Firefighter/Security Officer Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established July 26, 1972

Scope

This series specification describes three classes in California state facilities which perform both fire suppression and security functions at a State-managed institution or military installation. Employees in these classes alternate between fire suppression and security duties on a regular basis as assigned. While acting in the capacity of security personnel, employees perform limited peace officer functions and are armed.

Definition of Series

Firefighter/Security Officer personnel either direct, supervise, or perform both fire suppression and security duties.

While engaged in fire suppression activities, Firefighter/Security Officer incumbents respond to fire alarms and take action to extinguish fires, minimize fire and water damage, and prevent injury and loss of life; operate nozzles, fittings, cellar pipes, hoses, ladders, and forceable entry tools; operate, inspect, maintain, and repair fire-fighting equipment, including vehicles, and fire protection equipment, including sprinklers, standpipes, automatic and manual alarms; install, maintain, and recharge fire extinguishers; participate in fire drills and training; investigate fires to determine causes and recommend preventive measures; administer first aid; maintain records and prepare reports.

While performing security duties, Firefighter/Security Officer incumbents conduct foot and motor patrol of grounds, buildings, and storage areas, which may include ammunition storage facilities; maintain order and discipline; protect life and property; apprehend unauthorized privately-owned vehicles and firearms; direct traffic; enforce vehicle and parking regulations; issue citations; search and detain or arrange for search and interrogation of suspects; operate radio equipment; collect and mark evidence for investigations of suspected wrongdoing; prepare reports; maintain vehicle and pedestrian controls; maintain continuing liaison between local law enforcement agencies and the State of California.

Entry Level

Entry into this series is typically at the level of Firefighter/Security Officer.

Factors Affecting Position Allocation

Independence of action, level of responsibility, number of employees led/ supervised and level of administrative duties.

Definition of Levels

Firefighter/Security Officer

This is the entry journey level for this series. Under the direction of a Captain Firefighter/Security Officer or higher level, employees in this class perform the full range of fire suppression and post security duties.

Captain Firefighter/Security Officer

This is the full journey and leadperson level in this series. Under general supervision of the Chief Firefighter/Security Officer, incumbents lead a crew of Firefighter/Security Officers during an assigned shift and/or assist the Chief Firefighter/Security Officer with the administration of fire suppression and security operations.

Chief Firefighter/Security Officer

This is the supervisory level in this series. Under direction, incumbents plan, organize, coordinate and direct the activities of personnel engaged in both fire suppression and post security operations.

Minimum Qualifications

All Levels:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.

Firefighter/Security Officer

Either I

Experience: One year of fire prevention and suppression experience.

Or II

Education: Completion of the requirements for the community college Fire Technology Certificate (30 semester units). (Applicants who have completed 15 of the 30 semester units required for the Fire Technology Certificate may be admitted into the examination but must have completed all the requirements for the certificate before appointment.)

Or III

Possession of a Firefighter I certificate issued by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Captain Firefighter/Security Officer

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Firefighter/Security Officer.

Or II

One year of experience supervising a group of Firefighters.

Chief Firefighter/Security Officer

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Captain Firefighter/Security Officer.

Or II

Three years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Firefighter/Security Officer.

Or III

One year of experience directing the activities of an entire fire suppression program at a large institution.

Knowledge and Abilities

Firefighter/Security Officer

Knowledge of: Firefighting methods and equipment.

Ability to: Read and write at a level appropriate for successful job performance; learn and apply modern methods of fire suppression and security enforcement; understand oral and written instructions; analyze potential emergency situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action; deal effectively and courteously with people; maintain records, write reports. Willingness to perform routine, repetitive, and frequently disagreeable tasks. Proper use and care of firearms is required.

Captain Firefighter/Security Officer

Knowledge of: Firefighting methods and equipment; use and maintenance of firefighting vehicles; first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation; methods, principles, laws, and regulations related to maintaining security at a military installation or a State institution.

Ability to: All of the above, and lead, schedule and train employees; recommend changes and improvements in fire suppression and security operations.

Chief Firefighter/Security Officer

Knowledge of: All of the above, and principles of organization and management of fire suppression and security operations; principles of personnel management; principles and methods of governmental budget preparation; the department's affirmative action objectives; a supervisor's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives; principles of supervision and training.

Ability to: All of the above, and plan, organize and coordinate the activities of a fire suppression, fire prevention, rescue and security organization; analyze potential fire protection and security problems and implement preventive measures; develop and administer sound departmental policies; prepare budget recommendations for fire suppression and security programs; understand and effectively carry out State and departmental equal employment opportunity and affirmative action policies.

Job Characteristics

All Levels:

Satisfactorily complete a training course pursuant to the provisions of Penal Code 832 prior to the completion of their probationary period. On or after July 1989, satisfactory completion of the course shall be demonstrated by passage of an appropriate examination developed or approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.

Special Personal Characteristics

All Levels:

Tact, emotional stability, and good judgment.

Special Physical Characteristics

All Levels:

Possession and maintenance of sufficient strength, endurance and agility necessary to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation; hearing, vision and color vision sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Citizenship Requirement

All Levels:

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 filing date for this examination. The one-year requirement does not apply to permanent resident aliens who have applied for peace officer classes prior to their 19th birthday.

Minimum Age

All Levels:

Departments Participating in POST: Must meet minimum age requirement to be appointed as a California peace officer per the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and in accordance with Government Code section 1031.4.

Departments not participating in POST: Must meet minimum age required by Government Code section 1031(b).

Felony Disqualification

All Levels:

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.

Class History