DEFENSIBLE SPACE PROGRAM MANAGER
Professional Temp (Fixed-Term/Exempt)
City of San Rafael Fire Department
Wildfire Prevention Division
$6,890 - $8,375 per month
(Salary dependent upon experience/qualifications)
Plus excellent benefits
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Apply by Sunday, July 30, 2023 for first consideration
Fixed-term appointments may be made for up to three-year periods with the potential to extend. Continued appointment in this position is contingent upon funding and job performance. This is an “at will” position. This is a great opportunity to gain hands on experience working for one of the finest fire departments in the State.
This position is fully funded through 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 a full-time Defensible Space Program Manager. The City operates an extensive defensible space program to help educate and motivate residents to take action to protect homes and property from wildfire. The program includes full time staff and seasonal staff to complete property specific evaluations, provide support resources, and if needed complete follow-up and enforcement action. Under supervision, the Defensible Space Program Manager will oversee the City’s defensible space program which focuses on educating and supporting residents as they adapt their property to living with wildfire.
The Defensible Space Program Manager will play a significant role in the implementation of the San Rafael Wildfire Prevention and Protection Plan and Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA) goals. They will oversee the day-to-day operations of the defensible space program and program staff; support Emergency Operation Center (EOC) functions; and augment designated fire prevention and emergency management staff on strategic projects and programs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (may include but are not limited to the following).
- Oversees and manages the daily functions and staff of the City defensible space program under the direction of the Emergency Manager and Fire Chief in alignment with the mission of the Department, City, and Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA)
- Manages the day-to-day operations and logistics of the defensible space program, including the assignments, schedules, and training of the seasonal/temporary staff.
- Delivers training and provides subject matter expertise on adapting landscape to wildfire in alignment with environmentally sound/safe practices and existing ordinances
- Address the needs and inquiries of residents in a compassionate, articulate, and reasonable manner
- Accurately and efficiently assess ignition potential of vegetation and structures using scientifically based analysis
- Drafts policies and procedures, plans, and ordinances related to wildfire prevention
- Represents the department through collaboration with multiple community-based organizations, partner agencies and varied stakeholders involving wildfire prevention and response.
- Supports the implementation of the San Rafael Wildfire Prevention and Protective Action Plan and Marin County Community Wildfire Protection Plan
- Compiles date and prepares reports relating to fire prevention, mitigation, and defensible space activities
- Reviews exemption requests and make recommendations for the Fire Chiefs approval
- Determine and manages enforcement and abatement action
- Develops mitigation recommendations based on wildfire behavior, structural elements and scientific research.
- Oversees the review and approval of Vegetation Management Plans (VMP)
- Integrate the Together San Rafael principals in program objectives, outcomes, and interactions with residents.
- Participate in the development and administration of department and City goals, objectives, procedures and budgets.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Principals, practices and techniques of wildfire prevention and mitigation
- Principals and best practices of management, supervision, training, and mentorship
- Accounting, budgeting, and contract principals and methods
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards
- Office procedures, methods and equipment including Microsoft Office and Google suites, with the specific ability to efficiently use and develop email, calendars, data bases, slide decks, and word processing
- Preparing and presenting public information, teaching, and public speaking
- Map reading, including topography, and basic GIS
- Principals and best practices and techniques of adult education and continuing education
- Be self-motivated and motivate others; work on a team and independently to complete assigned duties and responsibilities in a timely manner
- Identify and analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals; research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques
- Plan, direct, review, and develop the work of others on a day-to-day basis
- Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing
- Multi-task and effectively prioritize a variety of projects and objectives to meet target outcomes and deadlines
- Interpret and apply federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations
- Implement wildfire mitigation strategies in an environmentally conscious and sustainable way
- Develop public communications, design strategies for outreach and implement engagement efforts
- Gain the respect, confidence and cooperation of the public, City employees, and partners; maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Prepare clear and concise reports; express ideas and communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
- Coordinate, train, oversee and evaluate staff and volunteers
- Learn and retain local geography and resources as they relate to wildfire prevention, planning and operations
- Interpret and explain wildfire behavior and mitigation best practices in an inclusive and accessible manner to all residents
- Demonstrate sound judgement and decision making that accurately represents the mission and values of the City, Department, and MWPA
- Conduct field defensible space evaluation inspections
- Apply principals of inclusion, equity and public safety to all program areas
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with relevant course work (relevant experience may be substituted for formal education).
- Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire date).
- Two or more years of project and team management experience.
- Must possess and maintain a valid California driver’s license, with a satisfactory driving record.
- Bilingual English/Spanish desired, but not required.
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 at 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 accommodations 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, 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-20403343.
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.