Salary : $79,811.00 - $89,787.50 Annually
Location : Fire Department, 303 Milton Avenue, Janesville, WI
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026.32.230
Department: Fire Department
Division: Fire Department
Opening Date: 09/10/2026
Closing Date: 10/4/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Benefits Earning Potential: $112,497.82

OBJECTIVE
The Fire Marshal is an administrative, sworn position assigned to the Fire Prevention Bureau of the Janesville Fire Department. Under the general direction of the Fire Chief, the Fire Marshal leads, administers, and oversees the Department's fire prevention and life-safety activities, including code administration and enforcement, fire inspections, fire protection and life-safety system compliance, fire investigation, public education and Community Risk Reduction activities, development and pre-construction coordination, pre-fire planning, permitting, personnel training, program administration, and related fire prevention functions.

The Fire Marshal provides direct supervision of Fire Prevention Bureau personnel and functional oversight and technical direction to fire suppression personnel while performing assigned fire prevention duties. The Fire Marshal leads the Department's Fire Investigator Team and is responsible for administration and coordination of the Department's fire investigation program.
The Fire Marshal administers the Fire Prevention Bureau's assigned budget and resources and identifies and recommends additional personnel, funding, equipment, training, and other resources through the appropriate departmental and City approval processes.
The position requires considerable independent judgment, discretion, technical expertise, leadership, communication, and decision-making consistent with applicable laws, codes, City and Department policies, and the goals and objectives of the Janesville Fire Department.

RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Fire Chief

Directly Supervises: Fire Inspector(s) and other Fire Prevention Bureau personnel as assigned.

Functional/Technical Oversight: Provides direction, training, technical guidance, and oversight to fire suppression personnel while performing assigned fire prevention, inspection, public education, code enforcement, pre-fire planning, and fire investigation responsibilities. This functional oversight does not replace the established operational chain of command.

The Fire Marshal maintains frequent professional contact with elected and appointed City officials; City departments and divisions; Fire Department personnel; law enforcement; governmental and regulatory agencies; court officials and attorneys; contractors; architects, engineers, and design professionals; developers; property and business owners; community organizations; educational institutions; media representatives; and members of the public.

The Fire Marshal leads and oversees the Janesville Fire Department Fire Investigator Team and participates in or leads other designated teams, committees, and working groups as assigned.
Essential Duties

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. This list is illustrative and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by the incumbent. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Performs and oversees fire and life-safety inspections of applicable occupancy classifications, facilities, operations, and processes to determine compliance with adopted fire codes, ordinances, statutes, administrative rules, and other applicable requirements. Enforces fire and life-safety requirements; issues Orders to Correct as necessary; and coordinates or participates in specialized inspections, acceptance testing, and compliance activities involving fire protection and life-safety systems.
2. Collaborates with other City departments and divisions throughout the development and construction process to identify and address applicable fire and life-safety requirements. Participates in Development Assistance Group (DAG) meetings with prospective property owners, developers, designers, and other stakeholders during the preliminary stages of proposed projects to provide early fire code, fire department access, and emergency-response guidance. Participates in site plan reviews and final occupancy inspections as appropriate and provides fire and life-safety guidance throughout the development process.
3. Investigates fire and life-safety complaints and concerns received from the public, City departments, Fire Department personnel, and other sources. Reviews and follows up on inspections conducted by fire suppression personnel; communicates inspection findings and required corrective actions to property owners, occupants, and responsible parties; conducts or oversees follow-up inspections; initiates appropriate compliance and enforcement actions; and coordinates unresolved or escalated enforcement matters with the City Attorney in accordance with established departmental and City procedures.
4. Provides direct supervision, leadership, training, and performance evaluation of Fire Prevention Bureau personnel. Provides functional oversight and technical direction to fire suppression personnel while performing assigned fire prevention duties. Provides input and recommendations through the established chain of command regarding personnel performance, training, corrective action, staffing, and other personnel matters within the scope of the Fire Marshal's responsibilities.
5. Administers and oversees applicable fire code permitting processes, including the review, issuance, documentation, and enforcement of permits required by adopted codes, ordinances, and departmental procedures.
6. Administers and oversees Fire Prevention Bureau programs and regulatory responsibilities, including but not limited to the Department's rapid-entry key box program, required fire and evacuation drills, fire protection and life-safety system compliance, and other fire prevention programs as assigned or required.
7. Develops, coordinates, and oversees fire and life-safety education, community outreach, and Community Risk Reduction activities for the public, schools, community organizations, businesses, and other groups. Coordinates appropriate scheduling, staffing, and program delivery and ensures educational content reflects current fire and life-safety practices appropriate for the intended audience and identified community needs.
8. Manages and oversees the Survive Alive House fire and life-safety education program for third-grade students, including curriculum development, scheduling, staffing, instructor training, and coordination with participating schools. Ensures program content reflects current, effective, and age-appropriate fire and life-safety practices.
9. Assists with the review, adoption, and implementation of new or revised fire and life-safety codes, standards, statutes, administrative rules, and other regulatory requirements affecting the Janesville Fire Department. Provides technical recommendations regarding proposed code changes and assists with implementation, education, and enforcement following adoption or enactment.
10. Oversees the third-party reporting system used for inspection, testing, and maintenance documentation of fire protection and life-safety systems within the City of Janesville, including review and appropriate follow-up of reported deficiencies and noncompliant conditions.
11. Administers and enforces applicable fire and life-safety codes, statutes, administrative rules, and ordinances within the City of Janesville and provides fire prevention and inspection services to other jurisdictions served by the Janesville Fire Department in accordance with applicable laws, jurisdictional authority, and contractual agreements.
12. Leads and oversees the Janesville Fire Department Fire Investigator Team and administers the Department's fire investigation program. Conducts and coordinates fire origin and cause investigations; provides direction, training, and technical guidance to fire investigators; ensures appropriate investigative documentation and evidence procedures; and coordinates with law enforcement, regulatory agencies, and other organizations as necessary. Responds when requested to significant, complex, suspicious, or undetermined fires and other incidents requiring Fire Marshal or Fire Investigator Team expertise.
13. Coordinates with officers in charge and training personnel regarding pre-fire planning for commercial, industrial, high-hazard, and other significant occupancies and facilities. Trains and provides technical guidance to fire suppression personnel assigned fire inspection duties regarding code application, inspection procedures, documentation, enforcement practices, and their fire prevention responsibilities.
14. Keeps the Fire Chief and appropriate Fire Department personnel informed of significant developments, hazards, or conditions that may affect fire prevention, emergency response, or firefighter safety, including new construction or changes in occupancy; hazardous materials or processes; conditions affecting fire department access or water supplies; impaired fire protection systems; vacant, abandoned, or compromised structures; unusual operational hazards; and new or revised regulatory requirements.
15. Maintains and oversees accurate Fire Prevention Bureau records and reporting systems relating to fire inspections, investigations, enforcement activities, permits, fire protection systems, public education, and other Bureau activities in accordance with applicable departmental, City, state, and records-retention requirements. Ensures reporting and records-management systems support the operational, documentation, statistical, and regulatory needs of Fire Prevention Bureau and fire suppression personnel.
16. Manages and monitors the Fire Prevention Bureau's assigned budget and financial resources and, through the Fire Chief, identifies and recommends additional funding, personnel, equipment, technology, training, or other resources as needed through appropriate departmental and City approval processes.
17. Ensures departmental compliance with applicable Wisconsin statutes and administrative code requirements, including Wis. Stat. Chapter 101 and SPS 314, as they relate to fire inspections, public education, required audit processes, and other fire prevention duties and responsibilities established by applicable law and administrative code.
18. Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Position Requirements/Qualifications
The requirements listed below are necessary to perform the essential duties of the position. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered as determined by the Human Resources Office.

1. Associate degree in Fire Science, Fire Protection, Emergency Management, Public Administration, or a closely related field required.
2. Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in fire prevention, fire code administration, fire inspection, and fire origin and cause investigation required.
3. Minimum of four (4) years of supervisory or progressively responsible leadership experience involving personnel supervision, work assignment, training, performance evaluation, or program management required.
4. Possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license or otherwise meet City requirements for operation of City vehicles.
5. Possess and maintain required State of Wisconsin Fire Inspector certification, or obtain such certification within a period established by the Department following appointment.
6. Possess appropriate fire investigation training and qualifications or obtain Department-required fire investigation certification or credentialing within an established period following appointment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Fire Protection, Emergency Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
2. Advanced training or continuing education in fire prevention, fire protection systems, code administration, leadership, Community Risk Reduction, and fire investigation.
3. Professional fire investigator certification or credentialing through a nationally recognized organization such as the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) or National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI).
4. ICC, NFPA, or other nationally recognized Fire Inspector I and/or Fire Inspector II certification.
5. Wisconsin fire detection, prevention, and suppression or other applicable state certification.
6. Additional fire service officer, instructor, investigation, plan review, code administration, or leadership credentials relevant to the responsibilities of the position.

COMPETENCIES

Knowledge

1. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of contemporary fire prevention, fire and life-safety inspection, code administration and enforcemen