DIAMOND SPRINGS - EL DORADO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
POSITION DESCRIPTION
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DEFINITION
Under direct supervision of the Fire Marshal or the Fire Chief’s authorized subordinates, the Fire Inspector / Investigator performs responsible, technical and specialized work in the fields of fire and life safety inspection, fire investigation, engineering and code enforcement, including, but not limited to, inspection of fire protection systems, new construction sites, industrial and public assembly occupancies, ensuring that the required level of fire and life safety systems exist in compliance with applicable state and local regulations; may conduct public education presentations; resolve citizen complaints about fire related problem.
DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES
LEVEL I: This is the entry level position in the Inspector / Investigator series. It is distinguished from the Level II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties, including duties performed according to established procedures with changes in procedures or exceptions to rules explained in detail as they arise. Incumbents possess only limited fire and life safety work experience. Incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency that meets the qualifications of the higher class.
LEVEL II: This is the experienced level of the Inspector / Investigator series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Level I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, including duties requiring the knowledge of general District policies and procedures. Employees at this level may require or receive only occasional instruction or assistance, as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This classification may train fire personnel on fire inspection, fire investigation, prevention practices and procedures and hazardous materials disclosure. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from Level I, or, when filled from the outside, may require prior fire suppression or prevention experience. The incumbent works under a decreased level of supervision while performing their job duties and has acquired increased knowledge about fire and life safety requirements, including working knowledge of the Uniform Fire and Building Code.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Ø Performs apparatus and equipment inspections, ensuring operational readiness at all times.
Ø May respond to fire and emergency incidents and assist with providing emergency medical aid for the sick and injured.
Ø Participates in ongoing, relevant and verifiable training.
Ø Maintains apparatus and equipment in a neat and clean condition.
Ø Inspects a variety of commercial, industrial, educational, and multi-family residential buildings for compliance with local, state, and national regulations.
Ø Inspects and tests for the proper installation and operation of fire protection systems.
Ø Researches and reviews laws, regulations, codes and ordinances for application and interpretation in relationship to various conditions.
Ø Assists the Fire Marshal and other fire officers in investigating the cause and origin of fires in compliance with NFPA 921. This may include the ability to operate still and video cameras, gather and preserve evidence, interview witnesses, preserve the fire scene, operate various detection devices and ability to assess burn patterns and characteristics and may include wearing an SCBA for investigative purposes.
Ø Prepares reports and maintains records of fire inspection and investigation work.
Ø May develop and issue citations and Notices of Violation.
Ø Operates radio equipment.
Ø Prepares clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written communications.
Ø May develop, present and coordinate fire and life safety education programs to the community.
Ø May perform technical/special inspections, including review of building plans and issue permits as required.
Ø Performs duties in support of emergency operations, i.e. record keeping, procuring equipment and supplies, public relations, etc.
Ø Coordinates fire prevention matters with other District departments and personnel.
Ø Assists the District Attorney’s office and law enforcement agencies in the investigation and preparation of cases for prosecution.
Ø Testifies in court as required.
Ø Assists fire company personnel in code interpretation, training and fire inspections.
Ø Coordinates the weed/nuisance abatement program for the City.
Ø Inputs and retrieves data from records management system.
Ø Makes public presentations.
Ø Develops and maintains positive public relations with emphasis on customer service.
Ø Responsible for carrying out the mission of the District and adherence to the District’s organizational values.
Ø May assume the role of safety officer on emergency incidents.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES
Performs additional duties and responsibilities as required including but not limited to participation on taskforces, community related committees, special events, etc.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Level I:
Ø Fire suppression, rescue and emergency medical care principles, practices, techniques, and procedures.
Ø The Incident Command System as adopted by FIRESCOPE and NIMS.
Ø Laws related to fire protection and prevention.
Ø Characteristics of a wide variety of flammable and hazardous materials.
Ø Knowledge of district geography, topography, roads, and hydrant system.
Ø Proper use of the English language, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, business correspondence and report presentations.
Ø Personal computers, word processing and spreadsheet software program applications.
Ø Mathematics and statistics.
Ø Fire and/or building technology
Level II (in addition to the above):
Ø Uniform Fire and Building Code.
Ability To:
Level I:
Ø Understand and follow verbal and written instructions and orders.
Ø Drive and operate district vehicles and equipment.
Ø Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with employees, representatives of other agencies, and the public.
Ø Think clearly and act decisively under stress.
Ø Perform common math processes.
Ø Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing in the performance of daily activities.
Ø Interpret and apply laws and regulations.
Ø Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive written reports.
Ø Identify with District goals and objectives and understand District priorities and needs.
Ø Demonstrate continuing effectiveness in maintaining the knowledge of this position.
Ø Keep abreast of new and changing technology relevant to the position.
Ø Exercise sound judgment.
Ø Use initiative and independent judgment
Ø Accept the input of supervisors and co-workers as well as provide input and be a genuine team player.
Ø Promote a customer service focus in cooperative public relations.
Level II (in addition to the above):
Ø Interpreting and applying more complex laws and regulations.
Ø Working independently in the absence of specific instructions.
Education and Certifications:
Level I:
Ø Graduation from High School or equivalent.
Ø First Responder medical training or accepted equivalency.
Ø CPR-C.
Ø Hazardous Materials First Responder Awareness
Ø Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver’s license.
Level II (in addition to the above):
Ø State of California Certification as a Fire Prevention Officer I
Ø Successful completion of a California Penal Code Section 832 course.
Ø Successful completion of the State Fire Marshal’s Fire Investigation IA and IB courses.
Experience:
Ø Recent employment or other experience that demonstrates maturity and the ability to assume the responsibility required to for the position.
Ø Two years of recent, full time experience in fire and building code enforcement is desirable.
Ø Other experience that may be evaluated to determine equivalency, competency and suitability for the position.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Level I:
Ø Reside in the Diamond Springs - El Dorado Fire Protection District or be specifically exempted from that requirement by the Fire Chief in accordance with District policies and procedures.
Ø Maintain First Responder or a higher level of medical certification.
Ø Maintain CPR-C certification or equivalent.
Ø Successful completion of the California State Fire Marshal’s courses Fire Prevention IA and Fire Prevention IB within a time period to be determined by the Fire Chief or his designee.
Ø Ability to work under adverse conditions such as outdoors in the heat, cold rain and in awkward positions.
Ø Able to work off-schedule hours and must be available for emergency call-back; and attend classes, seminars and workshops during working and non-working hours.
Level II (in addition to the above):
Ø Successful completion of the CA State Fire Marshal’s courses in Fire Prevention 2A and 2B and Fire Investigation 2A and 2B (California Peace Officer Standards of Training Level I Certificate may be considered as equivalent), within a specified time period to be determined by the Fire Chief or his designee.
Ø P.C.832 Arrest, Search and Seizure with firearm element.
Ø Certification with the Uniform Fire Code or equivalent.
PHYSICAL FACTORS
Respirator use may be required at times; including dust mask, filter mask and SCBA.
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