Fire Chief, Correctional Facility
California State Personnel Board Specification
Definition
Under direction, to plan, organize and direct all fire prevention, fire suppression, fire education and training program activities of a correctional facility; to plan, organize and supervise a hazardous materials program that includes storage, use control and disposal of all hazardous substances, ensuring compliance with Federal, State and local regulations by the correctional facility; to supervise employees and inmates in said activities; to promote acceptable attitudes and behavior of inmates under supervision; and to do other related work.
Typical Tasks
Directs inmates and employees in the fire prevention and firefighting activities of a State correctional facility; secures and trains staff and rates their performance and takes or recommends appropriate action; takes command at the scene of a fire and directs fire- fighting, rescue, and evacuation operations; investigates causes of fire; gathers evidence and prepares reports for arson prosecution; supervises the care, maintenance and proper operation of fire- fighting/emergency equipment and the fire station; directs a training program for inmate and employee fire fighters using the State Fire Marshal's recommended training programs; cooperates with the State Fire Marshal's office in fire prevention activities; makes regular and frequent inspections of the correctional facility for fire and safety hazards and directs hazard reduction activities; notes, reports on, and makes recommendations to correct health hazards and unsanitary conditions; develops procedures and provides technical assistance for the safe use, storage and disposal of hazardous substances and equipment; inspects and maintains all fire- fighting/emergency equipment throughout the correctional facility including the testing of automatic sprinklers and fire alarm systems; cooperates with the Office of Emergency Services and the Department of Forestry under the terms of mutual aid agreements with those agencies and directs correctional facility fire forces on fires outside the facility; develops and enforces safety regulations and procedures to be followed by all fire fighters and other correctional facility personnel; serves as a member of the facility safety committee; assesses and prepares damage cost estimates; as a representative of the State Fire Marshal, reviews all plans for building additions, alterations and new construction for compliance with laws and regulations; prepares operating expense and equipment replacement budget recommendations and justifications; takes periodic counts of inmates under supervision; searches inmates for contraband and weapons; inspects the firehouse for contraband; reports infractions of rules and regulations and irregular or suspicious activities, and takes or recommends appropriate action; prevents escapes and injury by inmates to themselves and to property; promotes acceptable attitudes and behavior of inmates under supervision; rates inmates on conduct and productivity; participates in inmate counseling programs; keeps records and prepares reports.
Minimum Qualifications
Either I
One year of experience performing the duties of a Fire Fighter, Correctional Institution, in the Department of Corrections.
Or II
Three years of experience performing the duties of an Institution Fire Fighter (Part Time) in the Department of Corrections.
Or III
Experience: Two years of experience in structural fire fighting. and
Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Use and upkeep of motorized fire-fighting equipment; modern fire-fighting methods, tools, and equipment; methods used in protecting property against fire and panic; penal practices and purposes and methods of discipline as applied to persons under restraint; first aid; rules and regulations pertaining to fire prevention and fire safety in State institutions; department's Affirmative Action Program and the objectives; a manager's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.
Ability to: Supervise the work of others; control, direct, and instruct inmates individually and in groups; organize, train, and direct an institution fire department in fire prevention, fire suppression and rescue work; interpret and enforce institution rules and regulations with firmness, tact, and impartiality; rate the conduct and production of inmates accurately and impartially; analyze situations and take effective action; prepare cost and damage estimates; prepare budget recommendations; review construction plans for conformance with safety principles; keep records and prepare reports; effectively contribute to the department's affirmative action objectives.
Special Personal Characteristics
Sympathetic and objective understanding of prison inmates; leadership ability; tact; courage; alertness; willingness to work at night and to report for duty whenever emergencies arise; normal hearing; sound physical condition; strength; endurance and agility.
Desirable Qualifications
Possession of a certificate issued by the California State Board of Fire Services as a Certified Fire Officer or the equivalent college course work in Fire Science.
Drug Testing Requirement
Applicants for positions in this class are required to pass a drug screening test. (The drug screening test will be waived for employees who are currently in a designated "Sensitive" class for which drug testing is required under State Personnel Board Rule 213.)
