Fire Prevention Specialist III

About the Opportunity

The Fire Prevention Specialist III is the leadership position in this series. This classification performs a variety of duties in support of fire prevention and education. Inspects residential, commercial, and industrial buildings in a thorough manner and accurately detects fire hazards and deviations from fire codes and standards. Records accurately the findings of the inspection, the corrections needed, and issues orders to comply to achieve compliance with the codes. Conducts annual license inspections of hospitals, rest homes, day care homes, pre-schools, and mental care institutions, assuring compliance of these buildings with their intended use and with Title 19 of the State Administrative Code. Performs routine code enforcement activities related to local and State fire and life safety codes. Level III is distinguished from Level II by the increased level of responsibility that includes an in-depth knowledge of Hazardous Materials and the successful completion of advanced training. This individual may supervise Fire Prevention Specialists I and II and acts for the Fire Marshal in his/her absence when approved by the Deputy Fire Warden. This position is subject to overtime, standby, and callback assignments. Performs related duties as assigned.

Typical Tasks

• Inspect a variety of structures and facilities ensuring compliance with all State and local fire codes including new construction, remodels, hospitals, schools, day care centers and hazardous occupancies;
• Assure corrections are made to violations of the fire codes and standards in a timely manner, and minimum fire safety practices are put into effect;
• Issue code violations, confer with and recommend action to the Fire Marshal if corrections are not made;
• Prepare and keep accurate logs, reports, and records regarding fire inspections, violation notices, and other related data which are legible, complete, up-to-date, and descriptive of problems encountered and how resolved;
• Establish rapport with the community by providing useful and helpful information to building owners and others regarding fire codes and standards, and ensure that questions and concerns are effectively resolved;
• Maintain a current knowledge of fire education goals and service objectives and the fire problems within the community and tailors the education program to these problems by delivering lectures and demonstrations, on fire safety, prevention, and inspection;
• Utilize resources in the community to help in fire prevention and make citizens and the business community aware of their fire prevention responsibilities;
• Assure the timely abatement of weeds by property owners, enforcing compliance with the weed abatement provisions of the local ordinances and the State Health and Safety Code;
• Inspect on a regular basis property within the District, respond to complaints, accurately record the findings of those inspections, and issue orders to comply to obtain compliance with the weed abatement provisions of the Health and Safety Code;
• Assure the proper operation of newly installed sprinkler systems by monitoring pressure tests and flushing the system;
• Inspect sprinkler systems to assure conformance with NFPA #13 and approved plans;
• Inspect sprinkler systems annually including all valves and appurtenances as well as testing flow alarms;
• Perform new construction inspections including underground fire line systems, fire alarm acceptance testing, subdivision improvement inspections, on-site water tanks and final building inspections;
• Assure the safe installation and utilization of tanks for flammable liquids;
• Inspect and test the installation of new tanks and existing tanks and equipment to assure compliance with code requirements;
• Assist and support emergency preparedness and response programs;
• Assist with emergency planning and emergency operations center functions during emergencies and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation;
• Conduct plan reviews with respect to water and access requirements and calculate water flows for fire suppression requirements;
• Analyze building construction plans as related to fire protection and safety requirements to assure compliance with applicable fire codes and policies, and identify needed corrections;
• Evaluate plans with respect to hazardous materials and assures that deficiencies identified in plans are promptly followed up and corrected;
• Maintain accurate commentary of errors, omissions, and violations in plans which are up-to-date, legible, complete, and descriptive of problems encountered and how resolved;
• Understand fire education goals and service objectives and is consistently able to translate them into a meaningful education program;
• Provide training of fire suppression staff of the fire agencies served by the Fire Prevention Bureau on a regular and frequent basis to enable maintenance of their skill levels in fire inspection;
• Issue event permits and perform required inspections;
• Instruct staff on the right methods to conduct fire inspections using training techniques that effectively convey the skills to be learned as well as maintain the interest of fire suppression staff; 
• Attend all pre-development, pre-application, CEQA, Environmental Impact Review and Environmental Review Committee meetings; and
• Inspect plan check fire suppression systems and fire alarm systems.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)

KNOWLEDGE  

• Relevant laws, ordinances and codes related to fire prevention and protection;  Basic building structural construction;
• Inspection techniques and technical report writing;  Hazardous materials such as flammable liquids;
• Burning characteristics of combustibles; and
• Hazardous materials such as exotic combustibles.

• Operate effectively without constant supervision;  Analyze events and make sound judgments;
• Make decisions and judgments quickly and logically;
• Interpret and enforce regulations objectively and fairly;  Work effectively with the public;
• Demonstrate tact, diplomacy and interpersonal skills;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;  Follow oral and written directions;
• Recognize, appraise, and correct fire hazards and potential life-safety hazards;  Read plans;
• Advise on fire prevention systems and plans.

• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school level General Education Development (GED) Certificate; AND
• Successful completion of the California State Fire Marshal's Fire Inspector 2A and 2B or Fire Prevention 2A and 2B; AND
• Two (2) years full-time paid experience in the fire service or Building Department; AND
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License.

Application and Selection Procedures

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE

Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Most County recruitments consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County. 

• Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.

• Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.

• Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months. 

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE 
Application Deadline: December 4, 2024
Oral Examination: December 11, 2024

Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County.