Under direction of the Fire Chief, plans, directs and participates in the activities of fire prevention, hazardous materials handling, citywide emergency preparedness, disaster planning and neighborhood safety.
Key Responsibilities
Supervises fire prevention staff, including exercising independent judgment to perform the following duties: prioritizing and developing work plans; evaluating staff performance; monitoring progress on projects; interpreting policies and procedures; making pay rate change recommendations; issuing and recommending disciplinary action, including the imposition of economic sanctions as deemed necessary to maintain department standards of performance and conduct and providing training and development for staff.
Addresses grievances and pre-grievances of union members.
Oversees and participates in fire and life safety inspections, code enforcement actions, fire code permitting requirements, and plan reviews for residential and commercial properties. Prepares and maintains permanent records of inspections, hazards cited, hazards abated, plan reviews and other work-related records as required.
Conducts and oversees the investigation of fires under the jurisdiction of the City of Lake Oswego and its contract districts in accordance with applicable standards to attempt to identify cause and origin. Assists in arson prosecution efforts with the proper law enforcement authorities by preparing and testifying in court regarding findings of investigations.
Responds to fires and other emergencies during work hours and is subject to call back.
Oversees and participates in public education and community safety programs.
Directs adoption and enforcement of fire prevention laws, codes, ordinances and policies of the State and the City.
Oversees the Superfund Amendment & Reauthorization Act, Title III and Community Right to Know requirements regarding hazardous materials management.
Assists in preparing division budget and oversees expenditures including determining staffing requirements, prioritizing capital purchases, recommending programs and tracking expenditures.
Serves as an expert program resource while developing, implementing, recommending, and evaluating fire prevention programs and other department procedures; identifies resources to support program objectives; supervises and participates in drafting requests for proposals, including defining scope of work; evaluates proposals and develops recommendations; administers contracts for services and monitors work to ensure contract requirements are met.
May be assigned to major emergencies during a disaster. Must be prepared to report/remain at work during major emergencies, disasters, and some large emergency exercises with little to no notice. Must be able to meet this requirement without substantial delay by taking appropriate steps for individual and family preparedness.
Actively supports safety and loss control measures.
Actively promotes and supports diversity in the workplace.
Assists in the development of departmental goals and objectives.
Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
The ideal candidate will have the ability to help cultivate an exceptional quality of life for everyone in the community by showing Respect for coworkers and community members alike; striving for Excellence in every workplace endeavor; building Trust in coworkers and community members as you go about your work; and by maintaining our high standards of customer Service by being responsive, responsible, and reasonable in every interaction with coworkers and community members alike.
Education and Experience Requirements
A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is to have obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration or related degree, and five years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
Licensing and Other Requirements:
Positions in this classification require the ability to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and ability to meet the City’s driving standards.
Must hold, or obtain within one year, the following:
Recognition as Fire Marshal with Fire Plans Examiner endorsement under the Oregon Fire and Life Safety Competency Program as required by Oregon Administrative Rule 837-039-0120
NFPA Fire Investigator certification
Oregon Inspector certification from the Oregon Building Codes Division
International Code Council Fire Inspector II certification
International Code Council Building Plans Examiner certification
International Code Council Commercial Building Inspector certification
NIMS training required for management roles in the EOC
First aid and CPR certification
May be exposed to smoke and/or chemical vapors. Will wear a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) or air purifying canister masks, in accordance with OSHA or CSA rules.
Duties will occasionally involve working in adverse or inclement weather conditions; exposure to high noise levels; dealing with distraught or difficult individuals; attending meetings or activities outside normal working hours; occasional response to emergency conditions during off-hours; operation of a motor vehicle on public roads.
For a complete list of the essential duties, knowledge, skills and abilities required, and physical and mental demands please review the complete job description at www.ci.oswego.or.us/hr (Download PDF reader).
Supplemental Information
Non-cash compensation includes medical, dental, vision, PERS employee pick up, and VEBA contribution
Application Process: You may visit our web site at www.ci.oswego.or.us/jobs to access the online application process. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed job application. The City application must be submitted to by: 5:00 P.M., Thursday, January 23, 2025
The City of Lake Oswego is committed to fostering a workplace where new ideas and diverse perspectives are valued. This involves hiring a workforce that reflects a variety of skills, expertise, and life experience, including those who may come from a non-traditional background. We will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience that meet the minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state, or local law.
As part of our commitment, The City of Lake Oswego will ensure that persons with disabilities are offered reasonable accommodations. Please email your accommodation request to hr@lakeoswego.city before the application deadline.
