POSITION SUMMARY

The Defensible Space Inspector plays a vital role in Martis Camp’s community wildfire protection efforts. This position is responsible for conducting property inspections, providing education on fire-safe landscaping, ensuring compliance with state and local defensible space requirements, and supporting the Association’s Firewise USA and regional wildfire mitigation programs. Working under the direction of the Assistant General Manager, the Inspector collaborates closely with Truckee Fire Protection District, Northstar Fire, CAL FIRE, and other local partners to uphold community wildfire resilience standards. The role combines fieldwork, homeowner engagement, and detailed documentation to help maintain a fire-adapted landscape across Martis Camp. Starting May 1, 2026.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Defensible Space Inspections & Compliance - 55%

• Conduct residential and undeveloped lot inspections in accordance with California Public Resources Code (PRC) 4291, Truckee Fire standards, and Martis Camp defensible space policies.
• Evaluate vegetation, ladder fuels, and structural clearance; identify non-compliant conditions and recommend corrective actions.
• Issue inspection reports, compliance notices, and reinspection follow-ups through digital inspection software and standardized forms.
• Educate homeowners, contractors, and landscape vendors on defensible space best practices, plant selection, and maintenance timelines.
• Coordinate with Truckee Fire and the Forestry Team to ensure consistency with regional defensible space programs and standards.
• Track inspection progress, compliance rates, and annual performance metrics for community reporting and Firewise certification renewal.

Community Outreach & Education - 15%

• Represent Martis Camp at Firewise, community, or contractor meetings to promote wildfire awareness and property preparedness.
• Assist in the development and distribution of educational materials, digital content, and inspection resources.
• Provide field demonstrations and homeowner consultations on vegetation management and fire-safe landscaping.

Administrative & Compliance Functions - 15%

• Maintain accurate inspection records, correspondence, and documentation within the Association’s tracking systems.
• Support data collection and reporting for state and regional wildfire grant programs (e.g., CAL FIRE Forest Health, Nevada County LRPP).
• Participate in program evaluation, data analysis, and recommendations to improve defensible space compliance and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with privacy and property access protocols during inspections.

Field & Operational Support 15%

• Assist Forestry staff with vegetation management, fuel break maintenance, chipping, and debris removal coordination.
• Conduct pre- and post-project site evaluations for contracted work and grant-funded vegetation projects.
• Provide field support during red flag conditions, emergency operations, or community wildfire preparedness events.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND LICENSURE:

• Minimum 2–3 years of related experience in defensible space inspection, fire prevention, forestry, or code enforcement.
• Working knowledge of PRC 4291, Firewise principles, and Truckee Fire defensible space standards.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage residents in a courteous and educational manner.
• Competence in using tablets or digital inspection platforms (GIS, Fulcrum, or similar).
• Strong organizational, record-keeping, and time-management skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in the field and maintain professional composure in varying conditions.
• Valid California Driver’s License and clean driving record required.
• Preferred: Truckee Fire Defensible Space Inspector Certification or completion of S-130/190 (Basic Wildland Firefighter).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Knowledge

Wildfire Prevention & Defensible Space Regulations

• Knowledge of California Public Resources Code (PRC) 4291, including the 0–5 ft “Zone Zero,” 5–30 ft “Lean & Clean,” and 30–100 ft “Reduced Fuel Zone” requirements.
• Understanding of Truckee Fire Protection District defensible space standards and local ordinances.
• Familiarity with Firewise USA® principles, home-hardening concepts, and community wildfire mitigation practices.
• Knowledge of forest ecology, fuel loading, ladder fuels, and fire behavior as it relates to residential properties.

Inspection & Compliance Processes

• Understanding of field inspection methodologies, compliance documentation, and reinspection procedures.
• Working knowledge of digital inspection platforms (GIS-based tools, Fulcrum, or similar).
• Knowledge of property access protocols, privacy requirements, and documentation standards for HOA communities.

Vegetation Management & Fire-Safe Landscaping

• Knowledge of regionally appropriate fire-resistant plant species, maintenance standards, and landscaping risk factors.
• Understanding of fuel reduction operations, including pruning, thinning, chipping, and debris management.

Interagency Coordination

• Familiarity with the roles of CAL FIRE, Truckee Fire, Northstar Fire, and local wildfire mitigation partners.
• Understanding of grant program requirements (e.g., CAL FIRE Forest Health, Nevada County LRPP).

Skills

• Inspection & Analytical Skills
• Communication & Customer Service Skills
• Technical & Digital Skills
• Organizational & Time-Management Skills

Abilities

• Fieldwork & Physical Abilities
• Independent & Sound Decision-Making
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Educational & Community Engagement Abilities

PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regularly works outdoors in diverse and sometimes extreme weather conditions (snow, heat, smoke, etc.).
• Must be able to walk across uneven terrain, bend, kneel, and lift up to 50 lbs as needed.
• Requires visual acuity for vegetation and structure assessments and auditory awareness for safety in field environments.
• Occasional participation in community events or after-hours wildfire preparedness activities may be required.

A Confidentiality Agreement remains in effect before, during, and after your employment with Martis Camp.