BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. For information click here . In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

We are accepting applications to establish an employment list for current and future full-time vacancies in the Santa Ynez Valley. The current vacancy is with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

THE POSITION: Under immediate supervision, performs a variety of technical duties in the field and office which include plan and permit reviews, and inspections of residential, commercial and/or industrial facilities, and fire suppression equipment for compliance with laws, ordinances and regulations pertaining to the control and prevention of fires; plans and facilitates a program of fire prevention training for Fire District employees and provides informational education for the public; performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Fire Inspector I/II is a flexibly staffed series. The Fire Inspector I/II is a non-safety classification. The Fire Inspector I is the entry level, and operates under the immediate supervision of a Fire Captain. The classification is considered entry level in that there is no requirement for possession of knowledge or training specific to the job field prior to employment (e.g. principles and application of building construction in fire service, fire ordinances, policies, rules and regulations that govern the operation of the Fire District, CA State Fire Marshal's regulations and prevailing practices in fire prevention, Fire Code and Building Code, or modern fire suppression and prevention methods and theories). The incumbent will attend extensive training in these areas while employed at the entry level, and will be expected to gain independence of action and responsibility with on the job training and experience.

NOTE: Candidates may be appointed at the I or II level, depending on their qualifications and the needs of the department.

1. Performs fire and safety inspections and issues operational permits (where applicable) for buildings, occupancies, special events, and facilities for compliance with pertinent codes and regulations; reviews applicable plans or permit applications and maintains open dialog with applicants regarding status; conducts site visits and inspections; determines whether operational permits are required; determines compliance with pertinent codes and regulations.
2. Reads, interprets, and enforces Federal, State and County Fire Prevention and Life-Safety codes and regulations; keeps current on applicable codes and regulations.
3. Inspects fire suppression and detection equipment for proper design, installation and maintenance; conducts site visits and inspections of such equipment; determines compliance with pertinent codes and regulations; creates and maintains record of inspections.
4. Investigates complaints or allegations of code violations; receives and documents details of complaint from complainant; conducts site visits and inspections as necessary to determine whether such violations exist; instructs residents or owners on required corrections as needed; creates and maintains record of inspections.
5. Develops and coordinates training for Fire District employees; educates the public on fire prevention strategies, and provides information on Fire Prevention measures.
6. Creates and maintains documents for file records, enters and updates spreadsheets, and maintains files in the record management system; utilizes county phone and computer systems for business correspondence, general communication and scheduling.
7. Assigned special projects, and performs other duties as assigned.

1. Possession of an Associate's degree from an accredited college, preferably in Fire Science, Fire Technology, or a related field; OR,
2. Two years of responsible administrative or technical experience working in a public capacity within a regulatory, inspection, safety, enforcement or related environment. This experience must have included the interpretation and application of established policy, regulations or codes, and regular contact or business correspondence with the public, contractors, business owners, or government agencies; OR,
3. A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Additional Qualifications:
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License at the time of appointment.
Incumbents must successfully complete Fire Inspector I and Fire Inspector II certifications issued by the California Office of the State Fire Marshal within two years of hire as a condition of continued employment.

Knowledge of: Modern office methods, practices and procedures including business correspondence requiring both speed and accuracy.

Ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships and provide courteous service with fire personnel, other agencies, city/county officials, contractors and the public; compile data and prepare correspondence; comprehend and follow oral and written instructions including departmental policies, regulations and instruction in established fire prevention procedures; operate office equipment such as computers and software applications; communicate effectively in an oral and written manner.

Desirable Qualifications:

Knowledge of: Principles and application of building construction in fire service, ordinances, policies, rules and regulations that govern the operation of the Fire District; CA State Fire Marshal's regulations and prevailing practices in fire prevention, Fire Code and Building Code; modern fire suppression and prevention methods and theories.

Ability to: Analyze fire prevention problems and adopt an effective course of action.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
2. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking Assessment to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

NOTE: Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by the Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability. To receive veteran's preference points, you must: (1) check the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 to the Human Resources Department on or before the test date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.

Conditional Offer: Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Background Check: A background investigation will be conducted. Current or excessive use of drugs, sale of drugs, serious criminal history, or deception relating to employment may bar employment. The background check includes a live scan screening.

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

COVID-19 Vaccination Verification and Testing: This position may be subject to State Health Officer Orders (SHOOs) or County policy regarding vaccine verification and/or testing. Please contact the hiring department for more information.

Statement of Commitment
The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.

We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.

We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County’s mission and to embody a culture of “One County, One Future.” Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.

We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 08/31/2023 at 4:59 PM PST. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.



If you have any questions, please email Kari Burks at FireDGHR@sbcfire.com.