Description

THE CITY OF ATASCADERO

IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE INTERNAL POSITION OF

FIRE CAPTAIN / FIRE MARSHAL

This recruitment is for INTERNAL applicants only. *

General Purpose

Plans, supervises, reviews and personally performs a variety of inspection and code enforcement duties to ensure compliance with fire and life safety codes for new and existing construction and commercial or industrial activities; performs administrative, investigative, supervisory and technical responsibilities in managing the Community Risk Reduction Division of the City's Fire Department, including plan checks for compliance with fire codes and ordinances, hazardous materials management, fire investigation and hazard abatement including weed abatement and vegetation management; develops and implements educational programs to promote fire safety; assists the Fire Chief with special administrative duties; performs related work as assigned.

Supervision Received And Exercised

The Fire Captain/Fire Marshal receives general direction from the Fire Chief. Direct supervision is provided to professional, technical and office support staff.

Class Characteristics

This Fire Captain level position in the fire series is responsible for planning, directing and performing varied and sensitive code compliance work, including the review of plans and specifications, the physical inspection of facilities, and the development and implementation of a variety of fire prevention programs and projects. This position is designated sworn; however, serves as an integral member of the department’s management team, providing technical expertise and program support in areas of assignment.

Examples of Duties

Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties or responsibilities does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises and reviews the work of a comprehensive Community Risk Reduction program and staff to ensure compliance with fire and life safety standards;
Recommends selection of staff; trains staff in work procedures and provides for their professional development; recommends discipline or provides employee counseling as required;
Interprets, enforces and explains city municipal, fire and life safety codes;
Reviews plans and specifications for new construction, and the renovation, remodeling and other modification of residential, commercial and industrial properties for compliance with fire access and life safety laws, codes, and local and state code and fire regulations;
Confers with and represents the City in meetings with architects, engineers, developers and property owners and various groups, commissions and associations regarding difficult design and construction issues; provides a high level of customer service and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complex issues;
Represents the department in meetings with commercial and industrial representatives to facilitate consensus on fire prevention measures, permit processing and customer service issues;
Oversees the work of fire suppression staff in fire prevention activities, including mandated fire inspections;
Works cooperatively with the City Building Official, Community Development staff, the State Fire Marshal, and the community to assure thorough, organized and timely permit processing;
Plans, develops, and coordinates public education and information programs including media releases and Public Service Announcements;
Meets with civic groups and organizations to encourage community programs and other activities in the interest of fire prevention and public education;
Prepares and administers the budget for the Fire Prevention Division;
Formulates and recommends changes to Uniform Fire Code and City Ordinances;
Inspects commercial and industrial establishments, construction sites, residences, public buildings and other facilities for the enforcement of laws and regulations;
Investigates fires to determine the cause, prepares reports on corrective actions needed, gathers evidence and works on case development with legal staff in arson cases;
Maintains a current knowledge of fire and life safety, construction materials and access strategies; makes recommendations for policy and procedural modifications and implements changes after approval;
Serves as an effective team member in the Incident Command System (ICS) during a major incident;
May be requested to return to duty to provide emergency response during evenings and weekends to larger incidents;
May assist the Fire Chief in the training of City staff for emergency planning and preparedness, use of the City Emergency Plan, and procedures following an activation of the Emergency Operations Center;
May represent the Fire Chief in the Emergency Operations Center or work as the EOC Coordinator in the event of activation.

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A minimum of thirty (30) college units in Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services, or general education. AS/AA highly desirable.
Three (3) years of fire prevention and inspection experience;
Prior supervisory or administrative experience is desirable;
Additional fire suppression or fire prevention experience may be substituted for the education outlined above on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of two years.
Prior experience as a Fire Captain or Atascadero Fire Engineer qualified as an Officer In Charge and successful completion of the City of Atascadero Fire Captain promotional process.
State Fire Officer Certification is highly desirable.

Knowledge Of

Applicable laws, codes and regulations related to fire and life safety, access and hazardous materials handling and storage;
Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation and the training of staff in work procedures;
Fire prevention and basic fire suppression strategies, methods and equipment;
Current principles, materials and methods used in residential, commercial and industrial construction;
Basic budgetary principles and practices;
Principles and practices of fire investigation and prevention;
Computer applications related to the work;
Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, including dealing with individuals in stressful or confrontational situations;

Skill In

Developing and administering an effective fire prevention compliance and educational program to enhance City and life/safety building and occupancy regulations and ordinances;
Scheduling, assigning, supervising, reviewing and evaluating the work of staff and training staff in work procedures;
Interpreting, applying and explaining complex laws, codes, regulations and ordinances;
Performing and documenting thorough and accurate facility inspections;
Effectively resolving building design and code compliance issues;
Conducting arson investigations, including the collection of evidence and assisting legal staff in case preparation;
Preparing accurate inspection and other reports, correspondence and other written materials;
Reading and interpreting plans and specifications;
Facilitating individuals and groups for working in team environments;
Working effectively with businesses, property owners, permit applicants, residents and other City departments to assure timely and effective customer service;
Making effective public presentations before a variety of civic groups, committees and the City Council;
Using initiative and independent judgment within legal, policy and procedural guidelines.

Supplemental Information

Special Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid California class “C” driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record. Possession of California State Fire Marshal, Fire Prevention Officer II and/or Fire Investigation I certificates are desirable.
Pursuant to California Labor Code Section 3211.9, service is essential in times of extreme emergency or disaster. For this reason, State law designates public employees as “Disaster Service Workers”. Even when off-duty, this position with the City of Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services maybe required to return to duty in case of extreme emergency or disaster.
Tattoos: Employee shall follow department policy.
Tobacco Use: Employee shall agree to refrain from using any tobacco products while employed with the City of Atascadero Fire and Emergency Service.

Tools And Equipment Used

Emergency medical aid equipment, fire apparatus, fire pumps, hoses and other standard fire fighting equipment, ladders, first aid equipment, radio, pager, telephone, calculator, personal computer including word processing software.

Working together to Serve, Build Community, and Enhance Quality of Life.

VACATION: 10 days per year, gradually increasing to 24 after 20 years completed.

HOLIDAYS: 11 days per year, plus one floating holiday.

SICK LEAVE: 12 days per year.

HEALTH & LIFE: Employee is covered for medical, dental, vision and life. The City contributes a portion of the cost of dependent coverage for medical, dental vision and life insurance.

RETIREMENT: California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). No FICA deductions.

DISABILITY INS: SDI - Employee paid.

City of Atascadero

New Jobs

Fire Captain/Fire Marshal - INTERNAL ONLY