NEVADA STATE FIRE MARSHAL-UNCLASSIFIED at State of Nevada (NV) – Carson City, Nevada

The Nevada State Fire Marshal Division serves as the state’s lead authority on fire prevention and life safety. Our mission is to protect lives, property, and the environment by establishing and enforcing statewide fire codes, conducting professional investigations, and regulating hazardous materials. From training first responders to advising the Governor, we provide the essential oversight and expertise needed to ensure a fire-safe Nevada.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in fire science, fire administration, fire prevention or fire protection engineering is highly desirable; OR possess an associate degree in fire science with five years of progressive fire service, fire prevention, fire investigation, and management experience at the chief officer level, fire marshal or deputy fire marshal level with a paid/career fire agency; OR extensive fire service related training with a minimum of ten years of progressive fire service, fire prevention, and management experience at the Chief Officer, Fire Marshal or Deputy Fire Marshal level with paid/career or combination paid/volunteer fire agency

This position is for the Nevada State Fire Marshal, a high-level executive role within the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The primary purpose is to protect life, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials throughout Nevada. As the state's highest fire official, this leader serves as a critical advisor to the Governor and the DPS Director, ensuring that fire safety standards are established, regulated, and enforced statewide.

The daily duties of this role are divided into four main pillars:

• Executive Leadership & Administration
• Directly managing a diverse team of 30 sworn (law enforcement) and non-sworn employees.
• Overseeing the division's fiscal health, budgets, and operational strategy.
• Representing the division before the State Legislature and serving as the Liaison to the Nevada Fire Service.
• Regulation & Code Enforcement
• Adopting and enforcing statewide fire codes and regulations.
• Managing licensing and credentialing for the fire protection industry, including blasters, pyrotechnic companies, and interior designers.
• Approving building plans for fire safety and conducting inspections of State-owned or occupied facilities.
• Public Safety & Investigations
• Directing statewide services for fire origin and cause determination.
• Leading efforts to suppress arson and investigate fraudulent fire insurance claims.
• Regulating the storage and use of combustibles, explosives, and fireworks.
• Training & Education
• Developing and delivering fire service and hazardous materials training based on national standards.
• Coordinating federal grant funding programs for rural fire departments to ensure they have necessary resources.
• Managing public outreach and media relations to promote fire prevention education.

Strategic Leadership & Vision: Ability to set statewide goals, objectives, and procedures while inspiring a diverse workforce of 30 sworn and non-sworn personnel.

Political & Legislative Acumen: Skill in testifying before the legislature, interacting with federal, state, and tribal entities, and serving as a high-level advisor to the Governor.

Fiscal & Operational Management: Proficiency in administering complex budgets and managing the division's administrative and operational functions.

Ethical Integrity: Maintaining a strong sense of ethics, honesty, and accountability, which is critical for making decisions that impact individual safety and state law.

High-Stakes Decision Making: The ability to analyze emergency situations quickly and make sound decisions under intense pressure.

Interpersonal & Media Relations: Skill in collaborating with community stakeholders and effectively disseminating safety information through the media.

Adaptability: Capacity to pivot between administrative office work and the physical demands of field inspections or active fire scenes.

Mentorship & Team Building: Focus on professional development, resolving conflicts, and fostering a positive, inclusive organizational culture.

RECRUITER INFORMATION, MARY GORDON, mgordon@dps.state.nv.us