State Fire Marshal

Nature of Work The WEST VIRGINIA STATE FIRE COMMISSION is seeking resumes for the position of State Fire Marshal . Per W. Va. Code §15A-10-1(d): The State Fire Marshal, shall have the full responsibility for the enforcement of fire and life safety programs in this state designated to minimize fire hazards and disaster and loss of life and property from these causes. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to the establishment and enforcement of fire safety practices throughout the state, preventive inspection and correction activities, coordination of fire safety programs with volunteer and paid fire departments, and critical analysis and evaluation of West Virginia's fire loss statistics for determination of problems and solutions. This is a Political Special Appointment position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority. The West Virginia State Fire Commission, at the request of the Governor, shall submit a list of not more than three names to the Governor from which the Governor shall make the appointment. The Governor shall appoint a State Fire Marshal, from a list of names submitted by the Fire Commission. The State Fire Marshal serves at the will and pleasure of the Governor and is exempt from coverage under the classified civil service system as described in W. Va. Code §15A-10-1(b).

Examples of Work

Administrative and Strategic Management : Develops, implements, communicates, and monitors the Office of the State Fire Marshal strategic plan consistent with the agency's vision, mission, goals, and objectives.

Agency Leadership: Manages and leads all activities of the Office of the State Fire Marshal, which includes engineering services, fire prevention, code enforcement, fire and explosives investigation, public fire education, and fire data collection and analysis.

Inter-Agency Coordination: Serves as the Office of the State Fire Marshal liaison with State agencies such as the West Virginia State Fire Commission, Division of Emergency Management, Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, West Virginia Parole Board, Division of Administrative Services, Justice and Community Services Section, West Virginia Fusion Center, West Virginia State Police, Department of Labor and Licensing, and Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification to carry out the appropriate provisions of applicable codes and statutes of the State.

Public Education and Community Outreach: Develops and delivers fire safety education programs for the public, businesses, and other stakeholders.

Resumes must be submitted directly to the WV State Fire Commission via the email below for consideration.

Requirements: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university or equivalent experience, six years full-time or part-time equivalent paid or volunteer experience in fire prevention or fire safety including two years in a supervisory capacity in fire prevention and fire safety

Salary: $54,842.00 - $97,037.00 Annually

Application Deadline: 2026-11-08