HomeMy WebLinkAbout06 - Temporary Employment Agreement for a Life Safety Specialist IIIQ �EwPpRT
CITY OF
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z NEWPORT BEACH
<,FORN'P City Council Staff Report
April 27, 2021
Agenda Item No. 6
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Jeff Boyles, Fire Chief - 949-644-3101, jboyles@nbfd.net
PREPARED BY: Lili Melero, Senior Fiscal Clerk, Imelero@nbfd.net, 949-644-3360
and Natalie May, Office Assistant, nmay@nbfd.net, 949-644-3353
TITLE: Resolution No. 2021-34: Temporary Employment Agreement for a
Life Safety Specialist III
ABSTRACT:
The Fire Department seeks to obtain authorization to temporarily rehire a retired
employee effective April 27, 2021, through April 27, 2022 to assume the duties of a Life
Safety Specialist III for plan check purposes. Staff is seeking City Council approval of a
Temporary Employment Agreement (Agreement) with a retired former City of Newport
Beach (City) employee.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because
this action will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly;
b) Approve Resolution No. 2021-34, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of
Newport Beach, Approving a Temporary Employment Agreement with Susan
Guzzetta; and
c) Authorize the Mayor, Fire Chief, and City Clerk to execute the Temporary Employment
Agreement with retired employee Susan Guzzetta to temporarily fill the Life Safety
Specialist III position.
DISCUSSION:
Council Policy F-14 requires the City Council to consider any contract with a person
formerly employed by the City of Newport Beach (City) within the past five years. The Fire
Department seeks to temporarily employ Susan Guzzetta as a Life Safety Specialist III.
She would serve on a part-time basis to assist the Fire Prevention Division with plan
check services.
Due to the Fire Marshal being on a temporary leave of absence, the department's current
Life Safety Specialist III has temporarily been assigned as the Acting Fire Marshal. This
has created an unexpected vacancy for a critical position within the department.
6-1
Resolution No. 2021-34: Temporary Employment Agreement
for a Life Safety Specialist III
April 27, 2021
Page 2
Per Government Code Section 21221(g), a resolution is required to allow a retired person
to serve as a temporary employee of the City of Newport Beach (City), without
reinstatement from retirement, if the employment is due to a leave of absence
(Attachment A).
Ms. Guzzetta was a long -tenured and well-respected City employee with over 30 years
in the profession of fire prevention and providing plan check services specifically for fire
and life safety requirements. She worked for the City for nearly 10 years until retiring in
December 2020.
Ms. Guzzetta is familiar with the City's plans, codes, and procedures, and she knows the
Fire Prevention staff well. She has the necessary knowledge, skills, and training to
perform the anticipated duties to assist the department in maintaining a high level of
customer service and no training will be required. In accordance with Government Code
Section 7522.56, the City has met the following requirements:
1. The Fire Department has a critical need to fill the vacant position of Life Safety
Specialist III before the 180 days have passed since the employee's retirement
under PERS rules.
2. The temporary employment agreement is being approved by the City Council via
the attached resolution.
3. The employee will not earn less than the minimum, nor exceed the maximum
salary for the assigned classification of Life Safety Specialist III.
4. Ms. Guzzetta has certified that she has not received unemployment insurance
compensation arising out of prior employment with a public employer during the
last 12 months.
If the agreement (Attachment B) is approved by the City Council, then the Fire Department
will engage with Ms. Guzzetta at a rate of $61.19 per hour, which is the highest
compensation for the Life Safety Specialist III classification. Ms. Guzzetta will not be
authorized to work or receive overtime, holiday, or any other incentive pay or benefits.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Fire Department's annual budget includes funding to contract for plan check services,
as the demand for these services typically fluctuates with the economy. The fiscal year
2021-22 budget includes sufficient funding for this agreement. The agreement will be
expensed to the Fire Department, Fire Prevention Division's Professional Services
Account (01040402-811008).
6-2
Resolution No. 2021-34: Temporary Employment Agreement
for a Life Safety Specialist III
April 27, 2021
Page 3
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Staff recommends the City Council find this action is not subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not
result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment)
and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA
Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no
potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.
NOTICING:
The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of
the meeting at which the City Council considers the item).
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A — Resolution No. 2021-34
Attachment B —Temporary Employment Agreement
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ATTACHMENT A
RESOLUTION NO. 2021- 34
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A
TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH
SUSAN GUZZETTA
WHEREAS, the City of Newport Beach ("City") requires a temporary Life Safety
Specialist III position to be filled within the Fire Department;
WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 21221(g) allows a retired person
to serve as a temporary employee with the City, without reinstatement from retirement, if
the employment is available due to a leave of absence granted to a person on payroll
status for a period not to exceed one year, and if the City finds such position to require
specialized skills;
WHEREAS, a current employee has been granted a leave of absence that is on
payroll status, and the position is being filled by another current employee in an "acting"
role, leaving the Life Safety Specialist III duties unfilled, which is found to be a position
that requires specialized skills;
WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 21221(8) requires the City to
report this appointment to the Board of Administration of the Public Employees'
Retirement System, and such report shall be accompanied by a resolution adopted by
the City Council;
WHEREAS, the temporary employment of the Life Safety Specialist III is desired
to be filled by the City through a temporary employment agreement ("Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, the Agreement shall be terminated at the end of the leave of absence,
which shall be no longer than one year.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Newport Beach resolves as
follows:
Section 1: The City Council does hereby approve the City entering into the
Agreement with Susan Guzzetta, which Agreement shall be approved as to form by the
City Attorney, pursuant to California Government Code Section 21221(g).
Section 2: The recitals provided in this resolution are true and correct and are
incorporated into the operative part of this resolution.
rom
Resolution No. 2021 -
Page 2 of 2
Section 3: If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this
resolution is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not
affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this resolution. The City
Council hereby declares that it would have passed this resolution, and each section,
subsection, sentence, clause or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or
more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid or
unconstitutional.
Section 4: The City Council finds the adoption of this resolution is not subject to
the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the
activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the
environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378)
of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3,
because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or
indirectly.
Section 5: This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the
City Council, and the City Clerk shall certify the vote adopting the resolution.
ADOPTED this 27th day of April, 2021.
Brad Avery
Mayor
FIX iIII M635
Leilani I. Brown
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
CITY ATTORNEY'S OFF E
C
Aaron C. Harp
City Attorney
6-5
Attachment B
Temporary Employment Agreement with Susan Guzzetta
0=0
POST RETIREMENT
TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
WITH SUSAN GUZZETTA FOR LIFE SAFETY SPECIALIST III SERVICES
THIS AGREEMENT FOR POST RETIREMENT TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT
("Agreement") is made effective as of the 27th day of April, 2021 ("Effective Date"), by and
between the City of Newport Beach, a California municipal corporation and charter city
("City") and SUSAN GUZZETA ("Employee") whose mailing address is on file with the
City, with reference to the following:
RECITALS
A. City is a municipal corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of
the State of California with the power to carry on its business as it is now being
conducted under the statutes of the State of California and the Charter of the City.
B. City requires temporary Life Safety Specialist III services to fill a critically needed
position within the Fire Department.
C. In accordance with Government Code Section 21221(g), Employee's services are
being retained by the City due to a leave of absence granted to a person on payroll
status for a period not to exceed one (1) year. Such duties are being filled by
another current employee in an "acting" role, leaving the Life Safety Specialist III
duties unfilled and found by the City to require specialized skills. The temporary
employment of the Life Safety Specialist III is desired to be filled by the City through
this Agreement, and shall be terminated at the end of the leave of absence.
D. The City desires to employ Employee on a provisional "at will" basis and to enter into
an Agreement with Employee for temporary Life Safety Specialist III employment
("Position") services upon the terms and conditions in this Agreement.
E. Employee is willing to accept such temporary employment on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, it is mutually agreed by and between the undersigned parties
as follows:
1. TERM
The term of this Agreement shall commence on April 27, 2021, or earlier as
directed, in writing, by the Fire Chief, and shall end April 27, 2022, unless terminated
earlier as provided herein.
2. SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED BY EMPLOYEE
2.1 Services shall include the following: Life Safety Specialist III, as further
described in the Job Description attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by
6-7
reference.
2.2 All duties shall be performed in compliance with City ordinances, policies,
rules and regulations. Employee shall familiarize him or herself with the City's Employee
Manual. At all times, Employee agrees to perform all services related to Employee's
employment hereunder faithfully and diligently and to discharge the responsibilities thereof
to the best of Employee's ability.
3. COMPENSATION
3.1 As consideration for the performance of specified services under this
Agreement Employee shall be compensated as follows:
3.1.1 Pay of Sixty -One Dollars and 191100 ($61.19) per hour for hours
worked pursuant to this Agreement. Employee shall be paid on a bi-weekly basis
corresponding to the City's payroll schedule and Employee is subject to State and Federal
income tax withholdings. $61.19 per hour shall be considered just compensation and no
additional benefits or holiday pay will be provided under this Agreement.
3.1.2 Employee shall maintain and submit complete records of time
expended pursuant to this Agreement and corresponding to City's payroll schedule.
4. HOURS
4.1 Hours of work are not guaranteed. Employee's services will be provided on
an as needed, per project basis, upon written request of the Department Director or City
Manager. Hours of work shall not exceed [insert position] hours per week.
4.2 It is expressly understood that Employee is a nonexempt Employee and
employment is for a provisional, "at will" position.
I+�slQ] JI1.16,19ZT-AIIs] kq
This Agreement will be administered by the Fire Department. The Fire Chief or
designee shall be the Administrator and shall have the authority to act for City under this
Agreement. The Administrator shall represent City in all matters pertaining to the services
to be rendered pursuant to this Agreement.
6. NOTICES
6.1 All notices, demands, requests or approvals, including any change in mailing
address, to be given under the terms of this Agreement shall be given in writing, and
conclusively shall be deemed served when delivered personally, or on the third business
day after the deposit thereof in the United States mail, postage prepaid, first-class mail,
addressed as hereinafter provided.
6.2 All notices, demands, requests or approvals from Employee to City shall be
addressed to City at:
Susan Guzzeta Page 2
Attn: Fire Chief
Fire Department
City of Newport Beach
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
6.3 All notices, demands, requests or approvals from City to Employee shall be
addressed to Employee at Employee's address on file with the City.
7. TERMINATION
7.1 Employee's employment is "at will" which means that Employee's
employment with City may be terminated at any time, with or without cause, by either party
by giving 24 hours prior written notice to the other party.
7.2 Provisional Employee shall mean any person who, pursuant to an
Appointment, contract or otherwise, performs work that is generally identified in the Annual
Budget and is of limited duration or seasonal in nature.
7.3 Employee's employment status cannot be changed except in writing on a form
signed by the Department Director, City Manager and Employee.
7.4 Nothing in this agreement shall prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with the
right of the Employee to resign at any time from the temporary position with the City.
7.5 No promises or representations regarding regular, full time or permanent
employment status have been made to Employee and Employee has no expectation of
permanent employment with the City. Furthermore, Employee has no expectation of Civil
Service classification, rights or status under this Agreement.
7.6 Upon termination of this Agreement, the City shall pay to Employee that
portion of compensation specified in this Agreement that is earned and unpaid prior to the
effective date of termination.
8. EFFECT OF PRIOR AGREEMENTS
This Agreement supersedes any prior agreement between the City and the
Employee, except that this agreement shall not affect or operate to reduce any benefit or
compensation inuring to the Employee of a kind elsewhere provided and not expressly
provided in this Agreement.
9. OWNERSHIP OF DOCUMENTS
Each and every report, draft, map, record, plan, document and other writing
produced (hereinafter "Documents"), prepared or caused to be prepared by Employee, in
the course of implementing this Agreement, shall become the exclusive property of City,
and City shall have the sole right to use such materials in its discretion without further
compensation to Employee or any other party.
Susan Guzzeta Page 3
Me
10. CONFIDENTIALITY
Employee shall hold and safeguard confidential information in trust for the City and
shall not, without the prior written consent of the City, misappropriate or disclose or make
available to anyone for use outside the City at any time, either during his employment with
the City or subsequent to the termination of his employment with the City for any reason,
including, without limitation, termination by the City for cause or without cause, any
confidential information, whether or not developed by Employee, except as required in the
performance of Employee's duties to the City. All documents, including drafts, preliminary
drawings or plans, notes and communications that result from the services in this
Agreement, shall be kept confidential unless City authorizes in writing the release of
information.
11. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
11.1 The Employee may be subject to the provisions of the California Political
Reform Act of 1974 (the "Act"), which (1) requires such persons to disclose any financial
interest that may foreseeably be materially affected by the work performed under this
Agreement, and (2) prohibits such persons from making, or participating in making,
decisions that will foreseeably financially affect such interest.
11.2 If subject to the Act, Employee shall conform to all requirements of the Act.
Failure to do so constitutes a material breach and is grounds for immediate termination of
this Agreement by City.
12. OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES
12.1 Employee is expected to devote his/her full time, attention and efforts to the
performance of his or her assigned duties. An Employee shall not engage in any outside
employment or business activities during his/her workday. An Employee shall not engage
in any employment, outside activity, or enterprise that is inconsistent, incompatible or in
conflict with, or that interferes with, his/her ability to perform the duties, functions, or
responsibilities of his/her Position.
12.2 Employees may obtain and/or maintain employment with persons or entities
other than the City or self-employment (outside employment) subject to written approval by
the Department Director.
13. STANDARD PROVISIONS
13.1 Recitals. City and Employee acknowledge that the above Recitals are true
and correct and are hereby incorporated by reference into this Agreement.
13.2 Compliance with all Laws. Employee shall, at its own cost and expense,
comply with all statutes, ordinances, regulations and requirements of all governmental
entities, including federal, state, county or municipal, whether now in force or hereinafter
enacted. In addition, all work prepared by Employee shall conform to applicable City,
county, state and federal laws, rules, regulations and permit requirements and be subject to
Susan Guzzeta Page 4
6-10
approval of the Department Director and City.
13.3 Conflicts or Inconsistencies. In the event there are any conflicts or
inconsistencies between this Agreement and the Job Description or any other attachments
attached hereto, the terms of this Agreement shall govern.
13.4 Waiver. A waiver by either party of any breach, of any term, covenant or
condition contained herein shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any subsequent breach of
the same or any other term, covenant or condition contained herein, whether of the same
or a different character.
13.5 Integrated Contract. This Agreement represents the full and complete
understanding of every kind or nature whatsoever between the parties hereto, and all
preliminary negotiations and agreements of whatsoever kind or nature are merged herein.
No verbal agreement or implied covenant shall be held to vary the provisions herein.
13.6 Interpretation. The terms of this Agreement shall be construed in accordance
with the meaning of the language used and shall not be construed for or against either party
by reason of the authorship of the Agreement or any other rule of construction which might
otherwise apply.
13.7 Amendments. This Agreement may be modified or amended only by a written
document executed by both Employee and City and approved as to form by the City
Attorney.
13.8 Severability. If any term or portion of this Agreement is held to be invalid,
illegal, or otherwise unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining
provisions of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.
13.9 Controlling Law and Venue. The laws of the State of California shall govern
this Agreement and all matters relating to it and any action brought relating to this Agreement
shall be adjudicated in a court of competent jurisdiction in the County of Orange, State of
California.
13.10 No Attorneys' Fees. In the event of any dispute or legal action arising under
this Agreement, the prevailing party shall not be entitled to attorneys' fees.
13.11 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall
constitute one (1) and the same instrument.
[SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE]
Susan Guzzeta Page 5
6-11
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed
on the dates written below.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH,
a California municipal corporation
Date -
Jeff Boyles
Fire Chief
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Date: 'f z'�"Z
By: d�
Aaron C. Harp
City Attorney
ATTEST:
Date:
Leilani I. Brown
City Clerk
Attachments
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH,
a California municipal corporation
Date:
By:
Brad Avery
Mayor
EMPLOYEE: Susan Guzzetta
Date-
By -
Susan Guzzetta
JEND OF SIGNATURES]
Exhibit A: Job Description
Susan Guzzeta Page 6
6-12
EXHIBIT A
JOB DESCRIPTION
Susan Guzzetta
Page A-1
6-13
LIFE SAFETY SPECIALIST
City of Newport Beach III Class Code:
300075
Bargaining Unit: Firefighter Association
CTY OF NEWPORT BEACH
Established Date: Nov 13, 2012
Revision Date: Dec 13, 2018
SALARY RANGE
$43.48 - 361.19 Hourly
$3,478,52 - $4,895.10 Biweekly
$7,536.79 - $10,606.04 Monthly
$90,441.52 - $127,272.50 Annually
DEFINITION:
The Life Safety Specialist is responsible for providing a variety of technical and professional
work in support of the Life Safety Services Division within the Fire Department. Depending on
assignment. work includes code enforcement and outreach activities promoting the
preservation of life and property, including field inspection, plans examination. data research
and analysis, community preparedness and education programs and activities.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Life Safety Specialist I- the Life Safety Specialist I is the entry level position in the Life
Safety Specialist series. Incumbents at this level have limited related experience and operate
under direct supervision, within a set procedural framework and perform the more routine and
less complex tasks of the Life Safety Specialist.
Life Safety Specialist II- the Life Safety Specialist II is the journey level position in the Life
Safety Specialist series. Incumbents at this level are experienced and perform the more
complex functions, have specialized training, and are expected to possess a strong working
knowledge of life safety programs, methods and procedures. When performing field
inspection work, incumbents at this level are expected to conduct the full range of fire
inspections and when performing community outreach and preparedness activities the
incumbent will exercise full program responsibility.
Life Safety Specialist III- the Life Safety Specialist III is the advanced level position in the
Life Safety Specialist series. Incumbents at this level have substantial experience in fire and
life safety code inspection plan review and community outreach and education. The Life
Safety Specialist III is primarily responsible for the analysis of construction drawings, data and
technical reports. Although work is normally performed independently, a collaborative
approach involving multiple professional disciplines is required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Life Safety Specialist at all levels receives
general supervision from the Fire Marshal or designee.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
The following essential functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not
perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different
functions from those below, to address business needs and changing business practices
6-14
LIFE SAFETY SPECIALIST Illi
• Serve as liaison and educator to the community including residents. visitors. and
businesses, to promote the preservation of life through compliance with life safety codes and
ordinances, emergency preparedness. and community education:
• Work collaboratively with Fire Department, Building Department. City Attorney's Office, Code
Enforcement staff, other governmental agencies, and related personnel on a variety of fire
and life safety prevention inspection enforcement and outreach activities;
• Maintain up-to-date records, write detailed reports. and maintain related files:
• Participate in a variety of special projects related to life safety activities,
• Respond to basic complaints from the general public, investigate complaints and resolve.. or
assist in resolving matters;
• Promote and coordinate awareness and preparation through emergency planning activities,
community education and outreach: assist in developing and facilitating educational programs
and services,
• Perform a variety of administrative, operational, research and analytical duties in support of
life safety programs: develop reports and recommend changes to policy and procedure. and
• Provide administrative and logistical support on a variety of department and City special
events as assigned
When Assigned to Fire Inspection Services:
• Conduct fire and life safety inspections on all occupancies to determine and enforce
compliance with state and local fire and €ife fire safety codes:
• Issue notices of violations warnings and citations. assist in preparing materials needed for
compliance;
• Examine construction drawings, equipment. standards, chemical inventories, and processes
to ensure compliance with applicable codes: conduct various basic plan reviews including
tenant improvements. fire alarms. fire suppression systems, and vegetative fuel management:
• Conduct vegetation management/nuisance inspections and ensure compliance with City
regulations; assist in the coordination of fire and life safety inspections of residential
properties in the wildland urban interface areas.
• Coordinate Fire Operations Inspection Program with suppression personnel. review
inspections to verify accuracy and completeness; assist in training Fire Department
Suppression personnel related to promoting life safety services, community education, and
the enforcement of codes and standards of Fire Operations occupancy inspections:
Conduct and/or facilitate high rise occupancy inspections and regulated/licensed occupancy
inspections: assist with difficult or non-compliant occupancies including any legal action
required to gain compliance.
Review. process, approve/deny permit applications such as special events and Fire Code
permits:
Assist in invoicing and processing required fees as needed. and
Coordinate the Business Emergency Plan electronic reporting requirements for all reportable
hazardous material facilities.
6-15
When Assigned to Community Preparedness Services:
• Plan, develop, and implement a comprehensive community outreach program emphasizing
disaster preparedness and community response; coordinate disaster preparedness programs
for businesses, schools, medical groups, home owners associations, and community groups;
-Coordinate community preparedness education and training materials; develop and
implement lesson plans and teach emergency response courses to various community,
business, and residential groups; plan and facilitate emergency preparedness events and
drills;
Assist in providing information to the public concerning Fire Department programs, services,
and activities; develop a variety of print and media communications including newsletters,
website updates, and memoranda; and
Assist in researching grant opportunities and draft grant proposals; coordinate, administer and
track community education grants.
LIFE SAFETY SPECIALIST III
In addition to the duties assigned above, the Life Safety Specialist 111 duties may include, but
are not limited to:
• Incorporate life safety provisions of adopted codes, ordinances and standards into the
development of a project through interaction with the development community and associated
project managers;
• Review complex planning and construction documents including plans and blueprints for
compliance with codes and standards to ensure all new construction and tenant
improvements meet fire and life safety requirements;
• Conduct the most complex inspections of commercial, industrial, institutional, public and
residential occupancies to determine compliance with codes and regulations; make
recommendations for improved fire and life safety protection;
• Serve as a member of the Development Review Committee (DRC); provide input and
recommendations concerning fire and life safety code requirements of proposed
developments;
• Meet with architects, builders, business owners, and other members of the public
concerning fire and life safety standards and compliance;
• Review, evaluate, and maintain files related to Life Safety activities; perform analysis and
data management of information and proposals related to life safety design; assist with life
safety code development processes; critically evaluate existing codes and standards and
recommend modifications;
• Inspect the installation of various fire protection systems; investigate applications for all new
permits for the monitoring of fire alarm systems; and
• Provide lead or technical direction to Life Safety staff; provide training and assist with
prioritizing work assignments.
QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability
required.
Knowledge of:
Life Safety 5pecialist I/II:
Accepted safety standards and methods of building construction;
California Fire and Building Codes and National Fire Protection Association Standards;
Pertinent Federal, State, and local rules, regulations, and ordinances including Newport
Beach Fire Department Standard Operating Procedures, General Orders, and Administrative
Guidelines;
Principles and techniques of municipal life safety services work including fire prevention, code
enforcement, community preparedness, and emergency planning activities;
Research methods and sources of information related to fire and safety inspection work:
Fire protection and alarm systems, and building construction;
Principles and guidelines of public education, community and emergency preparedness, and
customer relations;
Modern office practices, procedures, methods, equipment and software;
English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation;
Incident Command System (FIRESCOPE).
Life Safety Specialist III (in addition to the knowledge required above}_
Standard practices and procedures in the review and analysis of construction plan
documents;
Advanced practices and principles in the inspection and enforcement of fire and life safety
codes; and
Structural design and fire protection engineering principles.
Lb
ilityto:
Interpret and apply fire and life safety codes and standards;
Organize, coordinate assigned work, and report work progress;
Apply technical knowledge;
Analyze problems and develop logical solutions.-
Develop
olutions:Develop and implement emergency/community preparedness programs;
Promote life safety programs and principles;
Effectively enforce a variety of life safety and fire prevention codes;
Gain compliance through professionalism and education;
Read and interpret building plans, specifications, and building codes;
Perform mathematical calculations;
6-17
Be well organized and use effective time -management skills.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing,
Work creatively and collaboratively:
Establish and maintain cooperative working relations with those contacted in the course of
work,
Regularly and predictably attend work.
Follow directions from a supervisor:
Understand and follow posted work rules and procedures,
Accept constructive criticism; and
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationship with those contacted in the course of
work.
This position may be required to work overtime hours as needed.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in both an office and outdoor environment and will require travel to off-site
facilities. Job duties involve sitting. standing, climbing.. and walking for prolonged or
intermittent periods of time, and reaching. bending, and twisting at the waist to perform field
work. desk work. operate a vehicle and general office equipment. including a personal
computer and keyboard, for prolonged or intermittent periods of time. The operation of a
personal computer also requires finger and wrist dexterity and the ability to withstand
exposure to vibration, pitch and glare from the computer. Must be able to safely lift and carry
books, files and reports weighing up to 25 pounds. Must be able to lift files and reports from
counter tops or file drawers. Must be able to climb up and down moderate to steep slopes as
well as ladders to roofs of buildings under construction, have the ability to withstand exposure
to temperature variations. noise, vibrations, fumes, odors and dust: and to see and hear in the
normal range with or without correction.
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION AND LICENSE/ CERTIFICATE:
A combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge
and abilities may be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be
Experience:
Life Safety Specialist I. One year responsible level work experience in fire and life safety
prevention inspection building inspection, or community and emergency preparedness
program coordination.
Life Safety Specialist II Three years of related and increasingly responsible work experience
in fire and life safety prevention inspection, building inspection, or community and emergency
preparedness program coordination.
Life Safety Specialist III- Five years related and increasingly responsible work experience in
fire and life safety prevention. building inspection. or plan review.
Education:
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Life Safety Specialist I: A high school diploma or GED is required. An Associate's degree in
the construction trades, fire administration, public administration or related field is desirable.
Life Safety Specialist ll: Associate's degree is required. A Bachelor's degree in the
construction trades, fire administration, public administration or related field is desirable.
Life Safety Specialist III: Associate's degree is required. A Bachelor's degree in the
construction trades, fire administration, public adniinistration or related field is desirable.
License/Certificate:
Life Safety Specialist I: Certification as California State Fire Prevention Officer or I.C.C. Fire
Inspector I must be completed within 1 year from date of appointment.
Life Safety Specialist ll: Certification as California State Fire Protection Specialist or I.C.C.
Fire Inspector Il.
Life Safety Specialist III: Certification as California State Fire Plans Examiner or I.C.C. Fire
Plans Examiner or Fire Code Official.
Due to the performance of some field duties which require the operation of a personal or City
vehicle, a valid and appropriate California driver's license and an acceptable driving record
are required.
Please Note: Candidates deemed most qualified, as reflected in their application materials,
will be invited to continue in the recruitment process. The prospective candidate must
successfully complete a thorough background review, including being fingerprinted by the
Newport Beach Police Department. The resulting report of your conviction history, (if any), will
be evaluated along with the other information received in connection with your application.
Except as otherwise required by law, a criminal conviction will not necessarily disqualify you
from the position. The nature, date, surrounding circumstances, and the relevance of the
offense to the position applied for may, however, be considered.
Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, City of
Newport Beach Employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service
workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
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