Title
Human Resources Department and the Office of Wildfire Prevention and Resilience, a division of the Chief Administrative Office, recommending the Board:
1) Approve and adopt the new department-specific classification of Defensible Space Inspector Supervisor; and
2) Adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 147-2024 to approve the Job Class Number, bargaining unit, and salary range for the new department-specific classification of Defensible Space Inspector Supervisor and add 1.0 FTE Defensible Space Inspector Supervisor allocation in the Office of Wildfire Prevention and Resilience.
FUNDING: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Funding through FY 2025-26 (25%) and General Fund (75%).
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Human Resources collaborated with the Chief Administrative Office (CAO) Office of Wildfire Prevention and Resilience (OWPR) division to create the Sr. Defensible Space Inspector classification and has now worked with them to develop the Defensible Space Inspector Supervisor classification. To further enhance the County's wildfire resiliency efforts, Human Resources and OWPR propose the addition of a Defensible Space Inspector Supervisor position to oversee the daily operations and activities of Defensible Space Inspectors and implement comprehensive county-wide Defensible Space Program initiatives aimed at reducing wildfire risks across communities.
The Defensible Space Inspector Supervisor will coordinate and supervise the day-to-day work of Defensible Space Inspectors, ensuring compliance with Chapter 8.09 of the County’s Code of Ordinances. This role involves staff supervision, performance evaluations, hiring, and maintaining training and work standards. The Supervisor, in coordination with the Program Manager, will engage in strategic planning, program evaluation, and public education, creating and assessing policies to recommend improvements based on current fire prevention research and practices. Additionally, they will collaborate with other County departments, local and state fire agencies, and community organizations to enhance defensible space initiatives and lead staff training on advanced defensible space and home hardening techniques, customer service, public outreach and education, and enforcement protocols.
In addition to supervising daily operations under the Defensible Space Program, this position will also be responsible for overseeing the County’s Firewise Communities program and implementation of defensible space and home hardening assessments under the County’s Weber Creek Project funded under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The Supervisor will play a critical role in ensuring assessments are conducted in accordance with HMGP guidelines, verifying recommendations are consistent with program criteria, and that mitigation measures implemented are completed accordingly.
Furthermore, the Supervisor will manage the collection, analysis, and reporting of operational data to evaluate program effectiveness and inform strategic planning. By utilizing advanced technology and software for data management, geographic information systems (GIS), and operational analytics, the Supervisor will enhance the program’s efficiency and effectiveness. Representing the County in meetings with government agencies, fire safe councils, Firewise Community groups, and the public, the Supervisor will present program goals and metrics, and educate the community on the Defensible Space Program and general wildfire prevention and preparedness strategies.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to approve the recommendations and direct Human Resources to make revisions or conduct additional analysis.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
Legistar file 21-0756 - May 18, 2021 - Creation and addition of Sr. Defensible Space Inspector
Legistar file 24-0422 - April 2, 2024 - Adoption of Resolution 047-2024, adding 4.0 FTE OWPR Allocations, including 2.0 FTE Defensible Space Inspector I/II.
Legistar file 23-1644 - July 16, 2024 - County Ordinance 5186, amending Chapter 8.09 - Hazardous Vegetation and Defensible Space.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
CAO - Office of Wildfire Prevention and Resilience
Public Employees, Local #1
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
OWPR plans to conduct an internal recruitment for this position and not backfill the position if an internal candidate is selected. The estimated increase to Net County Costs of adding this position during Fiscal Year 2024-25 is approximately $6,144. With the ongoing evolution of OWPR and the Defensible Space Program, OWPR will continue to evaluate staffing needs and additional funding opportunities to offset costs.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Upon Board adoption and approval, please provide a copy of the executed Resolution to Heather Andersen in Human Resources.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Workforce Excellence
Action Item: Attract and retain the best employees by providing competitive compensation, training, and advancement opportunities, and creating a positive and thriving culture.
CONTACT
Joseph Carruesco, Director of Human Resources
Tom Meyer, Program Manager - OWPR