Department of Public Safety - Office of the State Fire Marshal

State Fire Marshal

-Anticipated Vacancy-

Job Class Code: HM02
Grade: 32 (Major Policy Influencing)
Salary: $77,896 - $117,977.60/Annually

Location: Augusta, ME

Opening Date: July 11, 2024

Closing Date: July 31, 2024

The Maine Department of Public Safety is seeking an individual to serve as the State Fire Marshal. The mission of the Office of State Fire Marshal is to prevent loss of life and property for those that live, work, and visit the State of Maine. The goal is to protect against the devastation of fire, explosions and life safety hazards with integrity and fairness through fire prevention, public education, planning, research, investigation and enforcement of enacted laws and rules.

The programs of the State Fire Marshal have primary goals of

• Investigation of the origin and cause of fires and explosions.
• Arson investigation, evidence gathering, and case preparation for possible prosecution
• Regulate, permit, and inspect for the use of explosives, fireworks, and certain flammable liquids.
• Inspect approximately 25 different types of buildings and facilities with the primary focus to enforce life safety codes and standards.
• Review plans to issue permits for construction and alteration of public buildings, handicap accessibility, installation of fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems, installation of above ground fuel storage tanks, amusement rides, and new self-service gas stations
• Conduct and offer specialized training for trade professionals, care givers, code enforcement officials, and fire and law enforcement professionals
• Coordinate efforts of specialty subject areas such as the Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Task Force
• Implement, manage, and report on Maine's Reduced Ignition Propensity Cigarette law
• Develop and deliver public education and awareness programs on fire prevention and safety to Maine's most vulnerable populations
• Conduct research and analysis of the state fire burden for use in the development, implementation, and improvement of new and existing programs.

The State Fire Marshal is the head of the Office of the State Fire Marshal which is one of ten independent bureaus within the Department of Public Safety. The Department is overseen by the Commissioner who serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Department. The State Fire Marshal establishes the strategic direction, objectives, priorities, and regulatory goals for the Bureau.

The State Fire Marshal is appointed by the Governor and is subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Maine Legislature having jurisdiction over public safety matters and to confirmation by the Legislature. Once appointed, the State Fire Marshal serves a four-year term coterminous with the Governor. The State Fire Marshal may be removed by impeachment or by the Governor on the address of both branches of the Legislature.

Major Duties:

• The prevention and containment of fire and the protection of life and property from fire through code application, engineering, and enforcement.
• The suppression of arson and investigation of cause, origin and circumstances of fires, the storage, sale and use of combustibles, flammables, incendiary devices, and explosives.
• Assuring the adequacy of means of egress, in the case of fire, from buildings, occupancies and places in which persons work, live or congregate from time to time for any purpose which comes within the scope of the current edition of the National Fire Protection Association No. 101, Life Safety Code.
• Provide consultive, professional advice and expertise about significant issues to the Commissioner of Public Safety and the Governor.
• A working knowledge of appropriate codes and standards as adopted by APA rulemaking.
• A working knowledge of the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code.
• A working knowledge of utilizing alternative code compliance for application in circumstances where building occupancy and use cannot meet strict code application.
• Work with the Maine Fire Protection Services Commission to monitor and evaluate the State's fire protection services system on a continuing basis and to provide recommendations to the appropriate state agencies and to the Legislature regarding necessary changes in the fire protection services system.
• Providing appropriate public education strategies determined by data and risk analysis.
• Providing community risk reduction guidance to local jurisdictions and fire departments.

Key Skills and Abilities:

• A comprehensive knowledge of fire science and fire dynamics as they impact the fire problem of the State and local jurisdictions
• A comprehensive working knowledge of the States’ fire service regarding its’ abilities, and limitations to address the fire activity effectively and efficiently within the State and local jurisdictions.
• Experience and knowledge in conducting community risk reduction analysis and providing recommendations for hazard mitigation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including advanced interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and persuade to affect solutions to complex problems and build consensus among stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented, strategic thinker with well-developed decision-making, research, analytical, and project management skills.
• Ability to make recommendations based on thorough understanding of the short and long-term impact of decisions, projects, or initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and manage many time-sensitive, complex projects. simultaneously to support short and long-term priorities.
• Leadership, including experience in budget development, justification, and monitoring through the departmental and legislative process.
• Administration and management experience, to include financial, human resources, and strategic planning.
• Strong organizational skills, including meeting deadlines, exercising strong time-management, meeting expectations, and following through on commitments.

Leadership Duties Include:

• Providing strategic leadership and oversight to ensure the successful implementation of the Bureau’s mission, goals, and objectives.
• Willingness to identify and inspire change within the Bureau and its mission, as needed.
• Developing, mentoring, and leading a professional staff.
• Working with the Department leadership team to develop policies and practices for the work environment that promote employee attraction and retention.
• Structuring and organizing the work of the Bureau in the most efficient and effective manner, subject to state budget limitations.
• Representing Maine and the administration at state and national meetings.
• Serving as advisor/member to a variety of state and national boards and commissions.
• Collaborating with the Governor’s Office and the administration.
• Advising the Governor’s Office on the implications of proposed policy changes.
• Representing the executive branch at legislative committees.

Minimum qualifications:

A ten (10) year combination of education and/or relevant command/executive experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities of a fire service, inspections, and investigations professional.

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to the Deputy Commissioner Derek Gorneau at Derek.Gorneau@maine.gov .

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact our office at 207-623-6700. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018. Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included. Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.21% for Confidential employees.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.