Deputy Fire Chief - Prevention

Full Job Description

Manages a major division of the Spokane Fire Department including operations, training, and prevention.

Requirements

This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

Deputy Fire Chief (all)

• Manages and supervises a major division of the Spokane Fire Department.
• Advises the Assistant Fire Chief in establishing and modifying the overall goals, objectives, and plans of the department. Evaluates and organizes department structure, operations, and methods of service delivery to meet goals and objectives.
• Provides research, input, and recommendation on budgets, and monitors expenses for assigned budgets.
• Supervises and evaluates subordinate Fire Department employees. Establishes performance requirements, completes annual performance reviews, and maintains and enforces discipline.
• Schedules, coordinates, and plans the work of subordinates. Approves work schedules, leave requests, requests for special assignments or training.
• Interviews candidates for positions; recommends appointment, promotion, or reassignment to such positions.
• Delegates work functions and specific goals to subordinate personnel.
• Monitors the work performance and work quality of assigned personnel for efficiency, effectiveness, and safety.
• Inspects personnel, equipment, and facilities.
• Researches topics including fire reporting systems, training, operations, and safety.
• Provides technical assistance and interprets policies for subordinate personnel.
• Writes reports, letters, memos, and emails to internal and external recipients.
• Makes presentations to and shares information with City administrators, managers, and elected officials; civic groups and organizations; and officials of other agencies.
• Reviews and evaluates incoming documents, reports, electronic communications, mail, and other paperwork to determine actions to be taken and priorities.
• Performs related work as required.
  
  

Prevention

• The Deputy Fire Chief (Prevention) is the designated Fire Marshal for the City.
• Manages the fire prevention activities for the City, including education, inspection, and enforcement work.
• Reviews fire prevention work performed by companies.
• Provides feedback and directs action against those who obstruct or violate legal or regulatory provisions of the building or fire codes. Orders evacuation of buildings and closure of premises to mitigate safety hazards.
• Researches local and national fire problems, codes, and information from other safety agencies. Recommends changes to local fire codes.
• Responds to incidents and provides technical advice regarding special fire hazards.

Qualifications

Combinations of education and experience that are equivalent to the following minimum qualifications are acceptable.

Open-Entry Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in fire command, public or business administration, or emergency medical services.
• Experience: Five years as a chief officer for a fire agency.

Promotional Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in fire command, public or business administration, or emergency medical services.
• Experience (Prevention): One year as an Assistant Fire Marshal (SPN 946) or five years as a Deputy Fire Marshal (SPN 942).

Licenses and Certifications:

• Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license, to be maintained throughout employment.
• The Deputy Fire Chief (Prevention) must possess Fire Inspector II certification from the International Code Council throughout employment and be certified or credentialed as a Fire Marshal within one year of employment.

NOTE: Selection of a Senior Administrative Assistant, Rule V, Section 8, Rules of the Civil Service Commission, applies to this classification.

Additional Information

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and pass the examination for this position to be eligible for hire.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit a City of Spokane employment application online by 4:00 p.m. on the filing cut-off date.

Upon request, at time of application, the City will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.

The examination will consist of a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E), with scoring weight assigned as follows:

• T&E 100%
  
  

Test subjects may include:

• Education and Training for Fire Officers and Fire Prevention
• Experience in Fire Prevention
• Leadership in Fire Service/Fire Prevention

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EVALUATION DETAILS:

• Copies of your college or university transcripts (unofficial transcripts are accepted) may be a required part of this application and will be used to verify that you meet the minimum qualifications, as posted on the job announcement.
• Responses to your T&E questions should be consistent with the information given in your application details. Answers are subject to verification.
• Failure to complete all the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score; therefore, it is advantageous for you to provide a full and complete response to each question.
• Resumes or questionnaires uploaded as attachments will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question online.
• "See Resume" or "See above," etc., and copy/paste from a previous answer are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.

This is an online examination and will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Reservations can also be made through your local, public library.

Training and Experience examination links with instructions will be emailed prior to 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time on the start date and will expire at 11:59 p.m. on the due date as listed below. Keep in mind that the test link will be emailed from City of Spokane (info@governmentjobs.com).

• Applicants who apply and meet the minimum qualifications between Monday, January 26, 2026, and Monday, February 9, 2026, will test Thursday, February 12, 2026, through Monday, February 16, 2026.
• Applicants who apply and meet the minimum qualifications between Tuesday, February 10, 2026, and Monday, February 23, 2026, will test Thursday, February 26, 2026, through Monday, March 2, 2026.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status or disability status.

As a Fair Chance employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.