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About the City

Marin County’s first incorporated city, San Rafael has a population of approximately 60,000 and lies midway between San Francisco and California’s famous wine country. At 22.51 square miles, San Rafael serves as the county seat and is the county’s premier economic, financial, cultural, and service center. As a regional transportation hub, San Rafael is at the center of highway and transit access to west Marin, Sonoma County, the East Bay, and San Francisco.

The City of San Rafael offers both a small-town atmosphere and a lively urban environment. It is the economic and cultural heart of Marin County, surrounded by open space and the bay, making it a vibrant city in an incomparably beautiful natural setting. Famous for its favorable climate, San Rafael provides a central base for taking day trips to scenic locations such as the Napa/Sonoma wine country, Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods. San Rafael’s many attractions include its namesake Mission San Rafael Arcangel, the landmark Frank Lloyd Wright Civic Center, Victorian architecture, a lively downtown, China Camp State Park, and more.

San Rafael has a varied and rich economy fueled by high tech, biotech, entertainment, financial, service-oriented, and industrial businesses. The city is home to major employers such as Kaiser Permanente, BioMarin, and is home to the County of Marin’s government offices and courts, and offers residents and visitors an array of regional retailers in addition to unique local shops.  The community is primed for growth with the adoption of the General Plan 2040 and Downtown Precise Plan and multiple development projects slated throughout the City.  

San Rafael is also one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in Marin County. The City’s residential neighborhoods are distinctive, each with its own history, character, and identity. There is a wide diversity of housing ranging from historic to new homes, apartments, multi-family units, and condos. The City has two public school districts with seven elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools. Dominican University of California, a private liberal arts college, offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. For more information on this dynamic city, please visit the City of San Rafael’s website at www.cityofsanrafael.org.

About the Organization

San Rafael, the “City with a Mission,” was incorporated in 1874 and became a charter city in 1913. It is a full-service city with a City Council/City Manager form of government. San Rafael has an elected Mayor and four district-based elected City Council Members who serve four-year terms. The City Council is engaged and seeks to strengthen the urban and commercial areas as well as sustain the beautiful natural environment. The mission of the City is to enhance the quality of life and provide for a safe, healthy, prosperous, and livable environment in partnership with the community. The City’s vision is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of its diversity and desires to sustain the beautiful natural environment through informed and active residents, and to be a responsive, innovative local government.

The City of San Rafael has a staff of more than 400 employees and a total annual budget for fiscal year 2023/2024 of $172 million. The City’s Departments and Divisions include the offices of the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk, Community and Economic Development, Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Library & Recreation, Public Works, Human Resources, Finance, Parking Services, Digital Services and Open Government, and Sustainability. In 2022, the City was voted one of the top three “Best Places to Work” in local government by ELGL, a nationally recognized organization.

The City’s internal cultural and organizational environment is collegial, respectful, inclusive, and champions the staff-developed and led initiative "Together San Rafael", which seeks to bring staff and management together, encourage cross-departmental collaboration, empower employees, and celebrate innovation. Together San Rafael is a City-wide effort to improve service delivery through six guiding principles, where diverse, creative, and engaged employees work to best serve the needs of the community.

In addition, for Managers and Directors, the City’s Let’s Lead Together core values highlight the expectations and accountability measurements held by and for City leaders in their work to move the City and organization forward with purpose, heart, and inclusion.

About the Division

San Rafael is committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable city where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. With this in mind, the City is establishing a new Community Services Division of the City Manager’s Office. The Division is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all residents, with a special focus on disadvantaged, historically underserved, and vulnerable populations. This Division is at the forefront of addressing critical social issues, including homelessness response, and other services that uplift community members in need.

The Division’s mission is to develop and implement innovative strategies and programs that provide comprehensive support to those in need, ensuring access to vital resources, fostering community resilience, and promoting overall well-being, with a focus on equity.

As a leader in this dynamic and evolving field, the Community Services Division works collaboratively with local agencies, community organizations, and stakeholders to deliver services that are compassionate, effective, and responsive to the unique needs of our community.

About the Role

The newly created Community Services Division Director position is an exciting and unique opportunity to build a new division of the City of San Rafael.

The Community Services Division Director will play a pivotal role in shaping and leading the City of San Rafael's efforts to address critical social issues, particularly focusing on homelessness at this time.  Reporting directly to the Assistant City Manager, the Division Director will oversee and develop the newly created Community Services Division, ensuring the effective development and implementation of programs that improve the quality of life for residents in need.

In this role, the Division Director will manage a broad range of responsibilities, from strategic planning and policy development to budget management and interdepartmental and interagency coordination. They will be a key liaison between the City and  our County partners, and various other stakeholders, including public agencies, community organizations, and residents. Their work will involve close collaboration with other City departments, public and private partners, and community groups to advance initiatives that address homelessness and related services.

In their first year, they’ll work to develop the City’s first homelessness strategic plan, setting priorities and policies to guide the City’s work in this space for the next five years.

One of the key, immediate priorities the Division Director will oversee is the implementation of the City’s $6M Encampment Resolution Fund Grant. This includes leading the contractor and staff team operating the City’s planned Sanctioned Camping Program and spearheading the identification of a site for a future interim shelter and/or transitional housing. In addition, they’ll also coordinate the implementation of the City’s Camping on Public Property ordinance.

The Community Services Division Director will directly and indirectly lead a dedicated team, guiding their efforts to deliver high-quality services that meet and respond to the needs of the community. The Division Director will also be responsible for securing and managing funding, developing and maintaining partnerships, and ensuring that the Division's programs are both effective and sustainable. This role requires a dynamic, adaptable, creative leader who is passionate about public service, skilled in strategic planning, and committed to making a positive impact on the community.

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.