Defensible Space Inspector/Wildfire Mitigation Specialist
Professional Temp (Full Time/Fixed-Term/Non-Exempt)
Wildfire Mitigation Team - City of San Rafael Fire Department
$31.80 - $40.59 per hour; $66,144 – $84,427.20 Annually
(Salary dependent upon experience/qualifications)
Limited Benefits Available
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications reviewed weekly until all positions are filled.
THE POSITION:
The City of San Rafael Fire Department is seeking customer service and public safety focused individuals to join the wildfire mitigation team to advance our missions relating to community risk reduction, evacuation planning, and public education. Depending on experience, qualified applicants may be hired as a Defensible Space Inspector (DSI) or Wildfire Mitigation Specialist (WMS). Multiple positions may be available.
Fixed-term appointments may be made for up to a three-year period with the potential to extend. Continued appointment in this position is contingent upon funding and job performance. This is an “at will” position and has limited benefits available. This position is fully funded through the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MPWA).
Under limited supervision, the Inspector/Specialist will perform a variety of technical, complex, and customer service-oriented duties in support of the City’s and Marin Wildfire Fire Prevention Authorities (MWPA)’s goal. These positions will have a focus on residential education and compliance with wildfire prevention standards and best practices. This will include direct one-on-one engagement with residents via the inspection program and the use of tablets and other technology to document findings and interactions. Additional responsibilities will include project specific assignments, support of volunteer efforts, public presentations, and outreach efforts.
The ideal candidate will have a passion for public service, strong technical and organizational skills, be adaptable, and work well both independently and as part of a team. Experience and understanding of wildfire prevention and mitigation strategies and best practices is strongly desired.
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.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (may include but are not limited to the following).
- Interpret and enforce provisions of City Ordinances, State Codes and other regulations
- Perform wildfire evaluations of properties and structures in San Rafael and Marinwood CSD to identify fire code violations and fire hazards; recommend corrective actions; provide educational and support resources
- Implement the City and MWPA Wildfire prevention and mitigation goals
- Provide guidance to residents on suggested and required home hardening strategies
- Prepare accurate records and reports; maintain accurate records and files in the City electronic tracking system
- Investigate complaints pertaining to violations of applicable fire codes; issue correction orders as necessary
- Manage or coordinate wildfire and community safety related projects and outreach events
- Review, evaluate, process, and maintain a variety of files related to fire prevention activities
- Provide guidance or support to other City staff or vegetation management contractors working for the City
- May be assigned to support other fire administration, fire operations, fire prevention, environmental management or emergency management related duties as needed
- Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor and within the MWPA mission
- Apply principles of inclusion, equity and public safety to all program areas.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Understanding of principles, practices and techniques of fire prevention and mitigation, including City and State Fire prevention codes, and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards
- Apply technical knowledge and independently conduct wildfire/defensible space inspections following proper inspection techniques
- Possess strong written and oral communication skills; effectively communicate with others; and write clear reports free of spelling and grammatical errors
- Utilize personal computers, tablets, and related software including the Microsoft Office Suite, mapping, and database tools
- Work effectively in small teams or independently for extended periods of time.
- Interpret and explain fire prevention services, policies and procedures. Read and interpret complex technical documents and maps.
- Ability to manage and prioritize multiple concurrent projects and met deadlines
- Follow both verbal and written instructions.
- Practice sound judgment. Be self-motivated, work independently to complete assigned duties and responsibilities in a timely manner.
- Learn and retain local geography and resources as they relate to wildfire prevention, planning, and operations.
- Enforce fire codes, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to fire prevention and vegetation management with firmness and tact.
- Deal tactfully and in a cooperative manner with property owners, the public, partners, contractors, and City staff to provide a high level of customer service.
Minimum Qualifications Desired:
- At least 18 years old by the application filing deadline
- Completion of twelfth (12th) grade and any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities in qualifying.
- Work experience requiring public contact and interpretation of general rules and regulations.
- MUST possess and maintain a Valid California Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record.
Possession of one or more of the following is desirable:
- A background in customer service or public service
- Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist credential
- Ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish
- One year or more of responsible experience in a variety of inspection, fire prevention or related inspection work
- Bachelor’s degree with coursework in forestry, fire ecology, natural resource management, public management, environmental and/or climate studies, or related field.
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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, feel or hold; reach with hands and arms; and talk, hear, taste, or smell. The employee frequently is required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is required to walk off trails, up and down steep grades and inclines in heavily vegetated areas of the natural environment in all types of weather conditions. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Employees will be issued personal protective equipment (PPE) and are responsible for using the proper PPE in the appropriate environment. Examples of PPE may include a hardhat, hearing protection while in noisy environments, eye protection, and safety shoes.
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, candidate may be required to pass a pre-employment physical and background check/fingerprinting. 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-20436535
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 an accommodation, please contact us at (415) 485-3474 before the test date. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Such accommodations must be requested by the applicant.