Seasonal Defensible Space Specialist
Job Description
DefinitionUnder supervision of the Wildfire Prevention Manager the Defensible Space Specialist will perform arange of duties involving defensible space inspections, outreach and education, green wasteprograms, wildfire prevention, vegetation management, customer service & assistance to the public,and other duties as assigned.Distinguishing CharacteristicsThis is an entry-level position that primarily performs defensible space inspections and other dutiesas assigned to assist the Wildfire Prevention Division and the implementation of the WildfirePrevention Program. Incumbents must be fully aware of the operating procedures of the PreventionBureau and become fully knowledgeable of applicable codes and ordinances. This is a seasonal,“at-will” position hired for a defined beginning and ending period without the promise of continuedemployment, re-employment, or permanent appointment. Actual start and end dates dependent onweather and snow conditions. This position works a regular or intermittent schedule up to amaximum of 40 hours per week with some opportunity for overtime.The district may allow Part Time work on a case-by-case basis. Weekend and holiday work mayoccasionally be required in order to fully engage our part-time residents.This position is classified as “Non-Safety”.This is a FLSA non-exempt position.Supervision Received and ExercisedReceives general supervision and evaluation from the Wildfire Prevention Manager.Other positions that may provide intermediate supervision and guidance to the Defensible SpaceSpecialist may include: Fire Marshal, Administrative Battalion Chief, Assistant Wildfire PreventionManager/Forester, Wildfire Prevention Specialist, and Wildfire Prevention Administrative Assistant.This position does not exercise supervision of other personnel.
Responsibilities
Examples of Important and Essential DutiesConduct thorough defensible space inspections and assessments, identify potential hazards andexplain violations and findings to property owners. Increase awareness and understanding to helpempower individuals and communities to take proactive steps in reducing wildfire risk, protect lives,and minimize property damage. Promote Fire Adapted Communities, Firewise Communities, andsupport the implementation of Wildfire Prevention Programs.Serve as a helpful resource for the public, respond to inquiries via phone and email and provideexceptional customer service. Explain relevant codes and ordinances related to defensible space,home hardening, fuels reduction, fire prevention, and fire-safe building standards. Maintain detailedinspection reports, conduct follow-up inspections as needed, and have the authority to issuecitations for non-compliance. Prepare case reports, support documentation, and participate in legalproceedings as necessary.Collaborate with property owners, community members, and others to offer guidance on defensiblespace and the Wildfire Prevention Programs, ensuring that all parties are informed and aligned withcurrent standards.Safely drive and operate utility vehicles with due regard while obeying all traffic laws.Understand and follow District policies, regulations, procedures, and standards.Operations/AdministrationParticipate in various administrative activities and provide responsible and technical staffassistance.Other Required ResponsibilitiesComplete field reports electronically and complete all necessary paperwork, and answer telephones& emails in a time sensitive manner.Perform other duties as assigned.Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance ofrequired duties.
Special RequirementsEssential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:The ability to work in a standard office environment, as well as outside in the forest, communities,and on construction sites. This involves moving around an office setting, walking around structuresin the field, walking on uneven forest terrain, touring construction sites, and driving a non-emergencyDistrict vehicle. Requires sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled movements suchas writing, filing, using a calculator, and other office functions. The ability to communicate with the public in a constructive manner.Must be able to be on their feet for extended periods of time, and lift objects frequently 10 – 25pounds, and occasionally more. Must have the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, bothorally and in writing; understand the community, organization and operations of the Truckee FireProtection District; work cooperatively with citizens, community groups, business interests, otherDistrict employees, and federal, state and local agencies.DISTRICT EXPECTATIONSUse good judgement in matters affecting your safety and the safety of others, keeping safety as apriority.Perform as a responsible, productive and positive member of the prevention team.Report for duty on time and in the proper uniform as per district specification.Display a positive and professional attitude in all contacts with the public and other agencies.Accept and respond to all lawful orders by superiors without hesitation or argument.Treat all fellow employees with dignity and respect.Communicate all necessary operational information to the Wildfire Prevention Manager.Obey all District policies and directives and ensure compliance by all employees.Support and follow the Chain of Command.Support the goals, mission and values of the organization and make them your goals, mission andvalues.Discuss with your supervisor any problems, personal or work related, that have the potential ofaffecting your ability to do your job. Don’t delay, discuss concerns as they arise.Be a positive role model to all employees. Lead by example.Identify situations which may impact the organization and bring them in atimely manner, along with recommendations, to the attention of the Wildfire Prevention Manager Act as District representative to outside agencies and community groups as directed by the WildfirePrevention Manager.Report any instances of known or perceived workplace harassment immediately
Job Requirements
Job Related and Essential QualificationsKnowledge of:Defensible space laws & ordinances including Public Resource Code 4291, Nevada County, PlacerCounty & Town of Truckee ordinances, Title 14 Fire Hazard Reduction Around Buildings andStructures, Board of Forestry General Guidelines for Creating Defensible Space, current CAL FireDefensible Space and Home Hardening training and informational materials, TFPD green wasteprogram and Wildfire Prevention Programs.Public Information techniques and skills.Office methods, procedures and equipment including filling out of manual forms in the field.English language usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.Business letter formatting and basic report preparation using a computer with various software.Principles of mathematics.Principles and techniques used in serving the public and excellent customer service.Ability to:Perform general technical work involving the use of judgment, personal initiative, flexibility, creativity,and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.Understand the organization and operation of the Fire District and those of outside agencies andgroups necessary to assume assigned duties.Learn, interpret, and apply defensible space ordinances, guidelines, and codes to specificsituations. Where practical and feasible, apply or communicate specific local requirements.Learn to identify, name and communicate the flammability & fire risks associated with commongrasses, shrubs, and trees.Make presentations and represent the district to the public and other agencies professionally.Proficient use of computers, smart phones, tablets, and other modern office equipment. Compile and maintain records.Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of work.Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted inthe course of work, both inside & outside of the organization.Compose clear, coherent reports and other documents.Work under limited supervision when required.Prioritize work assignments and work under pressure of deadlines.Maintain confidential information.Understand District policies, procedures and regulations.Experience and Training Minimums:High School Diploma or G.E.D.Valid California Driver License or equivalent and a clean driving record.Valid CPR certification to the Health Care Provider level within 60 days of employment.Must be proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and cloud-based software. This includes MicrosoftOutlook, Word and Excel, and the ability to learn other computer programs, and tablet-basedapplications.Desirable Experience and Training:Familiar with various Defensible Space related codes and ordinances.Familiar with Home Hardening and the Wildfire Home Retrofit Guide.Familiar with green waste disposal programs. Meet or exceed CAL FIRE Defensible Space Inspector training requirements.Home Ignition Zone Training:• NFPA Assessing Structure Ignition Potential from Wildfire• NFPA Understanding the Wildfire Threat to Homes. An overview of fire history, firebasics, and how homes burn.Familiar with vegetation management, fuel reduction, forest management, and other fire preventionprograms.Familiar with recognition of hazard trees, beetle infestations, and other diseases that affect theconifer population of the area.Wildland Firefighting training, qualifications and experience is desirable. This includes:• Introduction to ICS (I-100)• Basic ICS (I-200)• NIMS an Introduction (IS-700)• Firefighter Training (S-130)• Firefighter Type 1 (S-131)• Portable Pumps and Water Use (S-211)• Wildland Fire Chain Saws (S-212)• Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190)• Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290)• Human Factors on the Fireline (L-180)California Office of the State Fire Marshal Fire Inspector 1 & 2 training, and qualifications aredesirable. This includes:• Fire Inspector 1A-1D• Fire Inspector 2A-2DSpecial RequirementsEssential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:The ability to work in a standard office environment, as well as outside in the forest, communities,and on construction sites. This involves moving around an office setting, walking around structuresin the field, walking on uneven forest terrain, touring construction sites, and driving a non-emergencyDistrict vehicle. Requires sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled movements suchas writing, filing, using a calculator, and other office functions.
