Fire Marshal

The City of Berkeley invites you to apply for the position of Fire Marshal! In this role, you will have the opportunity to serve as a key member of the Berkeley Fire Department's leadership team and provide oversight of programs in the Fire Prevention Division that safeguard life and property through fire prevention, code enforcement, and investigation.

You'll perform a variety of administrative, technical, and managerial tasks related to vegetation management, environmental hazards, fire code inspection, fire protection engineering, and public education (community outreach) throughout the City. You will also develop and enforce fire-safety policies, manage division resources and budgets, and ensure that prevention activities align with state and local regulations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is:

EDUCATION

Equivalent to a four-year degree from an accredited college or university. Major coursework in fire science, fire administration, public or business administration, engineering, environmental science or hazardous materials management, or related field is preferred.

EXPERIENCE

Five (5) years of experience in fire prevention and inspection program administration in a paid professional fire department, with at least two (2) years of progressively responsible general management or supervisory experience.

OR

Five (5) years of professional experience equivalent to a Fire Captain or higher rank in a paid professional fire department with three years of fire prevention experience.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

BY APPLICATION:

Must have one of the following:

1. California Fire Services Training and Education System (CFSTES) Fire Investigation 1A, 1B, and 1C.

2. CFSTES Fire Investigator Certification (2017 or later).

WITHIN TWO YEARS OF APPOINTMENT:

California State Fire Training (SFT) Fire Marshal Certification

Must be able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Berkeley to meet the program needs and to fulfill the job responsibilities. When driving on City business, the incumbent is required to maintain a valid California Class C or higher driver's license as well as a satisfactory driving record. Must be willing to work off shift hours on a call out basis.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications must be received by Monday, March 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM PT and must include a completed application, all required documentation, and responses to supplemental questions. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.

Applications are available in alternative formats (audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to ada@berkeleyca.gov. Please allow 10 days for production of the material in an alternative format.

EXAM PROCESS

The exam process will include, but may not be limited to:

• Application review for minimum qualifications and required documents (qualifying experience will be calculated based on the administrative review date)
• Competitive review and assessment of applicants' education, training, and experience (Training & Experience)
• Assessment Center - Tentatively scheduled for March 18, 2026: Oral Board (35%), Writing Exercise (35%), Scenario (30%)

Please note that candidates must receive a passing score for each component of the exam in order to be placed on the eligible list.

Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content and may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing and analytical skills; problem solving ability; computer and software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The examination process and dates are subject to change. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any assessment component as needs dictate. Applicants passing all examination phases will have their names placed on an employment eligible list that hiring departments will use to conduct final selection interviews slated for the week of March 30 and/or April 6, 2026.

Reasonable Accommodations: The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must submit a request in writing to hr@berkeleyca.gov at the time of application.