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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 11b - New Senior Fire Prevention Specialist DATE: September 20, 2022 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Barry Spriggs, Fire Chief SUBJECT: ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW SENIOR FIRE PREVENTION SPECIALIST CLASS SPECIFICATION AND FLEXIBLE STAFFING SERIES Recommendation: Approve SUMMARY It is recommended that the City Council approve the establishment of new Senior Fire Prevention Specialist class specification and Flexible Staffing series to include the existing Fire Prevention Specialist and new Senior Fire Prevention Specialist positions to promote staff growth and development. BACKGROUND The Fire Prevention Bureau, also known as the Community Risk Reduction Division (“CCR”), has seen its scope of services evolve and expand throughout the years. This is due to an unprecedented level of activity in development and construction within the City of Arcadia. To maintain adequate service levels, the Fire Department is proposing the creation of a new Senior Fire Prevention Specialist position that would be part of a flexible staffing series to better fit the Department’s needs. On September 8, 2022, this classification was presented to the Human Resources Commission, and the Commission approved the new classification. Attached is the new job specification for the proposed Senior Fire Prevention Specialist position. DISCUSSION Since 2004, the CCR has seen an increase in both the quantity and complexity of new construction and fire inspection requirements. The staffing level, however, has not increased since that period. Additionally, the current staffing structure of the CRR provides limited opportunities for succession planning and employee development. The establishment of a Flexible Staffing series to include the existing Fire Prevention Specialist and the newly proposed Senior Fire Prevention Specialist classification will address these vital elements within the division. This Flexible Staffing structure will provide opportunities for growth with the possibility of moving into the higher-level position within the series within one to two years, New Senior Fire Prevention Specialist Classification and Flexible Staffing Series Page 2 of 2 depending upon performance in the position. Further, the establishment of the Senior Fire Prevention Specialist is being proposed as an upgrade to the current Fire Prevention Specialist to aid in supervisory responsibilities, staff development, and succession planning. Accordingly, the incumbent Fire Prevention Specialist is expected to assume the new Senior Fire Prevention Specialist position. Managed by the Fire Marshal, this position will possess enhanced qualifications with respect to experience and certification requirements, and will provide supervision to the existing Fire Prevention Aide positions. For job requirements, the Senior Fire Prevention Specialist position will require a minimum of five years of experience in the field of fire prevention. Certifications for International Code Council Fire Inspector I, Fire Inspector II, and Fire Plans Examiner will also be required. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS The proposed action does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), as it can be seen with certainty that it will have no impact on the environment. Thus, this matter is exempt under CEQA. FISCAL IMPACT The Senior Fire Prevention Specialist position would be placed at salary range number 71, with its salary schedule ranging from the base step of $7,048/month through the highest level at $8,805/month. This would result in an increase in expenditures of approximately $6,117.54 in Fiscal Year 2022-23. The additional cost was addressed and incorporated into the adopted Fiscal Year 2022-23 Fire Operations Budget. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council determine that this action does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”); and approve the establishment of new Senior Fire Prevention Specialist class specification and Flexible Staffing Series. Attachment: New Class Specification - Senior Fire Prevention Specialist Attachment CITY OF ARCADIA SENIOR FIRE PREVENTION SPECIALIST DEFINITION Under general supervision, to perform a variety of community risk reduction tasks including fire code enforcement and fire safety education program administration; to inspect construction projects for compliance with applicable fire and life safety codes and standards; and to train fire suppression personnel to conduct inspections. SUPERVISION EXERCISED May serve as a lead to lower-level employees including: Prioritizing and assigning work, and training employees on work methods and procedures. EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES Coordinate and participate in the Community Risk Reduction's safety education activities; provide training on general safety and risk reductions programs, fire and life safety codes, and inspection practices. Develop and deliver community risk reduction educational programs to local schools, community groups, and members of the general public. Respond to requests from schools, businesses, organizations and the general public for fire safety, injury prevention and community preparedness information, literature and materials. Conduct inspections of buildings and property for fire hazards, efficiency of fire protective equipment, adequacy of fire exits, and general compliance with fire prevention laws and standards; advise property owners on the removal of fire hazards; enforce compliance to correct hazards. Conduct field inspections of new construction. Provide technical assistance to contractors, architects, engineers, developers and the public. Evaluate existing and proposed fire protection systems. Take appropriate measures to promote and enforce full compliance with fire prevention codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations. Issue warnings, notices, and citations. City of Arcadia Senior Fire Prevention Specialist (Continued) Page 2 of 4 Supervise and assist in the preparation and maintenance of detailed inspections reports, technical reports and statistical data. Provide advice regarding hazardous processes, operations, and hazardous materials requirements. Receive and investigate complaints regarding fire violations; recommend corrective actions. Check and review building plans prior to issuance of permits; review construction and permit documents in relation to fire prevention laws and codes. Maintain a variety of records, files and maps related to fire prevention and safety activities and programs. OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned. JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Principles and techniques related to fire science particularly in the areas of fire prevention and fire code enforcement. Modern principles and practices of fire prevention and suppression. Principles and techniques used in the development and implementation of community risk reduction programs. Fire hazards and the related prevention and abatement methods. Methods and techniques of building construction. Principles of water hydraulics. Chemistry of hazardous materials. Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, regulations and standards related to community risk reduction education programs and services. Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of fire inspection. Public relations as related to obtaining cooperation and compliance to regulations and statutes. City of Arcadia Senior Fire Prevention Specialist (Continued) Page 3 of 4 Skill to: Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment. Operate a motor vehicle safely. Ability to: Conduct fire inspection and code enforcement work. Enforce regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially. Attend meetings, trainings and conferences to promote the Department’s community safety, injury prevention, wellness, wildfire protection and preparedness programs. Deal effectively with property owners, managers and the general public in difficult work situations. Detect fire hazards and make recommendations on ways to prevent and eliminate fire hazards. Properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations and policies. Use various media, technology, communication and dissemination techniques and methods to communicate. Read and interpret blueprints. Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records. Prepare clear and concise reports. Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public. Observe and record findings during inspections. Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. City of Arcadia Senior Fire Prevention Specialist (Continued) Page 4 of 4 Minimum Qualifications: Experience: Five years of progressively responsible experience related to community risk reduction, fire prevention, plan review, and/or inspections experience. Training: Bachelor's Degree in a related field. License or Certificate: Possession of ICC Fire Inspector I and II, and Fire Plans Examiner certification or equivalent. Possession of or ability to obtain PC 832 certification within probationary period. Possession of CPR Certification issued by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association within probationary period. Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license. Obtain National Incident Management System (NIMS) Certifications IS 700 and IS 800 within six months of appointment. Obtain Incident Command System (ICS) Certification in ICS 100 and ICS 200 within six months of appointment. Special Requirements: Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: Ability to sit, stand, walk, run, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, and lift 50 lbs.; exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confining work space, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards; ability to travel to different sites and locations; availability for shift work, on-call, and stand-by. Effective Date: TBD