Mission Statement
We are a unified department - honored to serve our community through proactive emergency response, risk reduction, and community engagement.

The Department
The Torrance Fire Department is a nationally recognized ISO Class 1 premier all-risk public safety organization and a Center for Public Safety (CPSE) Accredited Agency. The primary mission is to protect, serve and improve the quality of life for the entire community of Torrance. This is achieved through strong partnerships in all areas within the City of Torrance. Resources are strategically located across the city to ensure the community's expectations are being met. The Torrance Fire Department is comprised of the following functioning divisions: Administration, Communications, Community Risk Reduction, Emergency Medical Services, Logistics, Training, Operations, Planning, and Specialized Operations.

The Division
The Community Risk Reduction Division personnel are a well trained group of individuals who, as a team, work to prevent fires, loss of life, and property damage through code enforcement and regulatory measures. The Division provides fire safety information and assistance to City planners, commissioners and other City staff about new projects in the city; reviews new construction plans for fire protection regulations conformity and emergency access;. and conducts additional special assignments throughout the city.

The Position
The Torrance Fire Department is seeking a career-orientated, experienced individual for the position of Senior Fire Prevention Specialist. The Senior Fire Prevention Specialist is directly supervised by the Fire Prevention Supervisor/ Deputy Fire Marshal. The Senior Fire Prevention Specialist conducts inspections; plan checks; and tests hazardous processes and fire protection and extinguishing systems to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and standards. This position performs complex tasks and possesses a significant level of specialized, technical and functional expertise related to fire prevention and environmental activities based on compliance with fire codes and environmental statutes and regulations. Duties include reviewing and approving submittals to the California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) database; conducting qualitative analysis of chemical processes; analyzing Risk Management and Prevention programs; and advising the public regarding handling of hazardous materials to comply with related laws and regulations. This position may provide technical supervision to the Fire Prevention Specialists.

For more information about the duties of the position, click here.

NOTE: Senior Fire Prevention Specialists are required to work 10 hours a day, four (4) days a week (4/10 schedule).

The City offers ample opportunities for career growth throughout the organization with its 14 departments, which work together to provide quality service, enriching programs, and exciting events to keep the community safe and thriving. The City also proudly offers exceptional employee benefits and perks! Please click here for more information on Employee Benefits, Discounts, & Incentives!
Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:

Experience:

Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in plan review and inspection of buildings and systems for compliance with fire safety standards, preferably in a county or municipal environment or three years of recent experience in the use, handling, storage, disposal or inspection of hazardous materials. A Bachelor's of Arts/Science in Fire Prevention, Fire Science, Fire Technology, or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. A Master's degree may be substituted for two (2) years of experience.

Experience that demonstrates familiarity with safety requirements for hazardous material use, handling, storage, disposal or inspection is highly desirable.

Education:

For UPA (Unified Program Agencies) staff who have experience in conducting and/or overseeing inspections and enforcement activities prior to July 1, 2024, the following education requirements apply in accordance with California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 27, Div 1, Article 5, Section 15260 (b):

An Associate of Arts/Science degree in Fire Prevention, Fire Science, Fire Technology, or a related field.

For UPA staff who do not have experience conducting and/or overseeing inspections and enforcement activities prior to July 1, 2024, the following education requirements apply in accordance with California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 27, Div 1, Article 5, Section 15260 (a)(1-3):

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or degree with major course work from one or more of the following disciplines: Biology or microbiology; Chemistry or chemical engineering; Physics or physical science; Environmental science; Geology or soil science; Environmental health; Environmental or sanitary engineering; Toxicology; Industrial hygiene; Hazardous materials management; or Fire science or fire technology.

- OR -

Registration as an Environmental Health Specialist.

- OR -

Thirty (30) semester units or forty-six (46) quarter units in the disciplines listed in italics from an accredited college or university, or other institution. One year of qualifying experience in hazardous materials management regulation, analysis, or research; environmental research, monitoring, surveillance or enforcement; or resource recovery may be substituted for a maximum of 15 semester units or 23 quarter units.

License and/or Certificates
Valid California Class C Drivers' License; and

(Incumbents must obtain the following certifications by end of probation)

California Penal Code 832 certificate;
California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) Fire Investigator certificate;
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) certificate; and
International Code Council (ICC) Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspector certificate.

The following certifications are desirable:
Certified Stormwater Inspector – Municipal certificate;
ICC Fire Inspector I or II;
ICC Fire Plans Examiner;
CSFM Fire Inspector I or II;
CSFM Fire Plans Examiner;
CSFM Community Risk Educator.

Successful candidates will possess the following:

• Hazardous materials and/or environmental enforcement experience is preferred;
• ICC Fire Plans Examiner and ICC Fire Inspector I or II certification is preferred;
• Knowledge of laws, codes, ordinances and regulations pertaining to hazardous materials;
• Knowledge of fire cause of origin/fire investigation;
• Principles and techniques of complex fire and environmental inspection work;
• Analyze data, recognize problems and make decisions;
• Enforce regulations tactfully and effectively with the public;
• Maintain good working relationships with City staff and businesses within the City; and
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. Application submission will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Review of applications and the examination process will occur on an as needed basis.

Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following:
Performance Test: Weighted 40%
Panel Interview: Weighted 60%
Visit www.TorranceCA.Gov to find out information about our community.

The City of Torrance Conflict of Interest Code requires that employees in this classification file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement. Information about this requirement may be obtained from the City Clerk's office.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s). If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 prior to the test date.

As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check (including personal history questionnaire, background interview, Live Scan, reference check, official transcripts submittal and polygraph).

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

City of Torrance Inclusion Statement

The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!