This is an opportunity for the community of South Lake Tahoe to join the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team and Cal Poly’s Fuels and Vegetation Education Program for a field-based training that spans multiple fires in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Participants will learn how representatives of Tahoe Basin fire agencies worked together to form the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team with the goal of protecting lives, property, and the environment within the Lake Tahoe Basin from wildfire by implementing prioritized fuels reduction projects and engaging the public in becoming a Fire Adapted Community.
In this field training, we will visit several sites within the South Lake Tahoe community to better understand how the Gondola and Angora fires played a critical role in the outcome of the Caldor Fire. Participants will learn about how local fuels reduction projects helped to slow the spread of fire and decreased fire severity, protected resources, and ultimately saved lives, homes, and communities. The goal of this training is to provide an opportunity for participants to learn more about what local agencies are doing to prepare for and prevent wildfires in the Lake Tahoe Basin. This training is an opportunity for agencies to engage in skills-based advocacy building exercise with local community leaders in an effort to create consistent messaging within the community and grow the local network of Fire Adapted Communities.
Brian has worked for CAL FIRE for 29 fire seasons in the Amador – El Dorado Unit. He has been assigned to various programs including Schedule A and Schedule B fire suppression, Emergency Command Centers, and the unit Vegetation Management Program / Fuels reduction program. He Graduated from Cogswell Polytechnical College with a B.S. in Fire Management and Technology. Brian’s current position is the Assistant Chief of the East Division of AEU, which includes Lake Tahoe and Alpine County and a Fire Crew fire center. Brian is a member of CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 3 as the Fire Behavior Analyst and instructs on numerous cadres including Prescribed Fire Incident Commander, and the Fire Behavior series.
Nadia Tase is a Senior Environmental Scientist working for the Fire and Resource Assessment Program in CAL FIRE. She focuses on issues surrounding forest and harvested wood product carbon sequestration. Prior to working for CAL FIRE, Nadia worked for the U.S. Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit as a Forester preparing and implementing fuel reduction projects in the Tahoe Basin.
Victor Lyon is currently the Vegetation Management Staff Officer at the USDA, Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. He graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology, specializing in conservation biology, worked for three years with the Fish and Wildlife Service, and then joined the Forest Service in 2000 here in Lake Tahoe. Victor worked as a wildlife biologist for thirteen more years with the Forest Service, then as a District Ranger for five years, and in his current position since 2018. He grateful for the privilege and opportunity to continue managing forest health and fuel reduction projects with a holistic land stewardship approach on forest system lands and across ownerships with excellent partners in the Lake Tahoe area. Victor enjoys hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, rafting, snowboarding on our public lands.
Fire Captain Martin Goldberg has nearly 25 years in the fire service, having worked previously for San Luis Obispo County Fire / CALFIRE and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) before starting his career with the Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) in 2001. Captain Goldberg is currently assigned to the LVFPD Prevention Division. Captain Goldberg holds a degree in Soil Science with a concentration in Environmental Science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Captain Goldberg has actively participated in the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) since its inception in 2008 and is recognized by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) as a qualified forester. Captain Goldberg has fostered defensible space and home hardening on private lands in South Lake Tahoe for close to 15 years.
Mike Vollmer is the Executive Director at the Tahoe Resource Conservation District with a career spanning over three decades in natural resource management. He has worked in the Lake Tahoe region since 2001. Mike’s passion lies in preparing communities for wildfires, sustainable resource management, disturbance ecology, and restoration ecology (including prescribed fire). Mike is a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) and Certified Arborist and has held key positions at organizations such as the Institute for Sustainable Forestry, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Nevada Fire Safe Council, North Tahoe Fire Protection District, Nevada Division of Forestry, and now at the Tahoe Resource Conservation District. In his role as Executive Director, Mike Vollmer combines his academic knowledge with practical experience, driving positive change in the realm of environmental stewardship.
The Lake Valley Fire Protection District is a local government agency created and operated pursuant to California State Law; by the Fire Protection Law of 1987 – Health and Safety Code, Section 13801 through 13999. It provides 24-hour emergency fire, rescue, emergency medical services and other safety activities. A 5-member elected Board of Directors sets the District’s policies.
Lake Valley Fire Protection District serves the residents of El Dorado County in the Lake Tahoe Basin area. Our jurisdiction extends north to include Emerald Bay on Hwy 89, west to Twin Bridges on Hwy 50, south to the intersection of Hwy 88 and Hwy 89 in Alpine County, and east to the Nevada State line not including the City of South Lake Tahoe.
Job Description: This is a full time position working as a firefighter. This is a position represented by the current Memorandum of Understanding with the Lake Valley Professional Firefighters Association. The official job description is available on our website.
This job has a probationary period of twelve (12) months from the “date of hire.” During the probationary period, the employee must receive satisfactory evaluations and complete the “California State Firefighter 1 Certification” process. A probationary employee is an “at will” employee and may be terminated without cause.
The Firefighter engages directly in fire suppression, fire prevention education, rescue, hazardous materials, and advanced emergency medical services. Employees within this class are required to maintain a valid State of California Emergency Medical Technician License with El Dorado County Accreditation.
Wage and Benefits:
Salary Range: The current base salary step range is $5,534.32 to $6,494.70 per month.
Benefit Package: The benefit package is detailed in the Memorandum of Understanding with the Lake Valley Professional Firefighters Association. Benefits include vacation time, sick leave, compensatory time, retirement, and educational and insurance incentives.
Minimum Qualifications: All proof of minimum qualifications must be turned in with application by the application closing date.
*Minimum 18 years of age
*Current California Class C driver’s license or equivalent
*High School Diploma or equivalent
*Current CPR certification to the Health Care Provider level
*CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) completed after June 1st, 2022
*Current California or National Registry EMT
*California State Firefighter I or Certificate of Completion from an accredited fire academy
Proof of these documents must be provided with application
Desired Qualifications:
Local/El Dorado County Experience
CTESOA experience
Enrolment in an Accredited Paramedic Program
Application Process:
Applications are available at the Fire Station #7 Business Office located at 2211 Keetak St., South Lake Tahoe or online at www.lakevalleyfire.org. Completed applications with resume, cover letter and proof of the above listedqualifications can be submitted via mail or delivered to the on-duty Battalion Chief at Fire Station #7 Business Office, 2211 Keetak Street, South LakeTahoe, California, 96150 between 0900-1700 Hrs. All applicants meeting the “minimum qualifications” listed above will be notified by e-mail or telephone and given further details to participate in the testing process.
Testing Process: This is an open- continuous recruitment. The District will conduct testing on an as needed basis. Qualified applicants will be notified of testing information. Positions will remain open until filled.
Firefighter Written Examination and Skill Assessment
The written exam will be a timed, multiple-choice test from IFSTA Firefighter Essentials,6th ed. (Emphasis on chapters 5, 8, 12-17)
Applicants must pass the written exam with a minimum score of 70% to advance ● Firefighter skills will be based on California State Fire Training Firefighter 1A skill sheets
EMT Written Exam and Skills Assessment
The written exam will be a timed, multiple-choice test based on current National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians standards National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (nremt.org) ● Applicants must pass the written exam with a minimum score of 70% to advance ● EMT skills/scenarios testing based on National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians psychomotor certification standards ● Applicants must pass all of the Pass/Fail skills/scenarios testing stations to advance
Oral Interview
The oral interview will be a series of questions relating to the knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant to perform the duties of a Firefighter/EMT.
Applicants must pass the oral interview with an overall average score of 70% to advance
Note: Applicants must successfully pass ALL sections of the exam process to be placed on the “Eligibility List.”
Hiring Process:
Lake Valley Fire District is committed to providing the highest-level of service to all customers we serve. We achieve this by staffing Advanced Life Support (ALS) fire engines and ambulances with El Dorado County Accredited Paramedics 24/7. Therefore, it is expected anyone hired under the Firefighter/ EMT job classification be enrolled in an accredited paramedic program within two (2) years of his or her “hire date.”
After testing has been completed, applicants will receive written notice of eligibility/ineligibility from the fire district. Eligible candidates will be placed on an “Eligibility List”. The eligibility list will be valid for two years from the date the list is established. When the fire district needs to fill a Firefighter position, the Fire Chief may select candidates from the eligibility list and conduct a Fire Chief’s Interview.
Following the formal offer of employment by the Fire Chief, the applicant must pass a drug test, comprehensive medical exam, psychological exam, and criminal background check. After successfully completing this final screening process, the Fire Chief will notify the applicant of their “date of hire.” Probationary Firefighters will receive training and orientation for the position prior to assignment. Job related training will continue throughout the probationary period and beyond.
Respect, Integrity, Dedication, Positive Attitude and Teamwork
2211 Keetak St., So. Lake Tahoe, CA. 96150 ∙ (530) 577-3737 ∙ Fax (530) 577-3739 ∙ www.lakevalleyfire.org
The Lake Valley Fire Protection District is a local government agency created and operated pursuant to California State Law; by the Fire Protection Law of 1987 – Health and Safety Code, Section 13801 through 13999. It provides 24-hour emergency fire, rescue, emergency medical services and other safety activities. The District’s policies are set by a 5-member elected Board of Directors.
Lake Valley Fire Protection District serves the residents of El Dorado County in the Lake Tahoe Basin area. Our jurisdiction extends north to include Emerald Bay on Hwy 89, west to Twin Bridges on Hwy 50, south to the intersection of Hwy 88 and Hwy 89 in Alpine County, and east to the Nevada State line not including the City of South Lake Tahoe.
Job Description: This is a full time position working as a Firefighter/Paramedic. This is a position represented by the current Memorandum of Understanding with the Lake Valley Professional Firefighters Association. The official job description is available on our website.
This job has a probationary period of twelve (12) months from the “date of hire.” During the probationary period, the employee must receive satisfactory evaluations and complete the “California State Firefighter 1 Certification” process. A probationary employee is an “at will” employee and may be terminated without cause.
The Firefighter/ Paramedic engages directly in fire suppression, fire prevention education, rescue, hazardous materials, and advanced emergency medical services. Employees within this class are required to maintain a valid State of California Emergency Medical Technician-Technician License with El Dorado County Accreditation.
Wage and Benefits:
Salary Range: The current base salary step range is $6794.70-7925.34 per month.
Benefit Package: The benefit package is detailed in the Memorandum of Understanding with the Lake Valley Professional Firefighters Association. Benefits include vacation time, sick leave, compensatory time, retirement, and educational and insurance incentives.
Minimum Qualifications: All proof of minimum qualifications must be turned in with application.
Minimum 18 years of age
Current California Class C driver’s license or equivalent
High School Diploma or equivalent
Current CPR certification to the Health Care Provider level
CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) completed after November 1, 2021
Current California State Paramedic License or National Registered Paramedic (California Licensed and local accreditation required within 60 days of appointment.)
*California State Firefighter I or Certificate of Completion from an accredited fire academy
Proof of these documents must be provided with a resume and application
Desired Qualifications:
Local/El Dorado County Experience
CTESOA experience
Paramedic Qualifications:
● California Paramedic License or National Registry Paramedic at time of appointment with no open or pending disciplinary actions, suspensions, revocation, etc.
● Must complete El Dorado County EMS Accreditation process within 60 days from “start date.”
Application Process:
Applications are available at the Fire Station #7 Business Office located at 2211 Keetak St., South Lake Tahoe or online at www.lakevalleyfire.org. Completed applications with resume, cover letter and proof of the above listedqualifications can be submitted via mail or delivered to the on-duty Battalion Chief at Fire Station #7 Business Office, 2211 Keetak Street, South LakeTahoe, California, 96150 between 0900-1700 Hrs. All applicants meeting the “minimum qualifications” listed above will be notified by e-mail or telephone and given further details to participate in the testing process.
Testing Process: This is an open- continuous recruitment. The District will conduct testing on an as needed basis. Qualified applicants will be notified of testing information. Positions will remain open until filled.
Firefighter Written Examination and Skill Assessment
● The written exam will be a timed, multiple-choice test from IFSTA Firefighter Essentials,6th ed. (Emphasis on chapters 5, 8, 12-17)
● Applicants must pass the written exam with a minimum score of 70% to advance ● Firefighter skills will be based on California State Fire Training Firefighter 1A skill sheets
EMT-P Written Exam and Skills Assessment
● The written exam will be a timed, multiple-choice test based on current National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians standards National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (nremt.org)● Applicants must pass the written exam with a minimum score of 70% to advance ● Paramedic skills/scenarios testing based on National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians ALS psychomotor certification standards ● Applicants must pass all of the Pass/Fail skills/scenarios testing stations to advance
Oral Interview
● The oral interview will be a series of questions relating to the knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant to perform the duties of a Firefighter/Paramedic.
● Applicants must pass the oral interview with an overall average score of 70% to advance
Note: Applicants must successfully pass ALL sections of the exam process to be placed on the “Eligibility List.”
Hiring Process:
After testing has been completed, applicants will receive written notice of eligibility/ineligibility from the fire district. Eligible candidates will be placed on an “Eligibility List”. The eligibility list will be valid for two years from the date the list is established. When the fire district needs to fill a Firefighter/ Paramedic position, the Fire Chief may select candidates from the eligibility list and conduct a Fire Chief’s Interview.
Following the formal offer of employment by the Fire Chief, the applicant must pass a drug test, comprehensive medical exam, psychological exam, and criminal background check. After successfully completing this final screening process, the Fire Chief will notify the applicant of their “date of hire.” Probationary Firefighters/ Paramedics will receive training and orientation for the position prior to assignment. Job related training will continue throughout the probationary term and beyond.
Respect, Integrity, Dedication, Positive Attitude and Teamwork
2211 Keetak St., So. Lake Tahoe, CA. 96150 ∙ (530) 577-3737 ∙ Fax (530) 577-3739 ∙ www.lakevalleyfire.org
HAZARDOUS VEGETATION AND DEFENSIBLE SPACE INSPECTION NOTICE FOR UPPER APACHE NEIGHBORHOOD
To all Upper Apache Property Owners,
Your property is included on the Defensible Space Program inspection list for 2023.
In collaboration with the El Dorado County Office of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience, the Lake Valley Fire Protection District is conducting Defensible Space inspection in the Upper Apache neighborhood. The District is requesting your assistance in the creation of defensible space and fire hazard reduction on your respective property. The El Dorado County Defensible Space Program inspection criteria and associated guides are included here. To learn how to protect your home from wildfire, click here.
FIRE HAZARD REDUCTION and DEFENSIBLE SPACE
In accordance with El Dorado County Ordinance 5101, Chapter 8.09, improved parcels and designated unimproved parcels located in unincorporated El Dorado County are required to perform fire hazard reduction and defensible space clearance of at least 100 feet from all habitable structures. Lake Valley Fire Protection District Inspectors under a contract with El Dorado County will be conducting inspections in the Upper Apache neighborhood. Inspectors will attempt to meet with you while conducting inspections. If we are unable to leave a notice, a notice will be mailed to you.
COMMUNITY MEETING
You are welcome to attend an informational meeting anytime between 6:00pm – 8:00pm on August 23, 2023. Please see location and address below:
Lake Valley Fire District Station 7
2211 Keetak Street
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
If you have questions for El Dorado County, please call 530-621-4663 or send an email to [email protected]. If you have any questions for Lake Valley Fire Protection District, Please call 530-577-2447 or send an email to Nathan Lester at [email protected].
The Lake Valley Fire Protection District is currently accepting applications for a new job opening from qualified individuals for the position of Fire Safety Inspector I. The eligibility list established from this recruitment will be used to fill a new position. Under the direct supervision of the Fire Prevention Captain, with a 40-hour staff assignment to Fire Prevention, the Fire Safety Inspector I will perform a variety of tasks relating to Fire Prevention and Community Risk Reduction including:
Conduct Defensible Space Inspections in accordance with Chapter 8.09 of the El Dorado County Codes and Ordinances;
Mark fire hazard trees in accordance with Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA);
Conduct Vacation Home Rental (VHR) inspections for compliance with Chapter 5.56 Vacation Home Rental Ordinance;
Conduct general business and other fire and life safety inspections
Organize and conduct public education, community outreach, and fire prevention activities;
Participate in Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) Fire Prevention Information Team (PIT);
Assist the Public Information Officer (PIO) as needed with social media and website postings;
Develop and prepare reports regarding activity for the inspection program, and shall perform database entry and support database management to ensure quality of record keeping;
Maintain knowledge and competency of current trends in the field;
Performs additional collateral duties as assigned;
Minimum Requirements
High School diploma or equivalent;
California Class C Driver License or equivalent;
Current CPR certification to the Health Care Provider level (required 120 days after employment).
California State Fire Marshal Courses (required 6 months after employment):
Fire Inspector 1A; Duties and Administration
Fire Inspector 1B; Fire and Life Safety
Fire Inspector 1C; Field Inspection
Fire Inspector 1D; Field Inspection – California Specific
Hazardous Materials First Responder Awareness
California State Fire Marshal Certification and Course for Home Ignition Zone and Defensible Space Inspector or equivalent training and experience (required 120 days after employment).
Preferred and Desired Qualifications
Associates Degree in Forestry or Fire Science or a related field and/or a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts Degree in any field;
OSFM Fire Inspector I Certification or equivalent
International Code Council Fire Inspector I certification or equivalent Statutes and Regulations
TRPA Training – Pre-TRPA process, Hazardous tree identification, marking and removal permit process
NWCG Wildland Firefighter and Incident Command System ▪ S-110, 130, 190 ▪ Introduction to ICS (I-100)
Examination and Selection Process
The examination process shall include the following:
Application Review
Oral Interview
Chiefs Interview
The tentative test dates are the week of June 10, 2023. Applicants who are offered employment are subject to a Live Scan, background investigation, and a drug/alcohol screening and physical assessment. Employment is contingent upon passing the Live Scan, background investigation, and the drug/alcohol screening.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates should complete the District application available on our website https://lakevalleyfire.org/documents/. Submit the completed application, attach a letter of interest, resume, and copies of required and applicable certifications. All required material must be submitted in person or by mail. Applications may also be emailed to [email protected].
Compensation and Benefits
Where applicable, salaries and benefits are per current Wages and Benefits Policy Manual: Effective 11/12/20.
Medical Insurance premiums are not paid for by the District although personnel may choose and can purchase their own health care coverage tax deferred through the District.
Additional Benefits:
Public Employees Retirement System – retirement benefits based on PEPRA miscellaneous employee 2% at 62
District pays 100% of the employer portion and employee pays 100% of the employee portion – No cost share
Vacation accrual (4.4 hours per bi-weekly pay period)
Holidays (13 holidays annually)
Sick leave (4.4 hours per bi-weekly pay period)
Compensatory Time Off (CTO) (maximum accrual – 240 hours)
Vision Care Plan ($300 per year per employee and family members)
Additional Information
Schedule: This position requires a minimum of 40 hours per week.
Probation: This position has no probationary period, the employee is classified as at will.
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.—The California Tahoe Conservancy has awarded two grants totaling $4,627,000 to build partner capacity for forest and wildfire resilience projects across the California side of the Lake Tahoe Basin:
A $3,302,500 grant will build the capacity of the Lake Valley Fire Protection District and South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue to plan and oversee projects to reduce wildfire risk on the south shore.
A $1,324,500 grant will fund the Tahoe Resource Conservation District to provide professional forestry services to complete environmental review and prepare prescriptions and layout for forest resilience projects.
“The Caldor Fire showed the importance of reducing hazardous fuels on forested lands in our communities,” said Fire Chief Chad Stephen with the Lake Valley Fire Protection District. “These grants will help us protect our communities by increasing the pace and scale of forest management.”
Lake Valley Fire, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, and the Tahoe RCD will base their work on a list of priority fuels reduction projects to be identified through the Lake Tahoe Basin Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). Using funding from a 2022 Conservancy grant, Basin partners are currently updating the CWPP. These fuels reduction projects will help reduce wildfire risk for Tahoe communities and restore the resilience of Basin forests and watersheds to climate change impacts. Work funded by this grant will help achieve a goal of the 2019 Lake Tahoe Basin Forest Action Plan to complete initial treatments on 22,000 acres of forest within the wildland-urban interface in the Basin by 2025.
Tahoe RCD will use the grant funds to provide professional forestry services, completing environmental review, developing project-specific prescriptions to manage trees and brush, identifying project boundaries, and marking trees for removal on local government and private lands on the California side of the Basin.
“A scarcity of professional foresters has become a barrier to getting Basin forestry projects implemented quickly enough,” said Mike Vollmer, Executive Director for Tahoe RCD. “Tahoe RCD is excited to assist Tahoe fire districts and other partners in getting these important projects planned, permitted, and implemented.”
The grant funds will enable Lake Valley Fire and South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue to serve for five years as project managers for the priority fuel reduction projects on local government and private lands on the south shore. The fire agencies will coordinate with private and public landowners, including securing land use agreements needed for implementation. The fire agencies will also collaborate with Basin partners to secure funding to implement the shovel-ready projects following environmental review.
“By partnering, our agencies can work faster together to make our forests more resilient to wildfire across a range of public and private lands,” said Fire Chief Jim Drennan of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue. “These efforts will leave our communities better protected.”
Funding for these grants comes from the State of California’s 2021 wildfire package and from a Regional Forest and Fire Capacity grant provided by the California Department of Conservation. Regional Forest and Fire Capacity grants advance the goals of the California Wildfire & Forest Resilience Task Force, which include supporting activities that build local capacity, help plan and prioritize where to reduce hazardous fuels, and decrease the potential for future high-intensity wildfire.
Media contact: Chris Carney, Communications Director, [email protected], 530-543-6057
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The California Tahoe Conservancy is a state agency, established in 1985, with a mission to lead California’s efforts to restore and enhance the extraordinary natural and recreational resources of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Learn more at tahoe.ca.gov.
