Fire Marshal

City of Turlock, CA

$141K — $171K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of relevant experience, ideally as a Fire Captain or in similar roles.
  • Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or related field (or in-progress).
  • California State Fire Marshal Fire Officer Certification required.
  • California P.C. 832 Arrest and Firearms Certification to be obtained within 12 months after hiring.
  • Strong knowledge of fire prevention laws, codes, and regulations.

Responsibilities

  • Direct emergency response activities as required.
  • Develop and implement goals and policies for the division.
  • Prepare and manage division budgets, forecasting staffing and resource needs.
  • Document policies, prepare reports, and make presentations to City Council and other bodies.
  • Supervise and manage the Fire Prevention program and its staff for compliance with code regulations.
  • Conduct technical fire plan checks for various types of occupancies.
  • Investigate fire-related complaints and conduct both criminal and non-criminal investigations.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and dental insurance options.
  • Retirement benefits through a city-sponsored pension plan.
  • Professional development opportunities and continued education.
  • Paid time off, including holiday and vacation days.
Full Job Description
Salary: $11,783.00 - $14,322.00 Monthly
Location : 156 S. BROADWAY, TURLOCK, CA 95380, CA
Job Type: FULL-TIME
Job Number: 2026-FM-1740-01
Department: FIRE
Opening Date: 06/09/2026
Closing Date: 6/22/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Position Information/Definition

The City of Turlock is accepting applications for the Fire Marshal position. Under direction, plans, supervises, reviews and performs a variety of inspections and code enforcement duties to ensure compliance with fire and life safety codes for new and existing construction, residential occupancies, and commercial or industrial activities; performs administrative, investigative, supervisory and technical responsibilities in managing the Fire Prevention Bureau of the City's Fire Department.

This position is designated as represented by Turlock Management Association-Public Safety (TMAPS) for Labor Relations purposes and is considered exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a mid-management classification assigned to the fire prevention division as a Division Chief responsible for the management of discrete sub-departmental organizational component(s) and programs/functions within a department as determined by Department Director (Chief), City Manager and City Council. Serves as a member of the City policy advisory team with responsibilities for developing means for implementing policies and procedures developed by the executive team. The incumbent exercises policy development and promulgation responsibilities for specific program/functional areas. Demonstrates technical competence while working as a team member and exercises independent judgment in a number of confidential and sensitive assignments. Duties and responsibilities are performed in accordance with city policy, ordinance, and fire code.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Direction is provided by the Fire Chief. The job incumbent provides direct supervision of subordinate level supervisors, professional, technical line and office clerical staff in related program areas.
Essential Functions - Include But Are Not Limited To The Following:

  • Responds to emergencies when needed and directs or performs related activities.
  • Recommends and implements division goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
  • Prepares specialized budgets related to assigned activities assists in budget implementation; participates in forecasts of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; administers the approved budget.
  • Prepares reports; documents policies and procedures; performs research; makes presentations before various groups, including City Council and Planning Commission, as needed.
  • Represents Fire Chief in his absence, as required.
  • Plans, organizes, assigns, and reviews the work of a comprehensive Fire Prevention program and supervises staff to ensure compliance with fire and life safety standards.
  • Oversees the work of fire suppression staff in fire prevention activities, including mandated fire inspections.
  • Interprets, enforces, and explains fire and life safety codes.
  • Conducts technical fire plan checks including fire sprinklers, fire alarms, residential occupancies, commercial occupancies, and industrial occupancies.
  • Attends meetings with internal and external customers representing the Fire Department.
  • Investigates citizen complaints related to Fire Prevention and life safety activities and enforcement; non-criminal and criminal investigations related to fire and legal actions related to non-compliance and abatement proceedings.
  • Provides pre-development consultations; provides or reviews occupancy and final inspections for new businesses.
  • Works cooperatively with the Chief Building Official, Community Development staff, the State Fire Marshal and the community to ensure thorough, organized and timely permit processing.
  • Formulates and recommends changes to the International Fire Code and City Ordinances.
  • Oversees/participates with the Police Department in the investigation of fires to determine the cause, including preparing reports, gathers evidence and works on case development with the District Attorney's office in arson cases.
  • Represents the Department as an expert court witness in Fire Investigations.
  • Writes citations and makes arrests in the role as peace officer.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Knowledge of:
  • Investigative techniques related to fire incidents
  • Analytical techniques and strategies
  • Report preparation and presentation
  • Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review, evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
  • Knowledge of laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances related to fire prevention and fire management.
Ability to:
  • Apply principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review, evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
  • Interpret apply and explain complex laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
  • Conduct technical plan reviews in residential, commercial, industrial construction and possess the skills needed to articulate requirements to contractors and design professionals.
  • Perform computer applications related to work, prepare accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
  • Prepare division budget and administer the approved budget.
  • Conduct cause and origin fire investigations, including the collection of evidence, expert witness, report writing and assisting Police and District Attorney in case preparation.
  • Work with businesses, property owners, permit applicants, residents, and other City Departments to assure timely and effective customer service.
  • Understand and use techniques for dealing with people in person and over the telephone in stressful or confrontational situations.
  • Take initiative and use independent judgment within legal, policy and procedural guidelines.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:
Three years of experience comparable to that of a Fire Captain with Turlock Fire Department.

Training:
Possession of a bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or related field.
OR
Must be currently enrolled in an accredited university or institution and obtain a bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or related field, within thirty-six (36) months of appointment.

Certificates:
Possession of a California State Fire Marshal Fire Officer Certification.
Must obtain a California P.C. 832 Arrest and Firearms Certification within 12 months from date of appointment.
Possession of California State Fire Marshal's level one, two and three classes in prevention and investigation is desirable.

Licenses:
Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License, to be maintained as a condition of employment.
Additional Information

Physical Conditions:
Must possess strength, mobility, and stamina to inspect various fire and construction sites. Must possess mobility to work in standard office setting and to use office equipment. Vision required to read printed materials and computer screens. Hearing and speech required to communicate in person and over the telephone.
Must be able to respond to major emergency or investigative situations on a 24-hour call as required.

SELECTION PROCESS:

An eligibility list will be established from this recruitment that will be valid for six (6) months. All employees are required to serve a twelve (12) month probationary period.1. All applicants must complete a standard Application for Employment and attach verification of applicable educational requirements. Copies of transcripts and/or required certifications as verification will be acceptable. Applications will be rejected if applicant fails to attach required documentation to the employment application prior to final filing date.

You may submit your required documentation using the following options:
  • Attach a scanned copy in the "Add Attachment" option (of the NeoGov online application) or
  • Fax a copy to (209) 668-5529 or
  • Email a copy to [email protected] or
  • Hand deliver copies of your attachments to 156 S. Broadway, Suite 235, Turlock, CA on or before the final filing date.

2. Applications will be reviewed for possession of the minimum qualifications. In the event that a large number of applicants possess the minimum qualifications, applicants who appear to be the most qualified based on their breadth and recency of experience will be invited to compete in the testing process.

3. Candidates who participate in the oral examination and receive a score of 70% or more will be placed on an eligibility list. Ranking on the eligibility list is based solely on the results of the oral exam. The oral examination is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

4. The top candidates from the eligibility list will be referred to the Fire Chief for a Chief interview and final appointment consideration.

5. Final appointment to the position of Fire Marshal shall be contingent upon passing the following: a Fire Chief (Department) interview.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE SYSTEMThe City of Turlock has adopted a veteran's preference system (effective January 1, 2002). The percentage score achieved through an entrance (non-promotional) examination which ranks applicants on an eligibility list shall be adjusted to provide: (a) one (1) percentage point added to the final test score for each six (6) months of active service during a time of armed conflict, up to a maximum of five (5) points, and (b) five (5) percentage points added to the final test score for veterans who are disabled as a result of active military service during a time of armed conflict, regardless of length of service. To receive preference points, applicants must provide supporting documentation and proof of honorable discharge. In no event shall an applicant receive more than a five (5) point adjustment. This request should be made in section #12 of the employment application form.A copy of your DD214 must be attached for this request to be considered.

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