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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. 

Per Diem Dispatchers will provide public safety dispatching at Levi's Stadium and/or Santa Clara Police/Fire Communications.

 

As an as-needed employee, this is an "at-will" position and there is no guarantee of hours. Hours are limited to 999 in a fiscal year or 960 hours in a fiscal year for retired CalPERS annuitants. 

 

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW.  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS.  ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW. 

 

 

 

Typical Duties

 

Duties may include, but are not limited, to the following:

• Operates base radio console equipment, transmitting and receiving routine and emergency messages
• Receives emergency and routine requests for services from the public via 9-1-1, alternate emergency lines, and business lines
• Dispatches appropriate emergency vehicles, equipment, and personnel in response to those requests, in accordance with established policies and procedures
• Coordinates emergency operations between various departmental personnel and equipment
• Operates data terminals for information pertaining to daily public safety operations and general emergency services
• Maintains written logs, files, and computer information in the prescribed manner
• Updates computer files and performs other clerical functions and tasks as directed
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Receives emergency and routine requests for services from the public via 9-1-1, alternate emergency lines, and business lines

 

 

Minimum Qualifications

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Education Requirements: 

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED

 

Minimum Experience Requirements: 

• The equivalent of two (2) years of paid employment experience in public safety dispatching within the past five (5) years of which at least one (1) year included solo status; or
• Five (5) years of current paid employment with a public safety agency or private emergency medical services agency, with high level Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), radio and/or telephone operation; or
• Successful completion of probationary period as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Santa Clara.

 

License/Certifications: 

Possession of a current P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatch certificate is required.

 

Other Requirements:  

• Incumbents must have the ability to work, as assigned, on schedules that may include Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and non-traditional work hours.
• Must be able to perform all the essential functions of the job assignment.  All candidates will be required to pass a City background investigation, which will include fingerprinting and/or psychological testing.

 

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

 

Knowledge of:

• General public safety radio and telephone communications systems
• Police and fire emergency procedures
• Primary roads, streets, highways, major buildings, and public facilities within the City's boundaries

 

Skill In: 

• Reading and interpreting maps; and maintaining accurate records

 

Ability to: 

• Read, write, spell, and speak in clear, concise English
• Learn correct telephone answering techniques, policies and procedures
• Operate computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system with sufficient speed and accuracy to document field activity and create calls for service within response criteria guidelines
• Analyze situations quickly and accurately, while taking effective action to assure public safety provider and citizen safety
• Follow verbal and written instructions
• Communicate clearly and distinctly using radio and telephone equipment
• Maintain composure and work accurately in emergency situations
• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals
• Establish and maintain tactful, courteous, and effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work, including the general public
• Work in a confined area, wearing a headset which restricts physical movement about the work area
• Accurately enter information into the CAD system while simultaneously receiving information by phone or radio
• Retrieve data from CAD terminal or other keyboard device, maintain appropriate documentation of previous events, details, and conversations
• Work in a highly structured environment where all communications are recorded or documented and reviewed as public record
• Handle multiple priorities and organize workload
• Extract information or data from other computer systems
• View multiple video display terminals for extended periods of time in low variable light conditions
• Distinguish and interpret the meaning of colors on video display terminals
• Distinguish and comprehend simultaneous communications from several sources
• Work continuously or uninterrupted as required, standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• Perform with a high standard of customer service, professional conduct, and civic responsibility
• Use emergency medical questioning techniques and provide medical instructions via telephone when required
• Type at a net rate of 35 wpm on a computer keyboard

 

 

Additional Information: 

You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applications must be filled out completely (i.e. do not write “see resume or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) Possession of a current P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatch certificate. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov. Applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis for consideration to the position.  If you are interested in applying you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, before the position is closed.

 

The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov. 

 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general supervision of a Senior Public Safety Dispatcher or Watch Commander and the overall direction of the Communications Operations Manager.