About the position
The Department of Fire Services (DFS) is seeking qualified professionals for the position of Compliance Officer II within the Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit (CCEU). This role is critical in ensuring adherence to fire prevention regulations and involves working closely with local fire departments, industry members, and the public. Compliance Officers are assigned to one of four regions within the Commonwealth and may be required to travel statewide based on assignment needs. The work hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with after-hours stand-by (on-call) time required every two to five weeks. Flexibility in working varied shifts, weekends, holidays, and nights is essential as required by the job. In this position, Compliance Officers respond to inquiries regarding Fire Prevention Regulations, providing information, interpretation, advice, and technical support to encourage voluntary compliance and enhance fire prevention and protection efforts. They perform investigations of non-compliance with various Massachusetts General Laws and regulations, including obtaining evidence through on-site inspections, generating reports, issuing orders to correct violations, and following through with enforcement actions. The role also involves responding to fire incidents, explosions, and hazardous material situations, where the officer must evaluate potential hazards and choose appropriate personal protective equipment. Compliance Officers are responsible for documenting incidents, collecting evidence, conducting interviews, and working with various agencies for enforcement actions. They may also testify at administrative hearings and trials, investigate complaints of violations, and conduct training programs for staff and the regulated community. The position requires a strong understanding of fire protection issues, investigative techniques, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups. The DFS offers a hybrid work model, allowing for a combination of in-office, field work, and telework to enhance work/life balance.
Responsibilities
- Respond to inquiries from local Fire Departments, members of the regulated community, and the public regarding Fire Prevention Regulations and related statutes.
- Provide information and technical support, interpretation on applicability of rules and regulations, and advice on proper procedures to encourage voluntary compliance.
- Investigate fire incidents, explosions, and hazardous material situations, working independently and with appropriate agencies for compliance and enforcement action.
- Evaluate potential hazards at incident scenes and choose appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Document incident scenes through reports, photographs, site measurements, and mapping; collect and secure evidence and conduct interviews.
- Testify at administrative hearings, depositions, and trials regarding investigations and compliance issues.
- Work with local fire departments on preparing and submitting cases for license suspension and/or revocation hearings.
- Follow standard operating procedures for performing and scheduling on-site visits and maintaining compliance logs.
- Prepare concise written investigative reports for presentation to agency staff, state, federal agencies, and courts.
- Conduct training programs for staff, fire service personnel, and members of the regulated community regarding regulatory and statutory requirements.
- Perform regular inspections of fireworks displays, blasting sites, and explosive storage facilities for compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Inspect above ground storage tanks exceeding 10,000 gallons and represent the Office of the State Fire Marshal at meetings and conferences.
Requirements
- At least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in investigatory, law enforcement, or regulatory administration work.
- A Bachelor's or higher degree may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required experience.
Nice-to-haves
- Knowledge of M.G.L. Chapter 148, M.G.L. Chapter 64C, section 2A-2F, 502 CMR 5.00, and 527 CMR 1.00.
- Knowledge of fire protection issues related to explosives, fireworks, flammable & combustible liquids, gases, and their properties.
- Knowledge of investigative techniques and methods of general report writing.
- Ability to write concisely and express thoughts clearly in a logical sequence.
- Ability to gather information through questioning or observing individuals.
- Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of data, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.
- Ability to read and interpret legal documents such as court decisions and contracts.
- Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression and establish harmonious working relationships with others.
Benefits
- Hybrid work model consisting of in-office, field work, and telework to enhance work/life balance.
