Fire Prevention Officer Trainee

About the Role

This is the entry-level class of the Fire Prevention Officer series. Incumbents undergo a comprehensive training program designed to qualify them for advancement to Fire Prevention Officer I.

Immediate supervision is provided by a Senior Fire Prevention Officer. Functional and technical supervision may be provided by a Fire Prevention Officer II.

Responsibilities

• Learn to read, interpret, and enforce Federal, State, and City Fire Prevention and Life-Safety codes and regulations.
• Perform detailed inspections of buildings and facilities for compliance with pertinent codes and regulations.
• Investigate complaints or allegations of code violations and instruct residents or owners on required corrections.
• Provide information to the public on Fire Prevention and Fire Safety measures.
• Prepare detailed factual reports of inspections and investigations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Basic arithmetic and simple calculations.
• General courtesy in dealing with the public.

Ability to:

• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Learn to perform the specified as well as related duties.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with Fire Department personnel and others encountered in the course of work.

Education and Training

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Possession of a High School Diploma or equivalent G.E.D. certificate.
• Completion of fifteen (15) semester units from an accredited college or university.

Trainees will be required to complete an additional nine (9) units of Fire Technology/Fire Science courses from an accredited college or university prior to advancement into the Fire Prevention Officer I classification.

Proof of education, such as university/college transcripts and degrees, must be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable. An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service.

Trainees must agree to complete a twelve (12) month mandatory training program comprised of classroom, on-the-job, home-study, and community college training in Fire Science, Fire Prevention and Life-Safety Law, Inspection Techniques, Public Relations, Report Writing, Record Keeping, and related subjects. Failure to satisfactorily complete the training program within the twelve-month mandatory training period (probationary period) will be cause for termination.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License at the time of appointment. Loss of the Class C License is cause for discipline. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Probationary Period

Employees must complete twelve (12) months of probation at a satisfactory performance level prior to gaining permanent status.