Fire Protection Specialist I

Observes, learns, and assists in fire prevention activities including public education and community risk reduction administration, planning, implementation, and evaluation; fire department access, water supply, and fire protection systems plan review; fire code inspection of buildings and structures; and fire origin and cause investigation.

• Observes and assists other team members in conducting fire and life safety education presentations.
• Practices safety during fire and life safety education activities, given a lesson plan and a list of equipment, so that fire and life safety activities are conducted without injury to educator or participants.
• Assists in the review of development submissions for compliance with fire code; researches code enforcement resources to provide service to the public; assists in handling public complaints, issuing citations, and maintaining department computer files, reports, and records.
• Observes and assists Fire Protection Specialist II perform fire safety and code enforcement inspections of new and existing structures and properties for construction, occupancy, and fire protection. 
• Assists and learns to conduct field verification of shop drawings, plans, and construction documents to ensure that they meet the intent of applicable codes and standards for fire and life safety.
• Observes and assists Fire Protection Specialist II review the proposed installation of fire protection systems, given shop drawings and system specifications for a process or operation, so that the system is reviewed for code compliance and installed in accordance with the approved drawings, and deficiencies are identified, documented, and reported in accordance with the applicable codes and standards and the policies of the jurisdiction.
• Observes and assists in fire origin and cause investigation.
• Attends continuing education classes to maintain and update knowledge and skills in the evolving field of fire prevention and community risk reduction.
• Maintains personal image and professionalism. 

Knowledge/ Skills:

• Knowledge of basic public speaking skills and methods;
• Some knowledge of fire protection technology, fire prevention practices, and inspection methods;
• Some knowledge of residential and commercial construction principles, practices, and materials; fire codes, insurance service organization standards; applicable State statutes and County ordinances; roads and fire hydrant locations; and the physical layout of buildings in Santa Fe County;  
• Ability to read and interpret building construction plans; deal with the public; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; handle stressful situations; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public.

• High school diploma or equivalent plus Firefighter 1 certification and one (1) year of experience as an active firefighter in a career or combination fire department.
• Must obtain an EMT Basic license by the State of New Mexico within one (1) year of hire.  
• Must possess a certification of completion of a defensive driving course within thirty (30) days of hire.

Working Conditions:
Work is performed in both an office setting and in the field, in varied weather conditions.  Work schedule may include evening and extended work hours.  Lifting up to 50 lbs., kneeling, stooping, and digging and excavating by hand required.  Arduous physical exertion may be required in unusual situations.  Manual and finger dexterity required.  May be subject to exposure to CRT’s, VDT’s, heat, smoke, contagious diseases, blood borne pathogens, and mental anguish under emergency conditions.
 
Conditions of Employment:
Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening. Selected candidate must possess an EMT Basic License from the State of New Mexico within one (1) year of hire and maintain licensure, failure to do so will result in termination of employment. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class E Driver’s License with no accountable violations during the past three (3) years as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties.