Fire Prevention Technician Jobs

Under general supervision, the Fire Prevention Technician performs a variety of complex technical, clerical and administrative activities related to the Fire Prevention Division and Safety Inspection Program; identifies and recommends appropriate modifications to meet the goals and objectives of the programs; prepares, processes and maintains data; conducts, organizes and participates in public relations and public education activities; supports field inspections; and, performs related duties as assigned

The Fire Prevention Technician is a para-professional classification responsible for performing administrative and customer service duties in support of the Fire Prevention Division. The technician is the entry level position in the Fire Prevention classification series and is distinguished from the next higher level classification of Fire Prevention Inspector I/II in that the later classification primarily performs fire prevention inspections, reviews plans and specifications on new buildings and fire protection systems, and conducts fire investigations.

(may include but are not limited to those duties listed below):

• Coordinates with other City departments in support of the Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement programs, including the Building and Planning Departments.
• Provides staff support at Administrative Hearings.
• Assesses penalties and tracks non-payments, researches invoice and billing discrepancies.
• Reviews, sorts and prioritizes incoming correspondence and documents.
• Releases files in response to departmental requests and in accordance with established procedures.
• May perform weed abatement inspections.
• Generates and reviews reports from the City permitting system and makes corrections to the database as necessary.
• Assists the Fire Prevention Division by performing initial and follow-up inspections to insure general compliance to the Fire Code.
• Documents and updates work processes and procedures.
• Acts as the first point of public contact and responds to requests from citizens in person, through phone, emails and letters.
• Generates reports on program performance measures for internal review and for City Council reports, external agency reimbursement and other database analysis.
• Generates fire permits and updates plan check comments for building permits; corresponds with applicants regarding plan checks.
• Performs a variety of administrative duties, including tracking office supply inventory and mailing expenses, photocopying, and processing service requests.
• Implements and administers computer database systems and provides support to end users. This position is the lead tech for Trakit, the City permitting program.
• Schedules and manages inspections for the Fire Prevention Inspectors. Provides status updates to applicants and contractors.
• Prepares correspondence and insures that notice letters and other materials are sent to program participants in a timely manner.
• Reviews false alarm reports and false alarm billing. Assesses the need for additional correspondence with business owners related to invoicing, and contesting of inspection and false alarm billing.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Designs and maintains various record keeping and filing systems.
• Assists in establishing procedures for implementing records management programs, such as document imaging and physical records storage.
• May perform public outreach and public education.
• The retrieval and research of records requested by the public according to the California Public Records Act, and City departments.
• Assists with procurement of materials and technology and acts as a technical liaison between the City and vendors; coordinates with the Information Technology Department to develop computerized solutions to meet the document storage.
• Prepares billing for the Fire Safety Inspection Program.
• Assists in the research, coordination and maintenance of new technology and methods related to records management, including document.
• Independently completes special projects and assignments.
• Collaborates with Information Technology Department staff to problem solve, review and improve processes related to the databases; conducts process analysis and testing.
• Reviews retention schedules and makes recommendations for maintenance and protection of archival and vital records.
• Posts payments through the financial system and performs post-payment processing.
• Assists the Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Marshal in the continued development of the Fire Safety Inspection Program, Code Enforcement Program and Fire Permitting Program and makes recommendations to better meet the goals and objectives of the programs.
• Tracks pending items and researches and follows up on matters with appropriate department staff.

Knowledge:

• Filing and record keeping principles and procedures.
• Basic Fire Code Knowledge.
• Basic mathematic principles.
• Proper grammar, spelling, punctuation and business correspondence format.
• Data management and record keeping techniques.
• Management information systems, database structure and data verification methods, and standard software applications.
• Word processing and computer data entry systems.
• Basic principles of system analysis.
• Principles of organization and program management.
• Standard office procedures, practices and equipment.

Abilities:

• Proficiency in use of internet and social media applications, and conducting website research.
• Efficiently coordinate multiple tasks under the pressure of deadlines.
• Exercise sound judgment and make decisions within established guidelines.
• Organize effectively and coordinate work activities and set priorities.
• Problem solve independently.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Perform specialized technical, complex and detailed program support work.
• Coordinate code enforcement information and issues with other City departments.
• Follow written and oral directions.
• Attain knowledge of City policies and procedures.
• Work independently and as a team member.
• Make recommendations related to process and program improvement.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
• Provide good quality customer service.
• Interpret, explain and apply applicable policies, procedures, laws, codes and regulations.
• Learn and utilize computer software, including webpage related to the Rental Inspection Program.
• Perform accurate cash handling.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with property owners, managers, the general public and personnel from City departments.
• Make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately, including calculation of fees due.
• Operate computer and other office equipment.

Education and/or Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities combined with any required licenses and certificates is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of the following:

• Two (2) years of college-level course work in Business Information Systems, Management Information Systems (MIS), or related field and,
• Two (2) years of responsible general office experience.

OR

• High school graduation or tested equivalent and;
• Four years of increasingly responsible technical and clerical work experience which includes some permitting related duties.

License/Certificates:

• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California driver's license and a safe driving record.

• Experience working in a public agency.
• Experience working in a code compliance program.
• Fire Prevention course work.
• Knowledge of basic fire codes
• AA/AS degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• The ability to communicate effectively in Spanish.

Reports To: Deputy Fire Marshall
Supervises: N/A
Bargaining Unit: SEIU

• Fire Prevention Technician
• Deputy Fire Marshall
• Fire Prevention Inspector I/II

Classification No.: 296
Date of Issue: New