Fire Prevention Intern - Non-Paid

City of San Marcos • San Marcos, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This volunteer opportunity is for a Fire Prevention Intern who will learn the processes involved in fire safety inspections and assist with basic inspections of various occupancies to ensure compliance with state and local fire and building codes. The intern will also assist prevention staff with inspections for new construction and tenant improvements. Responsibilities include learning to perform a wide range of administrative duties within the Fire Prevention Bureau. The intern is required to commit to a minimum of 6 hours per week for a one-year, non-paid internship. The intern must reside within the Department Residency Boundary (San Diego, Riverside, Orange, or Los Angeles counties). This internship is designed to provide knowledge and skills in conducting fire and life safety inspections, understanding fire protection systems, researching and applying fire codes, weed abatement inspections, and evaluating new businesses for fire and life safety.

Requirements

• Education equivalent to graduation from high school.
• Specialized classes in fire prevention or building construction.
• Any combination of course work and experience which provide the necessary knowledge and ability to effectively perform the duties of the position.
• Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Certification from California State Fire Marshal in Fire Inspector 1A.
• Ability to learn to perform and conduct inspections and detect violations of applicable codes and regulations.
• Ability to learn to read, apply and interpret codes, regulations and building plans.
• Ability to participate in training in subjects such as fire prevention and conducting inspections.
• Ability to establish and maintain credibility and effective working relationships with City employees and the public.
• Ability to use good judgment within the scope of assigned authority.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to keep accurate records and prepare comprehensive verbal and written reports.
• Ability to operate a computer terminal to enter and retrieve data.
• Ability to prepare and present professional fire safety presentations to civic organizations.
• Ability to demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Ability to operate Fire Department owned vehicles.
• Ability to operate radio/telephone equipment.
• Ability to operate computers.
• Ability to operate flashlights and miscellaneous hand tools related to assigned areas such as hydrant testing equipment, video-camera and equipment, cameras, overhead and slide projectors, fire investigation tool kit, and miscellaneous tools for fire scene investigations.

Nice To Haves

• Certification in Fire Inspector 1B, 1C and 1D is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist with and perform basic fire safety inspections of various occupancies to determine compliance with state and local fire and building codes.
• Assist prevention staff with inspections for new construction and tenant improvements.
• Perform a wide range of administrative duties within the Fire Prevention Bureau.
• Conduct annual fire and life safety inspections of all occupancies.
• Conduct construction and tenant improvement inspections.
• Operate and inspect various fire protection systems.
• Research, interpret, and apply fire and life safety codes.
• Perform duties of weed abatement inspector and assist with site inspections and notification processes.
• Evaluate and inspect new businesses for fire and life safety.
• Assist staff with miscellaneous inspections (e.g., sprinkler systems, fire alarms, special extinguishing systems).
• Receive training in alternate methods and materials.
• Follow up for compliance with codes when violations or deficiencies are noted.
• Prepare letters, memos, inspection records, and technical reports.
• Maintain reports and records.
• Learn applicable fire code sections and proper storage requirements of hazardous materials.
• Perform technical fire safety inspections of industrial, commercial, and residential properties.
• Assist staff with and learn plan check duties.
• Communicate with consultants, city/county staff, architects, and contractors on project requirements.
• Assist with issuing permits (burning, tents, pyrotechnics, model rockets, etc.).
• Assist with public presentations on fire safety and fire prevention topics.
• Present programs to civic groups and participate in public relations programs.
• Assist in training city employees in fire prevention and protection techniques.
• Assist with the inspection or investigation of citizen complaints about potential fire hazards.
• Assist in evaluating fire hazards and performing inspections of overgrown vegetation.
• Shadow staff during meetings with citizen groups, organizations, contractors, architects, engineers, and developers regarding fire protection systems, access requirements, building requirements, and other fire prevention life safety issues.
• Perform other related duties as required.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED