State Fire Marshal Trainee
California State Personnel Board Specification
Definition
The essential purpose of positions in this class is to provide training in the various State Fire Marshal Programs and to develop knowledge and ability for advancement to the next higher class of Deputy State Fire Marshal, Arson and Bomb Investigation Assistant, or Fire Service Training Specialist.
As such, incumbents in this classification, under close supervision, either learn fire behavior, building construction and fire prevention, fire scene and criminal investigation, or fire training methods, regulations, statutes, and codes related to the Office of the State Fire Marshal; observe and/or assist in fire and life safety inspections, fire scenes investigation and developing fire training courses; and attend assigned instructional courses.
Incumbents in this class will be designated peace officers. Incumbents assigned to the fire prevention and fire training programs will be designated peace officers under the authority of the State Fire Marshal. Incumbents assigned to the arson and bomb program will be designated peace officers under the authority of the Penal Code and required to meet Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) requirements during the 12-month probationary period.
Typical Tasks
The trainee becomes familiar with forms, logs, files and terminology used in all programs enforceable by the State Fire Marshal; studies organization of State Government and the legislative process of adopting statutes, and the preparation and adoption of regulations to implement the statutes; studies Titles 19 and 24 of the California Administrative Code, the Uniform Building Code, the Penal Code, and other related codes; studies Plan Review procedures; studies criminal and investigative procedures; becomes familiar with Office procedures and policies; attends meetings; and may assist higher level staff in administering tests for fire extinguisher and pyrotechnic operators' licenses, field inspections, fire scene investigations, or presentation of fire training courses. In accordance with the trainee's program assignment (i.e., Arson, Inspection, or Fire Training) the Trainee accompanies, observes, and assists higher level staff conducting inspections for compliance with the standards of the State Fire Marshal, participating in Fire Prevention Officer meetings, assisting local fire departments, carrying out public awareness activities, arson investigations, and fire service training. Trainee may be assigned to attend specific community college classes, classes coordinated by the State Fire Marshal, or other classes that may be available.
Minimum Qualifications
Either I
Experience: One Year of Employment in the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Or II
One year of experience in any field leading to knowledge of fire suppression/prevention public safety, law enforcement, regulatory compliance, public education/training, or building trades. and
Education: Successful completion of two of the following courses in Fire Technology or Administration of Justice (these must be equivalent to six semester units).
Introduction to Fire Technology Fire Equipment and Systems Fundamentals of Fire Prevention Fire Investigation Fundamentals of Fire Protection Introduction to Law Enforcement Fundamentals of Fire Behavior and Introduction to Criminal Control Investigation Current enrollment in any of the above courses will admit candidates to the examination; successful completion of all unit requirements must occur before appointment (units may be challenged by State Board of Fire Services certified courses in the same basic subject matter as determined appropriate by the State Fire Marshal). Or IIIEducation: An Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science Degree in either Fire Technology or Administration of Justice.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and modern English usage.
Ability to: Make mathematical calculations; learn fire prevention principles and the methods of conducting fire prevention inspections; learn fire cause and criminal investigative techniques; learn instructor and instructional principles and methods; interpret and apply laws, rules and regulations; prepare clear and concise reports; follow oral or written directions; deal tactfully and effectively with those contacted in the work; analyze situations and recommend an effective course of action.
Special Personal Characteristics
Willingness to work throughout the State and to work evenings, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays; physical fitness, emotional and psychological stability; possession of a valid California driver's license and good driving record. Applicants who do not possess this license will be admitted to the examination but must secure the license prior to appointment.
Additional Desirable Qualifications
Demonstrated interest in and involvement with the fire services and/or law enforcement community.
Felony Disqualification
Existing law provides that persons convicted of a felony are disqualified from employment as peace officers. Such persons are not eligible to compete for, or be appointed to, positions in this class.
Citizenship Requirements
Existing law provides that peace officers be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for U.S. citizenship at least one year prior to the final file date for the examination. The one-year requirement does not apply to permanent resident aliens who have applied for peace officer classes prior to their nineteenth birthday.
