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.
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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.
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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