Fire Prevention Trainee

Fire Prevention Trainee

The Orange County Fire Authority is currently accepting applications in anticipation of future vacancies for the position of Fire Prevention Trainee in the Community Risk Reduction Department. This recruitment will be used to establish an eligibility list for future vacancies.

CLASS SUMMARY : Incumbents are responsible, under close supervision in a training capacity, to learn to perform a wide variety of technical and specialized fire prevention activities, including fire safety inspections, hazardous materials disclosure, enforcement work, and routine review of various plans. Incumbents may be assigned to the Planning and Development Division, Wildland Pre-Fire Management Division, or the Prevention Field Services Division.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS : The Fire Prevention Trainee is the second level in an eight-level fire prevention series. The Fire Prevention Trainee is distinguished from the Senior Fire Prevention Specialist, which has lead responsibilities, and from the Fire Prevention Specialist, which is a journey-level position. Incumbents in this class perform work similar to the next higher level class, but assignments are reviewed more frequently and incumbents receive closer supervision. Work of increasing difficulty and complexity is assigned based upon experience acquired and familiarity with the work. Incumbents are required within one year from date of appointment to develop proficiency and knowledge necessary to advance to the next higher class. Incumbents do not obtain permanent status in this classification.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : Under supervision conducts inspections on construction sites and existing occupancies to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local fire codes and regulations. Under close supervision, review plans, blueprints, equipment, standards, chemical inventories, and processes to ensure compliance with safety requirements. Review, evaluate, process, and maintain a variety of files related to fire prevention activities. Complete data input and analysis of a variety of information related to fire prevention and occupancies. Drafts reports related to fire prevention activities. Research and learn to prepare and issue fire and life safety notices, permits, and correction letters that outline compliance issues and deficiencies. Assist the public, representatives of other public agencies, consultants, and other employers with technical inquiries. Research and apply current codes and the codes that were applicable at the time of construction. Attend a variety of continuing education classes, seminars, and / or meetings in an effort to learn applicable codes, regulations, policies, and procedures. Assist in conducting public outreach and training sessions for various customers and audiences. Learn to interpret and disseminate fire safety and code compliance materials and otherwise assists with public safety programs. Participate in a variety of special projects related to fire prevention activities. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS : An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. EDUCATION : High School Diploma, or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) EXPERIENCE : No experience required HIGHLY DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS : Associates Degree or higher International Code Council (ICC) Inspector I Certification or coursework CSFM Inspector I Certification or coursework Leadership experience LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS : Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License is required at time of appointment.

KNOWLEDGE OF : Strong verbal and interpersonal skills; Report writing methods; Mathematical concepts; Customer service principles.

SKILL IN : Using computers and applicable software applications; Providing customer service; Performing mathematical calculations; Maintaining records; Handling multiple tasks simultaneously; Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS : Recruitment Closes - Monday, December 15, 2025 at 11 : 59 pm Written Exam - Week of January 12, 2026 Oral Interviews - Week of February 2, 2026 Selection Interviews - Week of February 17, 2026 Anticipated Start Date - April 6, 2026

WRITTEN EXAMINATION : The minimum passing score is 80%. The written exam will have a weight of 40% of the candidate's overall score. Top scoring candidates will be invited to the panel oral interview. PANEL ORAL INTERVIEW : The minimum passing score is 80%. The panel interview will have a weight of 60% of the candidate's overall score. Candidates with the highest combined scores will be invited to the selection interview.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS : Positions in this class may typically require : climbing, balancing, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, driving, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Medium Work : Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and / or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and / or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. WORKING CONDITIONS : Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, work space restrictions, intense noises and travel. NOTE : The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department.

PRE-HIRE REQUIREMENTS : Before an employee is hired, he / she must successfully complete pre-employment requirements including, but not limited to : fingerprinting and background check, reference check, DMV check, licensure / certification check, Oath of allegiance to the United States of America and the State of California, and proof of eligibility to work in the United States in accordance with Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986. All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment medical exam including a drug screen through the OCFA's designated physician.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION : When the recruitment opens for this position, an applicant must submit, during the application filing period, an online application and attach any supplemental information as required in the job announcement which may include submitting responses to a supplemental questionnaire. Online resumes and other unsolicited materials may be attached, but will not be considered in lieu of the required online application, unless otherwise specified in the job announcement. The OCFA reserves the right to limit the number of online applications when necessary. Applicants are responsible for maintaining / updating their contact information through the online application system.

SELECTION PROCEDURES : INITIAL SELECTION REVIEW : The Human Resources Department reviews all initial application materials to identify qualified applicants. Applicants meeting minimum qualifications will be invited to the first phase of the recruitment process. The OCFA reserves the right to refer only the better qualified applicants if the number of applicants is high. If the number of applicants is high, the review process may include a secondary screening of the applications and / or supplemental questionnaires in which the better qualified applicants are referred to the next phase of the recruitment process. Because recruitment processes vary, applicants are advised to thoroughly review the job announcement before submitting their online application materials. TESTING : Testing for this position or any other position may include, but is not limited to the following : written exam, practical exam, panel interview, physical ability test, assessment center, oral presentation, project assignment, etc. If a revision is made to a testing component during a recruitment process, the assigned recruiter will notify by email all affected applicants.