, and private entities.
• Coordinates outreach programs to enhance fire safety awareness.
• Oversees the training and certification of fire inspectors and investigators within the State.
• Provides and coordinates public education and awareness initiatives on fire safety.

• Serves as a representative on special projects related to emergency response.
• Coordinates activities related to special initiatives as assigned.
• Continually updates job knowledge and keeps abreast of current and emerging developments in industry standards by attending seminars, workshops, conferences or other trainings; reading professional publications, maintaining professional networks; and participating in professional organizations.
• Performs other duties as necessary or as delegated by the Director.

• Develops and enforces policies and procedures concerning fire safety.
• Monitors compliance with state and federal fire safety regulations.
• Reviews and proposes amendments to the state fire code for the State Fire Council’s consideration in its adoption of or amendments to the state fire code.
• Reviews and assesses the fire risk across the State and develops mitigation strategies.
• Works with law enforcement agencies for the enforcement of the state fire code.
• Assists in the investigation of fires upon request from county authorities.
• Conducts inspections of state buildings and facilities to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.

• Oversees work of subordinate(s) and makes adjustments in work assignments as necessary to ensure recruitment processing activities are completed on a timely basis and conform to civil service laws, DHRD rules and regulations, personnel policies and procedures and union contracts, etc.
• Plans, assigns, and reviews the work of the subordinate staff.
• Trains, guides and provides guidance on work assignments.
• Establishes work priorities; and plans and assigns staff to regular and special work assignments.
• Prepares position descriptions, establishes job performance standards, and provides constructive feedback on subordinate staff’s job performances.
• Chairs or participates in the interview panels for the selection and appointment of the most qualified applicant to fill vacant subordinate position(s).
• Initiates and approves or recommends appropriate personnel actions, such as recruitment, classification, reallocation, temporary assignment, overtime, leaves of absences and disciplinary measures.
• Coordinates and oversees staff development and performance inclusive of determining relevant training opportunities.
• Addresses, investigates and provides recommendations on labor-related issues.
• Supports and encourages a safe work environment by getting to know employees and practicing courtesy, respect, and kindness at all times.

A. Knowledge

Knowledge of fire safety, prevention, and control principles, including familiarity with federal and state fire codes and regulations; public safety communication and coordination practices; and public administration, particularly in the context of fire safety.

Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or a related field.

Excess work experience as described below may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Five (5) years in a senior leadership role in fire marshal activities such as Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Marshal, or equivalent positions in medium to large fire organizations. Such experience should encompass fire prevention, fire code enforcement, fire education, and managing fire protection engineering services.

Driver’s license, class 3.

Executive Fire Officer (EFO) certificate through the National Fire Academy or Fire Officer IV certification (accredited by ProBoard or IFSAC) is preferred.

Hands-on experience in fire investigation, data collection, and analysis, as well as developing and implementing public fire safety education programs is preferred.

Demonstrated ability to perform duties in a culturally sensitive fashion and work effectively with diverse communities.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy, or similar.

Experience in budget management, supervising professional and administrative staff, and holding certifications like Fire Inspector I, Fire Inspector II, or Plans Examiner is highly desirable.

To apply: Email the following items to dlir.director@hawaii.gov

• Application All fields on application must be filled in and signed. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Resume