Under limited supervision, the Community Risk Reduction Specialist performs a variety of professional duties including conducting fire and life safety inspections, developing and providing community risk reduction education, awareness, and injury prevention programs for schools, businesses, children, adolescents, and adults.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conducts fire and life safety inspections as assigned, supporting the department’s community risk reduction goals and ensuring compliance with applicable codes and standards.
• Investigates and helps resolve community concerns related to fire and life safety conditions, collaborating with residents and businesses to achieve voluntary compliance whenever possible.
• Provides clear information to applicants, contractors, and the general public on permitting processes, plan requirements, and fire and life safety expectations.
• Supports operational personnel by providing training, guidance, and resources related to fire and life safety codes, emerging risks, and community risk reduction practices.
• Assists with researching, developing, and implementing policies, standards, and codes that enhance community safety and risk-reduction initiatives.
• Identifies community education needs through data analysis, incident trends, and partner feedback; develops, delivers, and evaluates fire and life safety education programs for schools, residents, and vulnerable populations.
• Produces and updates educational presentations, outreach tools, and written materials tailored to diverse audiences and evolving community needs.
• Plans, coordinates, and participates in major public education efforts—including safety campaigns, community events, and Fire Prevention Week—and provides fire extinguisher training, station tours, and other interactive learning opportunities.
• Schedules and delivers children’s fire and life safety programs using department mobile or interactive teaching platforms.
• Recruits, trains, and supports department personnel who assist with delivering educational programs and community outreach presentations.
• Researches, develops, evaluates, and refines education and outreach programs, policies, and practices, ensuring alignment with community risk reduction strategies, under the guidance of the fire marshal.
• Assists with planning, tracking, and monitoring the community education program budget; provides input on resource needs and recommended purchases.
• Identifies and pursues grant or alternative funding opportunities to support educational and outreach programs, including preparation of proposals and related documentation.
• Maintains accurate and compliant records, reports, and educational program documentation within established retention systems.
• Provides periodic administrative assistance, including public interaction, call routing, document processing, and use of standard office systems, to support division operations.
• Processes and archives medical and incident-related documents, including run reports and HIPAA-related forms, in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Updates business occupancy information, tracks inspection progress, and prepares periodic reports that support risk assessment and program planning.
• Develops and delivers specialized safety and preparedness presentations to City leadership, partner agencies, and community organizations.
• Supports the department’s involvement in juvenile fire-risk interventions, including receiving specialized training, providing education to youth and families, and serving as a liaison with regional programs, counselors, or other professionals should a formal program be expanded or established.
• Assists with fire origin and cause investigations as assigned, with a focus on identifying risk factors and supporting community-based prevention strategies.
• Provides CPR instruction and related life-safety training to community members and City personnel.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines

Associate’s degree in in communications, education, emergency management, public relations or a related field; AND two years of experience in fire education, community organizing or other related area OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Bilingual in Spanish is preferred.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of community risk reduction, public education, and behavior-change strategies across diverse populations.
• Fire and life safety codes, standards, regulations, and applicable local ordinances, including their application in educational and outreach contexts.
• Basic construction methods, building systems, and fire protection features relevant to inspections, safety assessments, and public education messaging.
• Instructional design methods, lesson planning, curriculum development, and effective presentation techniques for varied audiences.
• Public health education principles, community engagement models, and approaches to working with vulnerable or high-risk populations.
• Microsoft Office and modern productivity tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and digital platforms used for outreach, data tracking, and program evaluation.
• Use of audiovisual equipment, digital media, and communication platforms to develop and deliver public education materials.
• Program evaluation techniques, including data analysis, performance measurement, and continuous improvement methods.

Skill in:

• Delivering engaging fire, life safety, and community risk reduction presentations to diverse audiences, including residents, businesses, educators, and school-age children.
• Designing and producing accessible educational materials—digital and print—including graphics, handouts, media content, and visual aids that support public outreach.
• Providing leadership, guidance, and support to educators, school administrators, and community partners in implementing fire and life safety curricula and risk reduction programs.
• Communicating effectively with City leadership, partner agencies, and community stakeholders on matters related to safety, preparedness, and community risk trends.
• Interpreting and applying fire codes, standards, and ordinances, and supporting compliance through education, collaboration, and when necessary, enforcement.
• Reading, understanding, and evaluating construction documents and plans as they relate to fire and life safety features.
• Interacting with the public, City staff, and partner organizations in a professional, tactful, and culturally responsive manner.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal teams, community groups, and external agencies.
• Organizing, prioritizing, and managing work assignments to meet deadlines and support multiple concurrent projects.
• Managing multiple tasks simultaneously in a dynamic environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Entering and managing data accurately within records systems, digital platforms, and reporting tools.
• Preparing clear, concise, and well-organized communication materials, reports, and documentation.
• Communicating effectively in both verbal and written formats across a variety of settings and audience types.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a valid Washington State driver’s license, or have the ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• ICC Fire Inspector I certification required within twelve (12) months of hire.
• IFSAC Public Fire and Life Safety Educator I certification required within twelve (12) months of hire.
• IFSAC Fire Service Instructor I certification required within twelve (12) months of hire.
• CPR Instructor certification required within six (6) months of hire

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurances
• Life Insurance policy
• Employee Assistance Program
• Department of Retirement Systems Retirement Plan.
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick leave.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume with their application.

Candidates must respond to the supplemental questions which are designed to assess your experience and qualifications. As part of the screening process, your responses will be reviewed and scored as part of the recruitment process.

Applications must be received no later than Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

For additional information, or a complete job description, please contact Human Resources at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mtvernonwa/classspecs

The City of Mount Vernon provides and enforces a drug free workplace and maintains a smoke free work environment.

The City of Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.