Community Specialist (Fire Prevention/Public Education)

Description

The North Tahoe Fire Protection District is currently accepting applications from qualified individuals for the grant-funded, 40-hour, full-time position of Community Specialist. The successful applicant will provide the highest possible level of service as part of the Fire Prevention team. This position is new to the district in 2025 and is currently unfilled.

The Community Specialist receives direct supervision, and evaluation from the Division Chief of Fire and Life Safety or designee. The position is assigned to a 40-hour work week and is classified as a "Miscellaneous" employee. This is a nonexempt position, and the incumbent is subject to a twelve-month probationary period.

The Community Specialist performs a variety of tasks relating to Fire Prevention and public education. They serve the primary public outreach needs for the fire district and its grant funded programs. This includes routine clerical tasks related to community assistance programs, attending and presenting at public outreach events, and performing related duties. The Community Specialist also completes fire prevention and community risk reduction assignments including defensible space inspections within the Fire District boundaries and other geographical areas as required by contracts or agreements and as per Public Resource Code 4291, 14 CCR 1299, California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection General Guidelines for Creating Defensible Space, and applicable County Ordinances and local regulations for vegetation management and abatement. They will maintain accurate and comprehensive records and database information, promote Fire Adapted Communities and Firewise Recognized Sites as part of a regional Network of Fire Adapted Communities, greet and assist the public, answer phone calls, respond to email and complete other duties as assigned. They will be expected to follow District Standard Operating Procedures, Rules and Regulations, and comply with District Expectations.

The applicant must be able to be on their feet for extended periods of time and lift objects frequently up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds. Field inspections are typically completed with homeowners at their residences, and planning and reporting is typically carried out in an office environment. He or she must have the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing; understand the community, organization, and operations of the North Tahoe Fire Protection District; work cooperatively with citizens, community groups, business interests, other District employees, and federal, state, and local agencies.

Examples of Duties

The following is a list of duties performed by the Community Specialist. Some of the duties are performed under direct supervision given the skills, knowledge and abilities of the Community Specialist. Specific duties include:

• Provide support for the fire district’s Fire Adapted Communities and Firewise programs including assistance for neighborhood leaders, use of online mapping tools and updates to the Firewise web portal and documentation.
• Conduct defensible space inspections to support Fire Adapted Communities for a variety of reasons including:
• Curbside inspections
• Tree removal permit inspections
• Insurance compliance inspections
• Complaint driven inspections
• Other solicited or required inspections
• Promote and maintain requests for assistance programs that support Fire Adapted Communities and Firewise Sites as applicable
• Maintain documentation to keep Firewise sites active and moving forward.
• Utilize existing software to manage chipping requests for community-wide and work-day specific chipping events, oversee and correct concerns, communicate with residents and provide reports
• Maintain green waste dumpster requests, match requirements and documentation, ensure delivery and provide reports
• Conduct data entry and ensure databases are up to date with all inspections and activities

Organize and present at public education and community outreach events

• Attend meetings and events related to defensible space, tree health, fire behavior, Fire Adapted Communities, Firewise, Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team and associated Public Information Team meetings and events.
• Travel by vehicle to conduct inspections throughout the Fire District including Alpine Meadows and Meeks Bay and may travel to other areas for training and meetings.
• Assist the Citizen’s Emergency Information Team and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs.
• Greet and assist the public, answer phones, maintain email, and perform other duties as assigned.
• Follow District Standard Operating Procedures, Rules & Regulations, and comply with District Expectations.
• Performs various project work and other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• *High School diploma or equivalent
• Possess and maintain a Class C California or current state driver's license.
• Current CPR certification (required within 60 days of employment)
• One year of experience in fire prevention, working as part of a special district, or similar.

* Must be provided with the application

Preferred and Desired Qualifications
One to three years of increasingly responsible experience in public outreach, administration, or defensible space education.

• *Some college, associate, or bachelor’s degree in related fields
• Specialized training in field computers and databases
• Experience with effective public communication
• Cal Fire training
• LE 100, PRC 4291 Defensible Space Inspections
• TRPA training
• TRPA defensible space training
• Hazardous tree identification, marking and removal permit process
• North Tahoe Fire Protection District training and experience
• Use of software application(s) to monitor and report on activities
• Creation and use of online request forms
• Effective delivery of public education programs for children and adults and other community outreach events and workshops.
• Completion of NFPA, Cal-Fire, TRPA, Living with Fire, Placer or El Dorado County trainings related to defensible space, home hardening, fire-resistant vegetation, and forest and tree health.
• *NWCG Wildland Firefighter and Incident Command
• S-110, 130, 190; Introduction to ICS (1-100)
• Additional NWCG classes and certifications

* Please provide with the application, under supplemental attachment, if applicable

The selection procedure will include an application review, a possible written examination, and an oral interview.

The application review, written examination and in-person interview will tentatively occur during the week of April 14, or April 21, 2025.

Applicants who areoffered employment are subject to a Live Scan, background investigation, and a drug/alcohol screening and physical assessment. Employment is contingent upon passing the Live Scan, background investigation, and drug/alcohol screening.

Interested candidates should complete the online District application linked below using the Neogov.com website. With the online application, attach a letter of interest, resume, and copies of required and applicable certifications.

Neogov District Application - https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ntfire

All required material must be submitted prior to 5:00pm, April 11, 2025. Mailed, in-person, or faxed applications will not be accepted.

Schedule: This position requires a minimum of 40 hours per week

Probation: This position has a probationary period of one year.

North Tahoe Fire Protection District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The provisions of this pamphlet do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $34.13 - $41.53 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $34 - $42