Community Risk Reduction Intern at City of San Luis Obispo – San Luis Obispo, California

This is a part-time, temporary position, not to exceed 1,000 hours per year, with no benefits

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:

The successful candidate for the Community Risk Reduction Intern position is a motivated, community-oriented individual with a strong interest in wildfire prevention, public safety, and environmental stewardship. This individual is passionate about protecting lives, property, and natural resources through education, outreach, and proactive risk reduction.

They are comfortable working directly with the public and excel at communicating complex fire safety concepts such as defensible space, home hardening, and the 2025 California WUI Code in a clear, respectful, and approachable manner. The ideal candidate understands that effective community risk reduction depends not only on technical knowledge but also on empathy, professionalism, and the ability to build trust with residents from diverse backgrounds.

This candidate is dependable, self-motivated, and able to work both independently and as part of a team. They are willing to learn, receptive to feedback, and committed to continuous personal and professional development. They demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to accurately document inspections using photographs, field notes, and digital reporting tools.

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the San Luis Obispo Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau, the Community Risk Reduction Intern (CRR) will assist in community outreach and public education programs for wildfire prevention and preparedness. The CRR Intern’s primary objective is strengthening public preparedness through community engagement. CRR Interns may conduct field assessments of structures throughout the City of San Luis Obispo to ensure compliance with Public Resources Code (PRC) §4291, California Government Code (CGC) §51182, and local defensible space ordinances. The CRR Inter will support the Department’s mission “To enhance and protect lives, environment, and property of our community and its visitors”. The CRR Intern will demonstrate the SLO FIRE Values through public education and Detailed Home Assessments (DHA).

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

This classification receives training in Community Education and Detailed Home Assessment (DHA) involving Defensible Space and Home Hardening. The Community Risk Reduction Intern is distinguished from other interns as they are forward facing to the community in the area of Defensible Space. They provide education to the homeowner or to community groups pertaining to the 2025 California WUI Code. Similar to a Fire and Life Inspector, the CRR Intern will provide homeowners with assessments and recommendations to create a defensible space around their home and make recommendations for next steps.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Works under the immediate supervision of the Fire Marshal but may receive direction from the Deputy Fire Chief, Fire Training Captain, Fire Inspectors or an assigned Firefighter or other Fire Department staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Assist in community outreach and public education programs on wildfire prevention and preparedness.
• Educate property owners, residents, and contractors on best practices for fire-safe landscaping, vegetation clearance, and fuel reduction.
• Perform residential and commercial property inspections to evaluate compliance with PRC §4291, GC §51182, and local defensible space regulations.
• Issue home assessment documentation per San Luis Obispo City Fire Department policy.
• Document inspection results with photographs, field notes, and digital reporting systems.
• Coordinate with fire prevention staff, code enforcement, and emergency response personnel to support vegetation management and fire safety initiatives.
• Safely operate department vehicles and equipment when performing field duties.
• Supports business and self-inspection program by tracking inspections and recordkeeping.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Effective interpersonal communication skills within a work team and with the general public.
• Basic knowledge of wildfire behavior, fire prevention principles, and California defensible space laws.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective public interaction and education.
• Familiarity with mobile inspection tools, GPS, and electronic reporting systems preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply state and local fire codes and vegetation management regulations.
• Work independently and outdoors in varied terrain and weather conditions including in spaces with exposure to heat, dust, smoke, vegetation, and uneven terrain.
• Lift and carry equipment and materials weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds
• Work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed during peak fire season
• Demonstrate strength, agility, and endurance to perform strenuous, physically demanding work under all types of weather conditions.
• Climb ladders and work at heights.
• Function effectively in stressful conditions and react in an emotionally appropriate manner.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with employees, coworkers, supervisors, and the general public.
• Work as part of a team, contributing to the overall effort.
• Understand and carry out work assignments and written and oral directions.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form.
• Speak effectively in public to diverse individuals and groups.
• Accept constructive criticism.
• Maintain oneself in a state of physical and mental readiness.
• Attend department trainings and/or meetings.
• Continue personal and professional development
• Learn fire prevention and inspection principles.
• Learn, understand, and adhere to Fire Department and City policies and procedures.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Equivalent to graduation from high school.

College coursework in fire science, forestry, natural resource management, or related field is desirable.

Previous experience in fire prevention, vegetation management, or code enforcement is desirable.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
• Completion of CAL FIRE Defensible Space Inspector (DSI) training or equivalent is desirable.
• Completion of CAL FIRE Defensible Space Assessment (DSA) training or equivalent is desirable.
• First Aid/CPR certification desirable.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:

• Pre-employment Physical
• Live Scan Fingerprinting (DOJ)