Class Description
Valid as of: July 1, 2024
This class series uses nine levels in the Enforcement and Protective Services Occupational Group and describes professional fire and building safety work including prevention, inspection, design plan review, origin and cause investigation, education, professional development, and review, interpretation, and application of applicable codes, statutes, rules and plans required for the safety of citizens. As the lead state fire agency SB90-4, HB09‑1151, HB12-1268, Limited Gaming Act of 1991, and SB23-013, the purpose of this class is to promote, interpret, and enforce regulations, rules, and standards relating to fire, building, and life safety throughout Colorado to ensure protection for citizens from fire, fire-related causes, and other hazards and risks present in the area; conduct fire origin and cause investigations; provide community risk reduction services, including conducting community risk assessments and developing community risk reduction plans; and provide professional development services for Colorado building and fire code enforcement professionals, including plans examiners and inspectors. This agency may assign working titles within this series similar to traditional Fire Department rank. For example, rank may include Lieutenant, Captain, Chief, etc.
These positions engage in the provision of a wide range of fire and life safety programs and activities including, but not limited to, administrative, technical assistance, education, certification, investigations, and the promotion, interpretation, and enforcement of regulations, rules, and standards relating to fire, building, and life safety throughout
Colorado.
FIRE MARSHAL TRAINEE A5B9XX
Concept of Class
The Fire Marshal Trainee class describes the Trainee level. Trainee positions perform work that is designed to prepare an employee with no related experience for entry into the class series. This level’s primary function is to train and become familiar with duties within a class series. Positions in this classification may participate in formal classroom or field training in methods and procedures related to the series.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Not Applicable.
Complexity --Not Applicable.
Line/Staff Authority --Individual Contributor. The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. Positions may explain work processes and train others, serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system, or serve as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team.
FIRE MARSHAL I A5B1XX
Concept of Class
The Fire Marshal I class describes the Entry-level. Entry level positions perform tasks that are structured and designed to provide training and experience. Tasks are performed under direct supervision and detailed instruction and guidance is received. Employees in this class learn to apply theories and principles of the field. Positions used for training purposes do not remain at this level indefinitely. This class differs from the Fire Marshal Trainee class on Decision Making and Complexity.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making -- Defined. There is a choice in selecting alternatives that affect the manner and speed of a decision, but there is typically only one correct way to carry out the operation.
Complexity -- Prescribed. Applies established, standard processes which cover work situations and alternatives. Chooses the correct action from specific guidelines that permit little deviation or change as tasks are repeated.
Line/Staff Authority -- Individual Contributor. The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. Positions may explain work processes and train others, serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system, or serve as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team.
FIRE MARSHAL II A5B2XX
Concept of Class
The Fire Marshal II class describes the Intermediate level. Intermediate positions operate independently in performing assignments that are limited to phases of a fully operational assignment or which may be designed to provide continued training and experience. Work requires determining solutions to practical problems using specified standards and established criteria. Judgment is used to select and apply existing guidelines to solve problems and accomplish the assignment. This class differs from the Fire Marshal I class on Decision Making and Complexity.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Operational. In carrying out the process, there is a choice as to what and how operations will be completed. Although limits are set by the specific process, work requires reasoning to produce practical courses of action that are within the guidelines of the process. Decisions are made without prior approval however the focus is still on practical solutions.
Complexity --Patterned. Studies and utilizes information to determine its meaning and identify practical solutions. Although guidelines exist for most situations, this level typically involves multiple choice situations where the guidelines are not as clear.
Line/Staff Authority --Individual Contributor. The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. Positions may explain work processes and train others, serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system, or serve as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team.
FIRE MARSHAL III A5B3XX
Concept of Class
The Fire Marshal III class describes the Fully-Operational level. Fully operational positions operate independently in performing the full range of tasks. Work requires the use of discretion within the limits of theory and principles of the profession, management’s objectives, laws and regulations, and general systems and guidelines. This class differs from the Fire Marshal II class on Decision Making.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Process. There is a choice in determining the process to accomplish the work. This choice includes designing the set of operations. Limits are set by professional standards, program objectives, and policies established by higher management. Process level decisions are more theoretical in the sense that positions must evaluate and apply theories and models as part of the assignment.
Complexity --Patterned. Studies and utilizes information to determine its meaning and identify practical solutions. Although guidelines exist for most situations, this level typically involves multiple choice situations where the guidelines are not as clear.
Line/Staff Authority --Individual Contributor. The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. Positions may explain work processes and train others, serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system, or serve as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team.
FIRE MARSHAL IV A5B4XX
Concept of Class
The Fire Marshal IV class describes a Work Leader or Staff Authority. These class concepts are described below under Line/Staff Authority.
This class differs from the Fire Marshal III class on Complexity and Line/Staff Authority.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Process. There is a choice in determining the process to accomplish the work. This choice includes designing the set of operations. Limits are set by professional standards, program objectives, and policies established by higher management. Process level decisions are more theoretical in the sense that positions must evaluate and apply theories and models as part of the assignment.
Complexity --Formulative. Evaluates the relevance and importance of theories, concepts and principles, and tailors them to develop a different approach or tactical plan to fit specific circumstances. Guidelines typically exist but are inadequate. Judgment and resourcefulness are needed because guidelines are relevant only through approximations or analogies to fit particular circumstances.
Line/Staff Authority --Work Leader. Partially accountable for the work product of at least two subordinate FTEs. This includes assigning tasks, monitoring workflow, and scheduling work. Work Leaders provide input into supervisory decisions but do not have direct authority for hiring, terminations, or performance management.
OR;
Staff Authority. Staff Authorities are experts on the application of a program or system in a state agency or to its clients. Positions possess a unique level of knowledge and expertise in a field that is critical to the success of an agency’s objectives.
FIRE MARSHAL V A5B5XX
Concept of Class
The Fire Marshal V class describes a Unit Supervisor or Senior Authority. These class concepts are described below under Line/Staff Authority.
This class differs from the Fire Marshal IV class on Decision Making and Line/Staff Authority.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Interpretive. There is a choice in determining the tactical plans to achieve the objectives established by a higher management level. This degree of decision making establishes what is to be done in similar circumstances in the future which includes inventing and changing systems or designing processes, policies and guidelines.
Complexity --Formulative. Evaluates the relevance and importance of theories, concepts and principles, and tailors them to develop a different approach or tactical plan to fit specific circumstances. Guidelines typically exist but are inadequate. Judgment and resourcefulness are needed because guidelines are relevant only through approximations or analogies to fit particular circumstances.
Line/Staff Authority --Unit Supervisor. Positions are accountable, including signature authority, for actions and decisions impacting the pay, status, and tenure of at least three subordinate FTEs. Positions must include providing documentation to support corrective and disciplinary actions, signing performance plans and appraisals, and resolving informal grievances. Positions at this level start the hiring process, interview applicants, and recommend hire, promotion, or transfer.
OR;
Senior Authority. Senior authorities possess a unique level of knowledge and expertise in a field that is critical to the agency’s overall mission. Agency management routinely relies on the essential consultation of the authority before deciding broad, critical program and policy direction.
FIRE MARSHAL VI A5B6XX
Concept of Class
The Fire Marshal VI class describes a Manager or Leading Authority. These class concepts are described below under Line/Staff Authority.
This class differs from the Fire Marshal V class on Complexity and Line/Staff Authority.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Interpretive. There is a choice in determining the tactical plans to achieve the objectives established by a higher management level. This degree of decision making establishes what is to be done in similar circumstances in the future which includes inventing and changing systems or designing processes, policies and guidelines.
Complexity --Strategic. Develops guidelines to implement programs that achieve the agency’s mission. Guidelines do not exist in many or most situations. Judgment and resourcefulness are needed to interpret circumstances in a variety of situations and establish guidelines that direct how agency programs will be implemented.
Line/Staff Authority --Manager. Accountable for multiple units through the direct supervision of at least two subordinate Unit Supervisors. Positions must include providing documentation to support corrective and disciplinary actions, signing performance plans and appraisals, and resolving informal grievances. Positions at this level start the hiring process, interview applicants, and recommend hire, promotion, or transfer.
OR;
Leading Authority. Leading authorities possess a unique level of knowledge and expertise in a field that is critical to the agency’s overall mission. This level of expertise is rare, and has a direct impact on the profession itself both within and outside state boundaries. State and Agency leaders rely on this authority when making strategic decisions regarding the long-term direction of policy, programs, and systems related to the authority’s field of expertise.
FIRE MARSHAL VII A5B7XX
Concept of Class
The Fire Marshal VII class describes a Senior Manager. This class concept is described below under Line/Staff Authority.
This class differs from the Fire Marshal VI class on Complexity and Line/Staff Authority.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Interpretive. There is a choice in determining the tactical plans to achieve the objectives established by a higher management level. This degree of decision making establishes what is to be done in similar circumstances in the future which includes inventing and changing systems or designing processes, policies and guidelines.
Complexity --Strategic. Develops guidelines to implement programs that achieve the agency’s mission. Guidelines do not exist in many or most situations. Judgment and resourcefulness are needed to interpret circumstances in a variety of situations and establish guidelines that direct how agency programs will be implemented.
Line/Staff Authority --Senior Manager. Accountable for multiple units through the direct supervision of at least two subordinate Managers. Positions must include providing documentation to support corrective and disciplinary actions, signing performance plans and appraisals, and resolving informal grievances. Positions at this level start the hiring process, interview applicants, and recommend hire, promotion, or transfer.
FIRE MARSHAL VIII A5B8XX
Concept of Class
The Fire Marshal VII class describes a Senior Manager. This class concept is described below under Line/Staff Authority.
This class differs from the Fire Marshal VII class on Decision Making and Complexity.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Programmatic. In determining strategic plans, overall purpose, and staffing, there are choices in formulating or adjusting programs, specifying program objectives, and allocating human and fiscal resources among constituent programs. The degree of decision making involves proposals for long-term policy and integration with other programs and overall strategy.
Complexity --Strategic. Develops guidelines to implement programs that achieve the agency’s mission. Guidelines do not exist in many or most situations. Judgment and resourcefulness are needed to interpret circumstances in a variety of situations and establish guidelines that direct how agency programs will be implemented.
OR;
Unprecedented. Originates models, concepts, and theories that are new to the field and where no prototype exists in state government. Guidelines do not exist.
Line/Staff Authority — Senior Manager. Accountable for multiple units through the direct supervision of at least two subordinate Managers. Positions must include providing documentation to support corrective and disciplinary actions, signing performance plans and appraisals, and resolving informal grievances. Positions at this level start the hiring process, interview applicants, and recommend hire, promotion, or transfer.
Entrance Requirements
Minimum entry requirements and general knowledge, skills, and abilities for classes in this series are contained in the class minimum qualifications document. National Incident Management System, National Wildfire Coordinating Group, and other fire service qualifications are required for each different position within this class series. For purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), the essential functions of specific positions are identified in the position description questionnaires and job analyses.
History of Changes Made to Class Description
The following is a summary of changes made to this class description.
- July 1, 2024
Effective 7/1/24: Fire Marshal series created as a result of the Firefighter system maintenance study.
Summary of Factor Ratings
| Class Level | Decision Making | Complexity | Line/Staff Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Marshal Trainee | N/A | N/A | Individual Contributor |
| Fire Marshal I | Defined | Prescribed | Individual Contributor |
| Fire Marshal II | Operational | Patterned | Individual Contributor |
| Fire Marshal III | Process | Patterned | Individual Contributor |
| Fire Marshal IV | Process | Formulative | Work Leader or Staff Authority |
| Fire Marshal V | Interpretive | Formulative | Unit Supervisor or Staff Authority |
| Fire Marshal VI | Interpretive | Strategic | Manager or Leading Authority |
| Fire Marshal VII | Interpretive | Strategic | Senior Manager |
| Fire Marshal VIII | Programmatic | Strategic or unprecedented | Senior Manager |
Minimum Qualifications
Valid as of: July 1, 2024
This document includes the following levels:
| Class Title | Class Code |
|---|---|
| Fire Marshal Trainee | A5B9XX |
| Fire Marshal I | A5B1XX |
| Fire Marshal II | A5B2XX |
| Fire Marshal III | A5B3XX |
| Fire Marshal IV | A5B4XX |
| Fire Marshal V | A5B5XX |
| Fire Marshal VI | A5B6XX |
| Fire Marshal VII | A5B7XX |
| Fire Marshal VIII | A5B8XX |
FIRE MARSHAL TRAINEE (A5B9XX)
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
None.
FIRE MARSHAL I (A5B1XX)
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
Any required certifications as needed for the position.
Substitutions:
None
FIRE MARSHAL II (A5B2XX)
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
One (1) year of experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position.
Any required certifications as needed for the position.
Substitutions:
None
FIRE MARSHAL III (A5B3XX)
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
Two (2) years of experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position.
Any required certifications as needed for the position.
Substitutions:
None
FIRE MARSHAL IV (A5B4XX)
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
Five (5) years of experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position.
Any required certifications as needed for the position
Substitutions:
None
FIRE MARSHAL V (A5B5XX)
Education and Experience:
Any combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to eight (8) years.
Any required certifications as needed for the position.
FIRE MARSHAL VI (A5B6XX)
Education and Experience:
Any combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to nine (9) years.
Any required certifications as needed for the position.
FIRE MARSHAL VII (A5B7XX)
Education and Experience:
Any combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to ten (10) years, one (1) of which must have been at the level of a work leader, staff authority, unit supervisor, or equivalent.
Any required certifications as needed for the position.
FIRE MARSHAL VIII (A5B8XX)
Education and Experience:
A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to eleven (11) years, two (2) of which must have been at the level of a work leader, staff authority, unit supervisor, or equivalent.
Any required certifications as needed for the position.
History of Changes Made to Minimum Qualification
The following is a summary of changes made to this minimum qualification.
- July 1, 2024 (Whole Document)
- Class series was created per a 2023-24 system maintenance study
- Class series was created per a 2023-24 system maintenance study