Search Jobs

WILDFIRE DEFENSIBLE SPACE INSPECTOR

Full-Time/Temporary

Multiple Positions Available

City of San Rafael Fire Department

$29.83 - $32.89 per hour

(salary dependent upon experience/qualifications)

No Benefits Available

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Open Until Filled – Applications will be reviewed weekly until all openings are filled.  Multiple positions are available.  Anticipated start date is May 1, 2024. 

These are seasonal positions, limited to 1,000 hours worked within a fiscal year (July 1 thru June 30) that receive no City benefits.  Job training is anticipated to begin in early May with employment lasting through late Fall.  Shifts will average 8 hours per day/4-5 days per week.  This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience working for one of the finest departments in the State.

This position is fully funded through the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MPWA) and will directly support the mission of wildfire preparedness and mitigation, and community safety.

THE CITY is focused on enhancing our community members’ quality of life through well-designed services and a positive workplace culture.  San Rafael is the economic and cultural heart of Marin County, and its high quality of life is centered on its commercial districts, engaged neighborhoods, active lifestyle, and natural environment.  San Rafael (population 61,000) is a full-service city with a city council/city manager form of government with 12 departments, more than 400 employees, and an annual budget of $120 million.  The City’s vision is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of its diversity.  The City Council is engaged and seeks to strengthen the urban and commercial areas as well as sustain the beautiful natural environment. 

San Rafael’s Organizational culture framework is an initiative called “Together San Rafael.”  City employees are our greatest asset, and we seek talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are creative, curious, and excited about a challenge.  We are a results-driven team focused on the needs of community members.  The Together San Rafael initiative is focused on modernizing City services and increasing the engagement of employees.  This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of the customer and employee experience. 

THE POSITION:

The City of San Rafael Fire Department is seeking customer service and public safety focused individuals to join the wildfire mitigation team. Under supervision, inspectors will perform a variety of wildfire prevention duties with a focus on one-on-one education via property wildfire risk evaluations.  The Inspector’s efforts will support resident compliance with City and State Fire codes.

The customer-service oriented positions will support the City’s and Marin Wildfire Fire Prevention Authorities (MWPA)’s goals. The ideal candidate will be able to connect and inspire individual action among our diverse community by explaining complex concepts in easy-to-understand ways.  Inspectors will utilize tablets and other technology to document findings and interactions in the field.

Our highly qualified candidate will be able to work effectively in small teams or independently and clearly communicate wildfire safety-related information to residents from various backgrounds.  We are looking for people who have sound judgment and can communicate effectively with others.  They will need to be able to follow both verbal and written instructions, engage effectively with the public and work harmoniously with our team. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (may include but are not limited to the following):    

• Perform defensible space inspections and wildfire risk evaluations in accordance with San Rafael Municipal Code 4.12.
• Investigates public and referred public agency complaints.
• Provide guidance to residents on suggested and required home hardening and defensible space strategies. 
• Provide residents with appropriate support resources and programs.
• Increase awareness, knowledge and actions implemented by individuals and communities to reduce human loss and property damage from wildfires.
• Collects, enters, maintains, and disseminates data pertaining to fire prevention; reconciles reports, files and records.
• Composes letters and reports based on field notes.
• Collect and input data and images into electronic devices.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Communicate clearly and respectfully to residents and stakeholders.
• Learn and apply City and State Fire Codes and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
• Provide clear and concise written reports free of grammar and spelling errors.
• Utilize personal computers, tablets, and related software including the Microsoft Office Suite, mapping, and database tools.
• Independently conduct fire (defensible space) inspections.
• Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques.
• Be self-motivated, work independently to complete assigned duties and responsibilities in a timely manner.
• Interpret and explain fire prevention services, policies and procedures.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with stake holders to ensure that assigned fire prevention coordination efforts are successful.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED:

• In accordance with State legal requirements, applicants must be at least 18 years old by the application filing deadline.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent and any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities in qualifying.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record.
• A background in customer service or public service.
• Ability to speak, write, and read Spanish is desired but not necessary.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS:

All City of San Rafael employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109).  Employment in the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect.  Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand and walk and spend substantial time outdoors.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS: 

City of San Rafael application is required.  Resumes do not substitute for the city application.  Candidates should detail related education and experience on the application.  The examination process may include the following application appraisal and oral board interview examination.  The passing point for the oral board examination final score will be 70%.   Note:  Prior to appointment, the candidate may be required to pass a background check/fingerprinting and clear DMV record.  To file an application, go to:  www.calopps.org.  Select “Member Agencies”.   Select “San Rafael”.   Follow this link to apply via CalOpps:   https://www.calopps.org/san-rafael/job-20487849.   

For more information about the City of San Rafael, please visit www.cityofsanrafael.org

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:  The City of San Rafael will make reasonable accommodations in the exam process to accommodate disabled applicants.  If you have a disability for which you require accommodation, please contact us at (415) 485-3474 before the test date.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.  Such accommodation must be requested by the applicant. 

Position:

The role of the Resilience Coordinator position will be to support the Mission of the Office of Emergency Management, which is “To provide leadership of the City of San José’s emergency management responsibilities through planning and coordination of programs, functions, and supporting activities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from all emergencies and disasters.” The position will assist in coordinating multi-hazard planning efforts in the City of San José, including reviewing documents with an intentional lens of Access and Functional Needs (AFN) and racial equity considerations in emergency.  This position requires high levels of analysis, document development, understanding of the State of California’s Standardized Emergency Management System principles and integration with response plans. This is the fully experienced level in the unclassified Executive Analyst series and requires an individual to work under the general direction of an assigned executive in the Office of Emergency Management with full professional independence.

·        Assist in the coordination of programs to integrate existing emergency preparedness and comprehensive operational plans and procedures with internal city offices and departments, other government agencies, community-based organizations, volunteers, public service agencies, private and nonprofit sector resource agencies to ensure that established programs and plans comply with state and federal guidelines.

·        Plan and coordinate emergency management operational activities, drills, and events with all levels of government, school districts, public utilities, community-based organizations, volunteers, public service agencies, private and nonprofit sector resource agencies with disaster response administration.

·        Research, evaluate, and assist in the development and maintenance of comprehensive emergency plans in accordance with federal and state emergency management guides.

·        During major disasters and emergencies, performs emergency management tasks requiring action from all levels of government, school districts, public utilities, community-based organizations, volunteers, public service agencies, private and nonprofit sector resources agencies.

·        Administers, coordinates, and presents Disaster Service Worker training for employees and emergency management training for Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Staff.

·        Monitors state and federal disaster preparedness information and requirement updates, and may advise management of issues

·        Assists with preparing correspondence, procedures, transmittals, project and grant applications and program reports associated with emergency management activities

·        Performs other emergency management duties as assigned

·        This position responds to activations of the EOC.

Typical Duties and Results 

•         Participates in the organization, administration, operations, and functions of the Office of Emergency Management

•         Assists in coordinating Office of Emergency Management programs with other city departments

•         Conducts research on emergency planning best practice activities of other like organizations

•         Assists in developing reports related to how to implement state and federal guidance on emergency planning

•         Assists in presentations and trainings on community preparedness, city preparedness activities, outreach and technical skills to operate in conjunction with the Emergency Operation Center

•         Supports office systems for emergency response workflow; revises emergency forms; manages records related to emergencies and disasters; proposes resolutions to challenges as they relate to emergency activities, documentation and recovery

•         Performs emergency preparedness tasks that requires attention to detail and integration with plans, procedures and training tools

•         Maintains administrative records, supplies, inventory control and tests of disaster equipment related to community preparedness

•         Provides public education training

•         Responds to activations of the Emergency Operations Center

•         Act as the Office of Emergency Management Duty Officer on a periodic basis

•         Performs other emergency management activities as needed

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position requires an energetic, well focused, and detailed oriented applicant.   Under general supervision, the applicant would be responsible for analytic work of moderate difficulty in areas such as plans and procedure development; review and analysis of existing plans and newly proposed plans; generalized analysis of continuity between plans; organization and methods analysis; or personnel analysis.  Performs additional work as required.

The position also requires a high level of professionalism, excellent customer service skills, and a strong work ethic.  The position requires excellent judgment, initiative, integrity, analytical and organizational skills.

Position:

The Emergency Coordinator classification is an entry-level position into the City Manager’s Office of Emergency Management.  The person fulfilling the job will report to the Director or Deputy Director of the Office of Emergency Management.

We are seeking energetic, well focused, and detailed oriented applicants.   Under general supervision, the applicant is responsible for analytic work in the areas of emergency management, instructional training, adult platform instruction, training scheduling and coordination of instructors, certification management, etc.  The position must be aware of the Office of Emergency Management’s plans and procedures and prepare training to implement the plans and programs. The position will also track available training through Bay Area, state, and federal resources. 

 Position and Duties:

The Training Coordinator position will focus on training and exercise activities.

The range of activities will include, but are not limited to, the following list.

• Support the implementation of a Multi-Year Training and Exercise Plan for the Emergency Operations Center staff.

• Manage a system to track available Urban Area Security Initiative, State, and Federal trainings to enhance delivery of instruction for Emergency Operation Center staff.

• Monitor State and Federal requirements for emergency management training, and be sure staff are aware of training opportunities to meet the requirements

• Facilitate the development of exercises within the City and exercises that engage community partners.

• Coordinate the delivery of designated contract training.

• Coordinate and track training attendance of the Office of Emergency Management, Emergency Operations Center and Department Operations Center staff.

• Coordinate with Office of Emergency Management staff, identify training needed to implement plans and protocols.

• Coordinate presentations and trainings on community preparedness, city preparedness activities, and outreach.

• Coordinate the public education program and requests for public engagement.

• As needed update the public education presentation materials and the employee Disaster Service Worker materials.

Typical Duties and Results

• Participate in the organization, administration, operations, and functions of the Office of Emergency Management

• Assist in coordinating applicable Office of Emergency Management programs with other city departments

• Conduct research on best practice activities of other like organizations

• Assist in developing reports related to how to implement state and federal guidance on emergency planning

• Perform emergency preparedness tasks that requires attention to detail and integration with plans, procedures and training tools

• Administrate the Learning Management System used to track Emergency Management training

• Maintain administrative records, supplies, inventory control and tests of disaster equipment

• Respond to activations of the Emergency Operations Center

• Act as the Office of Emergency Management Duty Officer on a periodic basis

• Perform other emergency management activities as needed

Minimum Knowledge of:

• Principles of effective written communication, including the preparation of clear and concise reports, documents, and revisions to documents

• Principles of administrative process and governmental organization

• Principles of adult learning

• Providing training to a culturally diverse community

Ability to:

• Work both independently and interdependently to ensure work is completed in an accurate, and timely fashion

• Promote and coordinate emergency preparedness messages

• Work with diverse groups, including volunteers

• Communicate effectively in written and oral form

• Be available to report to duty on a 24 hour a day basis, as needed

Preferred Experience in:

• Managing a Learning Management System

• Experience with content creation, graphic design and utilizing creative platforms for presentations/trainings

• Writing scopes of works for projects

• Working with executive level managers, elected officials and organization leaders

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the entry into higher levels of the emergency management classification, where expertise is gathered in a specific field in order to progress into the more specialized class such as Emergency Planner.  Initially, supervision and training are given in detail, but as an incumbent becomes more capable, he/she works with a higher degree of independence.

These positions require someone with the ability to work both independently and interdependently to ensure work is completed in an accurate, and timely fashion.

The successful candidate will possess a high level of professionalism, excellent customer service skills, and a strong work ethic.  The position requires excellent judgment, initiative, integrity, analytical and organizational skills.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

DESCRIPTION/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Position and Duties:
The Mass Care Executive Analyst (EA) position will work out of the City Manager’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) located at 855 N. San Pedro Street, San José.  

This EA position responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Participates in the organization, administration, operations, and functions of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
• Work directly with Council Offices, City Departments and outside agencies to develop a City of San José Mass Care Plan
• Develop, implement, and manage a shelter inventory procedure for both City-owned and privately-owned locations
• Conduct periodic training for both City employees and outside agencies to ensure that the Mass Care Plan is implemented seamlessly during an emergency
• Confer with staff in various City departments on administrative matters and coordinates responses to questions and concerns for the City Manager
• Recommend and write procedures, oversee the implementation of program policies and procedures, provide training on program requirements and best practices and conduct continuous process evaluation and improvements
• Monitor and assist in the development of reports on how to implement state and federal guidance on emergency planning
• Assist in presentations and trainings on community preparedness, City preparedness activities, outreach and technical skills to operate in the Emergency Operation Center (EOC)
• Provide technical skills for identified tasks, such as EOC activities, communications systems, information technology systems, etc.
• Maintain administrative records, supplies, inventory control and tests of disaster equipment
• Perform other emergency management activities as needed
• This position responds to activations of the EOC

Core Competencies:
The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated from past and current employment history:
• Job Expertise – Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.
• Communication Skills - Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.
• Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.
• Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.
• Analytical Thinking - Approaches a problem or situation by using a logical, systematic, sequential approach.
• Problem Solving - Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.
• Initiative - Exhibits resourceful behaviors toward meeting job objectives; anticipates problems, is proactive, and avoids difficulties by planning ahead; displays willingness to assume extra responsibility and challenges; pursues continuing education opportunities that promotes job performance.
• Supervision - Sets effective long and short-term goals based on a good understanding of management practices; establishes realistic priorities within available resources; provides motivational support; empowers others; assigns decision-making and work functions to others in an appropriate manner to maximize organizational and individual effectiveness.

Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San José will NOT sponsor, represent, or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Helen Trinh by email at helen.trinh@sanjoseca.gov.

The Mass Care Executive Analyst position will be open until filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as this recruitment may close at any time.

The first application review will be on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 8:00am PT. Please submit your application by 11:59 p.m. (PDT) on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 if you would like your application to be included in the first review.

Additional Information:
The actual salary shall be determined by the final candidate’s qualifications and experience. In addition to the starting salary, employees in the Executive Analyst classification shall also receive an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation pay.