Fire Marshal- Longview Fire Department
Position, recruitment and testing process information
Open to internal and external applicants

Application Period: December 30, 2025 to January 20, 2026. Closes at 11pm on January 20, 2026.
Interested and qualified candidates submit application, cover letter, resume, and any required attachments through the City's online application process by January 20th, 2026, at 11:00pm. Application materials received after the closing date/time will not be considered.

Up to the top eight applicants will be subject to additional evaluation and assessment.

In accordance with Civil Service Rule 8.3.2, all examinations shall include a review of a formal application and may also include written tests, evaluation of personal qualifications, physical or performance tests, psychological evaluation, evaluations of training and experience, interviews, other suitable evaluation of ability to perform the duties and essential functions of the job, or any combination of such tests.

Assessment Center: Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Assessment Location: Longview City Hall

Inbox Exercise, Oral Presentation, Oral Board Interview
Each candidate will be scheduled for an Inbox exercise, Oral Presentation, and an Oral Board Interview. Oral Presentation materials will be sent out to candidates moving forward to the assessment center shortly after the recruitment closing date.

Candidate scoring information:
The total score will be computed based on the following: 10% application and experience review, 20% Inbox exercise, 30% Oral Presentation, 40% Oral Board Interview.

After completion of all elements, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list based upon cumulative scores. Candidates must achieve a total cumulative score of 70% or above to be ranked on the eligibility list. Any applicable Veteran's Declaration points will be added to the passing score of an applicant. The final list will be presented to the Longview Civil Service Commission, for certification, at its regular meeting. Those candidates deemed most qualified for the position ("rule of five") will be referred to the Fire Chief for final consideration for any vacancies that may occur in the two-year time period the promotional eligibility list is established.

Position Information:
Primary responsibilities are reviewing and analyzing plans for compliance with building code and fire and life safety requirements, and providing non-structural residential, commercial, and industrial plans review services; providing technical expertise and support, conducting mandated inspections, determining origin and case of fires, training Fire Department employees in the enforcement of codes and ordinances; answering questions relating to building and construction with respect to fire and life safety; assisting in the development of new or revised building, and fire and life safety codes and ordinances, and department programs.

Essential Job Duties: (not a full listing)
Interpret and enforce fire codes and other applicable fire and life/safety laws and ordinances.
Assists with formulation of fire/life safety policies and procedures.
Audit city ordinances pertaining to fire, life and safety to ensure compliance with regulations and standards.
Review new and remodel construction plans for fire and non-structural building code compliance, and recommend changes in design, materials, and equipment.
Inspect construction projects for conformance with construction plans, and fire codes and ordinances.
Conduct state imposed or other inspections of properties and businesses as required, to include high hazard properties.
Attend and participate in pre-construction meetings with building owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and other agencies.
Advise and make recommendations regarding use, storage, and handling of hazardous materials.
As a customer service, respond to code compliance and safety inquiries.
Prepare information and publications for public dissemination.
Investigate and process complaints.
Prepare and maintain records related to such matters as safety inspections, recommendations, complaints, and others.
Provide status and performance reports.
Prepare and present public education materials. Perform other clerical/administrative duties to support the department's efficiency and services.
Attend and participate in staff meetings.
Provide input and recommendations to improve work processes.
Conduct ongoing training for fire personnel on prevention inspection practices, building construction and public education.
Develop and maintain a continuing training plan for line personnel.
Attend training and seminars as necessary.
Issue fire/life safety permits as appropriate for uses and/or processes that present risk to the community.
Review new business license applications for potential conflicts of use or unsafe practices.
Keep abreast of ordinances, rules and legal regulations changes pertaining to the trade and related subjects.
Investigate fires to determine origin and cause and manage the fire investigation program; works cooperatively with department field investigators and with law enforcement agencies in arson cases.
Responds to major emergencies, investigates accidents and fire incidents and may perform incident command duties at fire scenes.
Depending on skills and abilities, may assume command of the department in the absence of the Chief and perform other duties as assigned by the Fire Chief.

Requires a Bachelor's Degree from a regionally accredited university or college. A minimum five years' experience in the fire service (experience in firefighting, fire protection engineering, fire prevention, fire or building inspection, plan review, or any combination of education and experience which would provide the necessary knowledge and abilities).

An additional two years consecutive service at the rank of Company Officer, Deputy Fire Marshal, Fire Marshal or equivalent (internal applicants) or an additional three years consecutive service at the rank of Company Officer, Deputy Fire Marshal, Fire Marshal or equivalent (external applicants).

ICC Fire Inspector II Certification and ICC Fire or Building Plans Examiner Certification, or the ability to obtain both within one year from date of employment

Certified Fire Investigator desirable.

Valid motor vehicle operator's license.

Knowledge of:International Fire Code, International Building Code, International Mechanical Code, and nationally recognized standards pertaining to construction and fire protection and prevention; safety requirements for the proper use, storage, and handling of hazardous materials; legal and administrative principles and techniques of the plan review process; fire protection systems, fire suppression and prevention techniques, and related fire alarm and suppression equipment; national, state and local code processes.

Ability to:Read and understand construction plans, documents, calculations, and specifications; use computer programs and operating systems which maintain Fire Department records; communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with staff and customers; assess and analyze problems and take timely and effective action under stressful conditions; establish and maintain positive working relationships with the public and other city staff; work independently, set priorities, organize, and coordinate own work; work a varied schedule including evenings and weekends; continually upgrade knowledge of current code requirements.

City of Longview WA

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