Under varying levels of supervision, the Community Risk Officer schedules, completes, documents and records fire life and safety programs and other education programs for the Menlo Park Fire Protection District; creates, updates, and distributes District publications and handouts; schedules and/or coordinates the presentation of educational services at various public facilities and may evaluate and/or analyze the effectiveness and needs of different programs; may perform lower level fire inspections and weed abatement. Work is assigned in terms of general objectives and results obtained; subject to being called back when off duty and may work on weekends or be assigned irregular work hours during the day or evening; performs related work as required.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Community Risk Officer I- This is the entry-level class in the series. Positions in this class typically have little or no directly related work experience and work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks. This class is distinguished from the II level by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the II level. Incumbents work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to general supervision as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are learned.
Community Risk Officer II- This is the journey level class within the series and has the ability to perform the full range of duties assigned, with only occasional instruction or assistance as unique situations arise. Incumbents receive general supervision from an assigned supervisor. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level.
Community Risk Officer III- This class is distinguished from the Community Risk Officer II position in that incumbents in this class perform advanced journey level work requiring a high level of independence and specialized knowledge, performs more analytical work and program management, and/or provides lead direction over assigned staff. This class is also distinguished by attainment of California State Fire Marshal’s Fire Instructor 1A and 1B.
Typical and Important Duties
- Inform the public of weed abatement and fire and life safety requirements; prepare, exhibit, and perform research on property descriptions and ownership; receive complaints and investigate reports of violations of weed abatement and fire and life safety laws; inform offenders of violations and the means to gain compliance;
- Maintain lists of properties; mail notices and perform surveys of properties to ascertain
compliance;
- Gather evidence for presentation to the Board of Directors or a court of law;
- Prepare written reports and make verbal presentations to the Board of Directors in those cases where appeals are filed by the offender; prepare work orders and coordinate abatement of properties with contractors;
- Coordinate billing through various County agencies involved;
- Provide backup for fire and life safety educational programs for presentation
- Perform annual fire and life safety occupancy inspections; investigate and maintain complaints and fire and life safety hazards for safe resolution.
- Prepares general correspondence, summary reports and completes records of educational activities.
- Fills out and maintains various records and activity forms.
- Recommends budget requirements for risk reduction programs. Incumbents in the III class will have more control over the division budget.
- Recruits and coordinates additional resources for risk reduction programs.
- Maintains various records of presentations made, included courses attempted, materials issues, and recommendations for procedural changes and equipment and supplies needed for additional educational programs; may participate in special assignments performing essential tasks for program continuity.
- Stays current with changes in education, technology, rules, regulations, and laws related to the work.
- Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Job-related Qualifications
Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of finance, accounting, bookkeeping, purchasing, and office and records management.
- Public education techniques.
- Applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, and regulations.
- Principles and practices of administrative, organizational and procedural analysis.
- Principles and practices of public relations and public education.
- Principles and practices of local emergency management.
- Basic budgetary principles and practices.
- Basic community emergency and disaster support and assistance resources.
Ability to:
- Develop and implement new disaster programs within the District.
- Work with multiple computer programs to create brochures, training manuals, and marketing materials.
- Coordinate multiple activities, meet deadlines, and work independently with a minimum of supervision.
- Provide training on emergency preparedness activities.
- Prepare clear, accurate and concise reports, procedures, and other written materials.
- Represent the District in meetings with representative of other public and private organizations.
- Work with a diverse group of individuals and adapt the program accordingly.
- Communicate effectively in writing, orally, and with others to assimilate, understand, and convey information, in a manner consistent with job functions.
- Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with employees, supervisors, and the public.
- Learn and effectively apply local, state, and federal codes, laws, and regulations.
- Take a proactive approach to customer service issues.
- Use and maintain equipment in a safe manner.
- Understand and carry out safety policies, rules, and regulations.
- Recognize and preserve confidentiality regarding sensitive information learned in the course of the job.
- Assist with the development of strategic plans.
Skill in:
- Read, comprehend, and interpret laws and legal documents pertaining to weed abatement and fire and life safety;
- Identify the existence of code violations;
- Use proper judgment in determining the degree of compliance with various laws based on composite evidence;
- Reach independent and accurate conclusions based on a knowledge of pertinent codes and other facts of a case and determine the correct course of action;
- Prepare factually clear, concise, and complete written reports;
- Communicate and deal firmly, tactfully, and effectively with the public in difficult situations; deal effectively with others encountered in the course of work;
- Follow proper procedures and instructions in the performance of assigned duties;
- Interpreting and applying applicable federal, state, and/or local laws, rules, and regulations.
- Speaking in public and giving presentations, and working with the community.
- Basic keyboarding.
- Operating a personal computer and appropriate worked-related applications, such as word processing, spreadsheet, calendaring, and e-mail systems, etc.
Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:
Experience: Two years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a related public safety field, such as office of emergency services, fire, police, emergency medical, or emergency communications.
Training: Equivalent to graduation from high school. Possession of an Associate’s degree in a related field is preferred. For the class III - California State Fire Marshal Community Risk Educator and Community Risk Specialist courses.
Licenses and Certificates
All licenses and certifications must be maintained as a condition of employment.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California Driver’s License, which must be maintained as a condition of employment.
- Must be able to pass a Department of Justice background check.
- CPR/First Aid Certification is desirable.
NOTE: Positions may be filled at the I, II, or III level. If hired at the Community Risk Officer I, promotion to a higher level shall be based on requisite years of service in the prior classification, satisfaction of educational requirements, quality of performance, likelihood of success in the higher classification, and the needs of the District.
Special Requirements
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Physical Skills: Ability to sit for extended periods of time; lift and carry 50 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; work at a computer terminal for extended periods of time; bend, stretch, twist, reach, stoop, balance, squat, climb, crawl, kneel or assume crouched body positions;
Work Environment: Mobility to work in a typical office setting or field environment with exposure to uneven ground or floor surfaces; sudden changes and/or extremes in air temperature, pressure, or humidity; adverse weather conditions; moving objects (machinery, vehicles, etc.); heat, fire or steam, and hand and/or power tools.
Ability to: Travel to different sites and locations; drive safely to different sites and locations; maintain a safe driving record; may work protracted and irregular hours
