Fire Prevention Officer
Date Adopted by City Manager
12/01/02
Comp. Code
7760
IAFF
Classified
Job Title
Fire Prevention Officer
Definition
Under general supervision of the Fire Chief or his or her designee, to implement a comprehensive fire prevention and life safety program; participates in firefighting, emergency medical services, rescue, and hazardous materials response as required; provides responsible and highly technical staff assistance; and does related work as assigned. May be delegated authority as Fire Marshal by the Fire Chief.
Typical Duties
Supervise a comprehensive fire prevention and life safety program; research and recommend improved fire safety and prevention policies, regulation, and ordinances; perform technical plan checks involving residential, commercial, and industrial projects as assigned; confer with developers, architects, contractors and other City officials regarding fire safety and prevention needs; may authorize permits for the sale, use, storage and transportation of explosive and flammable materials; supervise and participate in the inspection of buildings to identify hazardous conditions and materials; conduct follow-up inspections to ensure code compliance; supervise and participate in investigations to determine the cause and origin of fires; prepare civil and criminal case reports; interview witnesses; supervise and assist in the selection, training and evaluation of assigned staff; supervise and assist in the development and delivery of public safety education programs; speak to public groups; administer weed abatement program; operate Fire Department computers; respond to emergencies as required; subject to emergency recall during non-duty hours.; perform related duties as required.
Tools and Equipment Used
Vehicle, radio, pager, personal computer, calculator, phone, personal protective equipment, standard firefighting, hazardous materials response, rescue equipment, and emergency medical equipment.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, occasionally on uneven surfaces; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, occasionally in confined spaces; and taste or smell.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 175 pounds or more with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions ranging from below freezing to in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate except on emergencies where it may be loud.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of
Principles, practices, and procedures of modern firefighting, rescue, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, fire investigation and fire prevention; operation of fire fighting apparatus and equipment; geography, types of building construction, water supply, and major fire hazards of the City of Chico; Federal, State, and local laws, regulations and codes pertaining to fire suppression and prevention; principles of combustion and hydraulics; principles and practices of supervision, budget management and performance evaluation.
Ability to
Implement effective fire safety and prevention measures; supervise and coordinate subordinates in an efficient and effective manner; conduct thorough fact finding investigations and enforce fire safety regulations firmly and equitably; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective, cooperative relationships with subordinates, other City employees, and the general public; satisfactorily complete a Penal Code Section 832 course within one year after appointment; maintain certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and as an Emergency Medical Technician; achieve State Board of Fire Services, Prevention Officer III or Plans Examiner certification within one year of appointment. Become certified to operate an Automatic External Heart Defibrillator.
Experience
Five years of full-time paid firefighting experience similar to the Firefighter classification with the City of Chico including at least two years experience similar to the City of Chico Fire Apparatus Engineer position, or three years full-time fire prevention experience.
Education
An Associate’s Degree in Fire Technology, Fire Protection Engineering or other related field, and completion of the course work required to qualify for certification by the State Board of Fire Services as a Firefighter I, and certification in at least three of the following; Investigator I, Prevention Officer I, Public Education Officer I and Fire Instructor I, Fire Inspector, Fire Protection Specialist, Fire Prevention Officer II, or Plans Examiner.
Additional Requirements
Possession of a valid Class C California Driver License; certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Hazardous Materials First Responder-Operational. Possession of a valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation card.