County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction of the Deputy Chief, to supervise, plan, organize and direct all the activities within the Fire Prevention Bureau, and is responsible for the enforcement of all laws, ordinances and regulations relating to the protection of lives and property from fire; fire origin investigations; and public fire prevention education; and to perform related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This class is distinguished from that of the next lower level class of Deputy Fire Marshal in that the latter is responsible for planning, organizing and directing the daily operation of a specific jurisdiction’s Fire Prevention Bureau.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Supervises the investigation program for all fires to determine causes, and determines whether fire prevention measures could have been taken to avoid the losses. Uses this information to evaluate the scope and content of the fire prevention program.

2. Furnishes assistance to the District Attorney or City Attorney in the prosecution of arsonists or persons who violate fire laws, ordinances or regulations.

3. Prepares fire loss reports. Prepares the Fire Prevention Bureau budget. Supervises the maintenance of local fire loss, cause and investigation records, and similar data obtained from state and national fire agencies.

4. Supervises the enforcement of laws, ordinances and regulations pertaining to the prevention and control of fire; the protection of life and property from fire, explosion or panic; the installation and maintenance of fire control and fire safety appliances; and the transportation, processing, storage and handling of combustible materials which create fire hazards.

5. Administers the fire inspection program; supervises the inspection of existing buildings and building plans to insure installation of required fire prevention and fire protection devices, and adequate means of evacuation in case of fire, explosion or panic.

6. Informs and advises the public on life and fire safety programs, and on fire safety regulations and ordinances; provides fire prevention information to the city schools and schedules the conducting of school fire drills as prescribed by law.

7. Develops and maintains a comprehensive training program for personnel assigned to the Fire Prevention Bureau performing inspection duties.

8. Develops recommendations for proposed ordinances which incumbent considers necessary for the protection of life and property from fire, explosion or panic.

9. Serves as the fire safety point of contact for other departments, state, and national fire prevention organizations.

10. Prepares correspondence; attends meetings and conferences as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I
Experience:

The equivalent of two years full-time experience as a Fire Captain in the Alameda County Fire Department.
Or II

Currently in the classification of Deputy Fire Marshal, Administrative Officer or Training Officer in the Alameda County Fire Department.

Or III

The equivalent of five years full-time experience performing fire prevention duties as a Deputy Fire Marshal with an agency other than the Alameda County Fire Department or the equivalent fire prevention experience and knowledge.

License:

Possession of a valid California State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.

Special Requirement:

• Have normal hearing in both ears.
• Have visual acuity correctable to 20/30 either eye.
• Be able to successfully pass a thorough background investigation.
• College level Fire Prevention Curriculum is highly desirable.
• Is subject to emergency re-call while off duty.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and techniques of fire prevention and suppression.
• Practices, procedures and equipment used in fire investigations and fighting fires.
• Laws, ordinances and regulations which govern the Fire Department and the work of the Fire Prevention Bureau.
• Legal process involved in collecting evidence, arresting suspects, preparing cases and prosecuting violators of fire laws, ordinances and regulations.
• Training practices and techniques.
• District geography and the location of major fire hazards within the City.
• Engineering problems involved in the construction and repair of buildings.
• Principles and techniques of modern supervision.

Ability to:

• Recognize and appraise fire hazards.
• Analyze data, reports and other information.
• Plan and administer a comprehensive fire prevention program.
• Work and deal tactfully and effectively with the public and contract agencies as a member of an organized team.
• Make group presentations.
• Direct and train subordinates and to maintain discipline and high morale.
• Read maps and construction drawings.
• Communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
• Use good judgment in emergency or critical situations.
• Remain calm and work effectively in stressful situations.
• Adapt to changes in work assignments and duties.
• Provide leadership.
• Delegate work assignments.
• Analyze problems and recommend solutions.
• Demonstrate interpersonal sensitivity.
• Demonstrate problem-solving abilities.
• Develop innovative fire prevention solutions that meet code and regulatory requirements while providing the customer with reasonable and obtainable

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

RC:pf 12/26/03
Newspec: 8138.doc
CSC Date: 2/4/04

BENEFITS

*** For benefit information, please refer to the recruitment brochure.