What are the responsibilities and job description for the Defensible Space Inspector position at City of South Lake Tahoe, CA?
Description
The City of South Lake Tahoe is hiring Defensible Space Inspectors for the the Summer season.
The start date for this position is anticipated between April 1 - May 1, 2025 and will go for 6 months at 40 hours per week, or 960 hours total.
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
Summary Description
Under general supervision or direction, incumbents are responsible for coordinating and conducting defensible space inspections, assist with the presentation of education programs to the public, maintain records and database on defensible space inspections, and perform related duties as required. Incumbents work with assigned departments in the completion of duties.
Identifying characteristics
Defensible Space Inspector is a journey level classification. Incumbents are expected to perform the full range of duties assigned, working independently, and exercising judgement and initiative. Incumbents are expected to exercise knowledge and training in the performance of essential functions. Duties are performed under limited supervision.
Examples of Duties
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
- Performs defensible space inspections.
- Interprets and applies defensible space codes and regulations.
- Maintains records of inspections, tree removal permits, and defensible space assistance programs.
- Assists with the presentation of fuels management education and outreach programs.
- Conducts presentations and represents the City with a professional appearance and demeanor at all functions.
- Completes data input and analysis of a variety of information related to fire prevention and occupancies.
- Drafts reports related to fire prevention activities.
- Researches and prepares fire and life safety notices and correction letters that outline compliance issues and deficiencies.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
Knowledge of:
- Principles, practices and techniques of fire prevention.
- Fire prevention codes regulations.
- Knowledge of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards
- Understanding and the ability to utilize the City Municipal Code
- English grammar, spelling, vocabulary, letter and report writing
- Knowledge of defensible space, forestry, fuels management, and the principles, practices, and methods used in site evaluation and hazard reduction.
- Knowledge of vegetation, soils, climatic conditions, pests and their control, and ecological factors found in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
- Knowledge of fire protection principles, especially as it relates to wildland fire in the urban interface.
- Knowledge of the Incident Command System.
- Knowledge of computer operations and basic office software, Window’s, Microsoft Office, Apple products such as iPhones and iPads, ArcGIS Collector App.
Ability to:
- Work effectively with the public and representatives of other City Departments and agencies.
- Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, to a wide variety of customers
- Work effectively in small teams or independently for extended periods of time
- Be self-motivated, work independently to complete assigned duties and responsibilities in a timely manner.
- Demonstrating excellent customer service
- Report writing methods
- Using computers and applicable software applications
- Providing customer service
- Applying applicable Federal, State, and/or Local laws, rules, and regulations
- Performing mathematical calculations
- Maintain records
- Handling multiple tasks simultaneously
- Detecting fire hazards
- 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.
- Reading routine blueprints
- Independently conduct fire (defensible space) inspections.
Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education/Training:
Completion of twelfth (12th) grade and any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities in qualifying. Examples include the following:
Associates degree in Forestry, Fire Science, Environmental Science, or a closely related field, preferred.
Desired training in the following areas: Federal Emergency Management Agency IS-100 - Introduction to the Incident Command System
Completion of CA State Fire Marshal 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 2B, & 2C courses
ICC Certification Fire 77, CA, CF, & CP
Experience:
In accordance with State legal requirements, applicants must be at least 18 years old by the application filing deadline.
Possession of one or more of the following is desirable:
One year of fire prevention or related experience preferred
A background in customer service or public service
License or Certificate:
Possession of a valid California or Nevada driver’s license or equivalent with a satisfactory driving record.
Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein 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 job functions.
Environment:
Work is performed partly in the office and partly in the field. Incumbents are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing policies and procedures.
Physical:
Must possess mobility to work in the field and in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to operate a motor vehicle, drive on surface streets, and make inspections; vision to read printed material and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking uneven terrain, and landscapes when performing inspections. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals on a case by case basis.
Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.
Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
FLSA Designation: Non-Exempt
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) EMPLOYER
The City of South Lake Tahoe is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All employment actions shall be administered regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, physical or mental disability or medical condition, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, political affiliation, veterans’ status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
