Community Wildfire Specialist

Under the supervision of the Assistant Chief of Administration and Planning or designee, the Community Wildfire Specialist conducts inspections for residents living in the high fire hazard areas within the District’s served jurisdiction, and provides information, advice, and assistance to property owners in creating defensible space around their property. The incumbent will identify and coordinate hazard abatement projects to mitigate the effects of wildfire within the communities, and be responsible for developing plans and projects, writing grants, maintaining records of contacts and activities, creating written information for public distribution, and representing the Fire District at public meetings and events.

The incumbent also provides administrative support to assigned divisions and performs a variety of office functions.

This classification is a Fair Labor Standards Act non‑exempt, represented position in the Classified Service. The classification of Community Wildfire Specialist is distinguished from the higher classification of Battalion Chief – Pre‑Fire Management & Wildfire Resilience in that the latter performs administrative duties and oversees the Department’s pre‑fire management and wildfire prevention program.

• Perform defensible space inspections. Maintain comprehensive and accurate inspection records.
• Increase 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.
• Program level development. Develop educational programs for communities to mitigate the effects of wildland fire impacts.
• Assess the need for vegetation management activities by consulting with fire suppression managers, conducting site surveys, and consulting with other government officials and property owners. Make recommendations on enhancements as appropriate.
• Administer, supervise, and direct community fuels management projects.
• Evaluate environmental impacts of proposed fuels management projects. Coordinate with governmental entities and land managers to ensure California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) standards for projects are met.
• Provide administrative support for assigned division such as typing, data entry, scheduling, answering phones, and filing.
• Manage schedules, appointments, and meetings for the division.
• Format, proofread, edit, and distribute general and routine correspondence, reports, forms, and other documents.
• Prepare logistics for meetings, workshops, and other division‑sponsored events.
• Operate office equipment such as computer, fax machines, copiers, or phone systems; maintain inventory of office supplies and program materials.
• Prepare notices and correction letters that outline vegetation management compliance issues and deficiencies, including correction method(s), time limits, and necessary remedial work required.
• Develop public education information and material and make public presentations.
• Meet with property owners, community groups and other governmental organizations in order to foster a collaborative approach to community wildfire resilience.
• Represent the District at Fire Safe Council and homeowner community meetings to provide relevant information to achieve program goals.
• Assist with implementation of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
• Write grant proposals and supervise/administer grant funds and projects.
• Accurately and efficiently assess ignition potential of vegetation and structures using scientifically based analysis and environmental best practices.
• Monitor enforcement activities and conduct follow‑up inspections.
• Investigate public and referred public agency complaints.
• Conduct or participate in a variety of analytical studies and surveys on organization, procedures, budgetary requirements, personnel management and other related management functions.
• Make recommendations, prepare and deliver written and oral reports on the findings of such studies and surveys.
• Interview and consult with departmental officials and employees, representatives from other organizations and groups,…