Fire Prevention Specialist I / II / III
Job Description
Definition:Under the general supervision of the Assistant Fire Marshal, the Fire Prevention Specialist performsadministrative, technical, and field-based fire prevention duties focused on fire and life safetyinspections, plan review support, community risk reduction, wildfire prevention education, defensiblespace assessments, and code compliance activities. This position provides customer service andtechnical assistance to the public, property owners, and District staff and performs related duties asassigned.Distinguishing Characteristics:This is a full-time, non-safety civilian position within the Fire Prevention Division. Incumbents work bothindependently and as part of a prevention team to implement fire prevention, mitigation, and publiceducation programs. Work involves the application of established codes, ordinances, policies, andprocedures and requires sound judgment, initiative, and effective communication.This position is assigned to a 40-hour work week in accordance with district policy.This position is FLSA non-exempt and is eligible for overtime compensation.This position has a one-year probationary period.
Responsibilities
Supervision Received and Exercised:Receives general supervision and performance evaluation from the Assistant Fire Marshal.May receive technical direction from other management or senior prevention staff.May provide work guidance and training to seasonal or temporary personnel; this position doesnot exercise formal supervisory authority.Examples of Essential Duties:Conduct fire and life safety inspections of residential, commercial, and special-useoccupancies for compliance with adopted fire codes and ordinances.Assist with plan review for new construction, remodels, tenant improvements, and specialevents to ensure compliance with fire and life safety requirements. Provide code information and interpretations to property owners, contractors, developers, andmembers of the public.Perform defensible space and wildfire mitigation inspections and provide education related tohome hardening, vegetation management, and community wildfire risk reduction.Prepare inspection reports, notices of violation, and reinspection documentation in accordancewith District policy.Support administrative code enforcement activities, including preparation of documentation forcivil or administrative compliance processes.Provide customer service by responding to inquiries in person, by telephone, andelectronically.Assist with public education and outreach programs related to fire prevention, wildfiremitigation, and life safety.Maintain accurate records, databases, and electronic filing systems related to inspections, planreviews, permits, and prevention activities.Assist with pre-plan data collection and updates in District-approved databases.Coordinate with other agencies and stakeholders on prevention-related initiatives.Operate District vehicles in a non-emergency capacity while complying with all traffic laws andsafety requirements.Participate in training related to fire prevention, code compliance, and community riskreduction.Be familiar with the Fire District’s mission statement and support those goals and objectivesdaily through your work.Handle customer complaints in a professional and timely manor.Assist with clearing red tags and catalog the necessary follow up documentation.Perform other related duties as assigned
Operations and Administration:Participate in administrative activities and provide technical staff support to Fire PreventionDivision operations.Assist with data collection, reporting, and program tracking for prevention and mitigationinitiatives.Support permit processing and coordination with local jurisdictions as assigned.Maintain professional working relationships with District staff, partner agencies, contractors,and the public.Fire Investigation:Assist with post-incident administrative fire cause documentation as requested and under thedirection of the Fire Marshal.This position does not conduct independent origin-and-cause investigations, does not preserveor collect evidence, and does not operate at active emergency scenes.
Job Requirements
Job-Related and Essential Qualifications: Knowledge of:California Fire Code, California Building Code, Title 19 and Title 24 CCR, and applicable NFPAstandards.Fire prevention principles, practices, and inspection methodologies.Plan review processes and construction methods related to fire and life safety.Wildfire prevention, defensible space regulations and community risk reduction strategies.Applicable local ordinances related to fire and life safety.Principles of supervision, training, and employee performance management.Public education and community risk reduction strategies Standard office software, record-keeping systems, and database management.English usage, grammar, spelling, and basic mathematical functions. Ability to:Interpret and apply fire prevention codes and District policies.Conduct inspections. Prepare clear, accurate, and professional written reports andcorrespondence.Communicate effectively with the public, contractors, staff, and partner agencies.Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned personnel.Plan, organize, and prioritize work to meet deadlines.Use computerized systems and data management tools.Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgement.Work independently with limited supervision and as part of a team.Establish and maintain positive working relationships.Experience, Training, and Minimum Qualifications:Minimum age: 18 years old.High School Diploma or GED.Valid California Driver License with a satisfactory driving record.Ability to obtain and maintain CPR certification within ninety (90) days of employment).Proficiency with modern office and field technology, including word processing, spreadsheets,email, and tablet-based applications. Fire Prevention Specialist LevelsFire Prevention Specialist IEntry-level classification.One (1) year or less of experience in fire prevention, wildfire mitigation, defensible spaceinspections, code compliance, or a related field.Demonstrated ability to learn fire prevention codes and inspection procedures.Fire Prevention Specialist IIJourney-level classification.Two (2) or more years of progressively responsible experience in fire prevention or relatedadministrative inspection work.Ability to perform inspections and plan review tasks with minimal supervision.Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.Fire Prevention Specialist IIIAdvanced-level classification.Three (3) or more years of experience performing complex fire prevention and mitigation work.Ability to coordinate projects, mentor staff, and provide technical guidance.Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.Assists with administrative coordination of prevention-related contracts and programs undermanagement direction.Desirable Qualifications:California Office of the State Fire Marshal Fire Inspector certification(s). Knowledge and training in defensible space inspection, home hardening, and wildfire riskreduction.Experience with public outreach, community education, and customer service.Familiarity with GIS, data management, and reporting tools.Physical Demands and Work Environment:Work is performed in an office setting and in the field during inspections and communityoutreach.Field work may include walking on uneven terrain, visiting construction sites, and workingoutdoors in varying weather conditions.Duties do not involve emergency response, fire suppression, or hazardous duty environments.Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and lift light to moderate objects (generally up to25 pounds).District Expectations:Perform duties in a safe, professional, and responsible manner.Work cooperatively with district leadership and staff.Provide courteous and effective customer service to internal and external stakeholders.Follow District policies, procedures, and supervisory direction.Maintain punctuality, professionalism, and appropriate attire.Treat all employees and members of the public with dignity and respect.Communicate effectively with supervisors regarding work activities and issues.Serve as a positive representative of the district in all interactions.Provide leadership and serve as a positive role model to assigned staff.
