**This is a temporary/limited-term position that will last up to five (5) months.

Under close supervision by the Fire Marshal, as a temporary/limited term employee, assists in performing inspection of vacant lots and land around residential, industrial, and commercial structures to determine if they meet the requirements set forth in the Department's Vegetation Management Program, California Public Resources Code Section 4291, California Government Code Section 51182, and County of El Dorado Ordinance 5101. This position is temporary/limited term and shall not exceed a maximum of five (5) months. This position will not become permanent. Incumbents will not receive any paid benefits, other than what is required by law.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Defensible Space Inspector Trainee: This is the entry-level class in the Defensible Space Inspector series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents with general experience will perform general and routine work. As knowledge and experience are gained, the work becomes broader in scope, assignments are more varied, and are performed under more general supervision. Positions as this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the journey-level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgement in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Assists in performing defensible space and vegetation management inspections in accordance with the Department’s Vegetation Management Program requirements, California Public Resource Code Section 4291, California Government Code Section 51182, and County of El Dorado Ordinance 5101.
• Assist in increasing awareness, knowledge and actions implemented by individuals and communities to reduce human loss and property damage from wildfires, such as defensible space and other fuels reduction activities, fire prevention and fire safe building standards.
• May assist in maintaining comprehensive records of inspections related to vegetation management and defensible space inspection activities, including pictures of work performed and associated records.
• Assists in completing data input and analysis of a variety of information related to vegetation management activities and makes recommendations to supervisors on enhancements.
• May prepares notices and correction letters that outline vegetation management compliance issues and deficiencies, which outline correction methods, time limits, and necessary remedial work required.
• May be involved in meetings with homeowners regarding inspections and provides information on defensible space options with the intent to achieve compliance with the County Ordinance.
• Assists in monitoring the enforcement activities and helps to conduct follow-up inspections.
• May assist in presenting vegetation management and defensible space education and outreach programs to the public.
• May assist in investigating public and referred public agency complaints.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of: basic principles of code enforcement and application of inspection and code enforcement reference; office administration practices and procedures, including records management and the operation of standard office equipment; the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar; computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages and record management systems) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

Ability to: demonstrate effective customer service skills; interact successfully with the public; read, understand, and utilize maps; enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy; prepare complete and concise documents and reports; review documents for completeness, accuracy, appropriate authorization and compliance with regulations and procedures; understand and follow oral and written instructions; understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed; establish and maintain a variety of filing, recordkeeping, control, and tracking systems; effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate english grammar; use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines; establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities may be considered qualifying at the sole discretion of the Department. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:

Education:

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
• Possession of and ability to maintain a valid California Class C Driver’s License is required.

• Experience in forestry, fire prevention, fire suspension and control, natural resource management, or closely related experience.
• A background in customer service or public service.
• Experience performing defensible space inspections in accordance with Public Resources Code Section 4291.
• Completion of California State Fire Training - Fire Inspector 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D (course work).

Selection Process
Please note, the El Dorado Hills Fire Department's method of communication with applicants is mainly via e-mail and phone. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address and phone number on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders.

Tentative Interview Dates