Item 3.5 Community Risk Redeuction Job Descriptions and Recruitment
Request for
City Council Action
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT REQUESTOR: MEETING DATE:
Emergency Services Emergency Services Director Rausch June 23, 2025
PRESENTER(s) REVIEWED BY: ITEM #:
Consent City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty
Assistant City Administrator/Human Resources Hille
3.5 – Job Description
STRATEGIC VISION
MEETS: THE CITY OF OTSEGO:
Is a strong organization that is committed to leading the community through innovative communication.
Has proactively expanded infrastructure to responsibly provide core services.
X Is committed to delivery of quality emergency service responsive to community needs and expectations in a
cost-effective manner.
Is a social community with diverse housing, service options, and employment opportunities.
Is a distinctive, connected community known for its beauty and natural surroundings.
AGENDA ITEM DETAILS
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommend the City Council approve a job description and authorize recruitment.
ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT? IS A PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED?
No No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
The Otsego Fire & Emergency Services Department has developed a Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Team to provide
essential public education, fire prevention outreach, safety training, and community engagement prior to the
department’s full operations launch on January 1, 2027. Team members will be participating in scheduled events such as
community events, fire safety presentations, and recruitment activities.
To ensure appropriate oversight, scheduling, and compensation, it is necessary to formally designate CRR Team members
as City employees. This designation enables the City to manage risk, ensure accountability, and provide consistency in
service delivery. Appointees will report to the Emergency Services Director and will be scheduled for activities on an as-
needed basis.
Uniforms and essential supplies have already been provided in the current year’s budget. The hourly compensation will
be set at $15 per hour. This cost was not budgeted specifically but can be provided through transfers of budgeted
appropriations within the adopted Fire Protection Department budget.
The Administrative Subcommittee was presented this information at their June 11, 2025, meeting and provided a
recommendation for consideration for approval by the City Council.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
• CRR Program Overview
• CRR Job Description (Draft)
POSSIBLE MOTION
PLEASE WORD MOTION AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR IN THE MINUTES:
Motion to approve the Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Team Member Job Description and to authorize recruitment
of team members.
BUDGET INFORMATION
FUNDING: BUDGETED:
General Fund – Fire Protection (42200)
Yes
Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Team
Program Overview
The Otsego Fire & Emergency Services Department’s Community Risk Reduction (CRR)
Team is a public-facing initiative designed to promote fire safety, injury prevention,
community engagement, and emergency preparedness. The program serves as an essential
extension of the department’s mission to reduce risk and increase public safety through
education and outreach.
Purpose and Objectives
The CRR Team aims to proactively reduce community risk by engaging residents through
prevention and education programs. Key objectives include:
- Delivering fire safety education to children and families
- Supporting fire safety, and fire extinguisher training
- Conducting recruitment and community outreach events
- Promoting emergency preparedness initiatives
- Acting as visible department ambassadors at public functions
Team Structure and Membership
The CRR Team consists of part-time city employees, including retired emergency service
professionals, civic leaders, and interested community members who undergo orientation
and background checks. Members report to the Emergency Services Director, participate in
scheduled events, and are compensated at a rate of $15.00 per hour. Participation is based
on availability and event-specific needs.
Activities and Scope of Work
CRR Team members participate in:
- Community events (e.g., Touch-a-Truck, National Night-To-Unite, Prairie Festival)
- School visits and business safety talks
- Smoke alarm installations and home safety checks
- Recruitment events and public information sessions
- Preparedness campaigns and seasonal safety programs
Oversight and Program Management
The Emergency Services Director is responsible for the overall management of the CRR
Team. This includes scheduling, training, logistical coordination, and performance
evaluation. All CRR activities are tracked and evaluated to ensure alignment with the
department’s broader mission and operational goals.
Budget and Sustainability
The CRR Team program is designed to operate with minimal financial impact. Uniforms,
printed materials, and basic supplies are accounted for in the department’s existing budget.
Compensation for team members is limited to event-based participation and is closely
monitored to stay within budgeted parameters.
Expected Impact
The CRR Team represents a proactive step toward community safety and preparedness. By
promoting risk reduction strategies and improving public engagement, the program will
help reduce preventable incidents and foster trust between the community and its
emergency services department. This initiative supports the long-term goals of the
department and the city in creating a safer, more resilient Otsego.
Transitional Role and Long-Term Integration
The CRR Team fills a critical need for community engagement and public safety outreach
while the Otsego Fire & Emergency Services Department continues its formation. This team
serves as the department’s public face and educational arm until full operations commence
in 2027. Once the department is operational, the CRR Team will be formally integrated into
its organizational structure.
Some members of the CRR Team are anticipated to have interest in the transition to roles as
Career or Paid-On-Call (POC) firefighters, completing the required training and
certifications. Others will continue to serve in CRR capacities and support community
programs, even if they are not fully qualified as firefighters. This blended model offers a
flexible and inclusive approach to community involvement in public safety.
The CRR Team provides another opportunity for individuals from all segments of the
community to contribute meaningfully to public safety initiatives. Whether through
education, prevention, or recruitment, team members play an essential role in building
trust, awareness, and resilience across Otsego.
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Position Description
Position: Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Team Member
Department: Fire & Emergency Services
Position Status: Hourly
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Pay Grade: Seasonal & Temporary Pay Plan
Approved: Draft
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
General Statement of Duties: Responsible for engaging the community through fire prevention, safety
education, and risk reduction activities. The position supports efforts to enhance public safety by
proactively identifying risks and implementing strategies to mitigate potential hazards.
Immediate Supervisor: Emergency Services Director
Supervises: None
Provides Work Direction to: None
MAJOR JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Community Risk Reduction
a. Conducts fire and life safety education programs for schools, businesses, and
community organizations.
b. Assists with public outreach efforts, including community events, open houses, and
station tours.
c. Supports smoke alarm installation programs and home safety inspections.
d. Distributes fire safety materials and education resources to community members.
e. Assists in developing and presenting training materials for fire prevention and
emergency preparedness.
f. Collaborates with Fire & Emergency Services personnel to analyze fire incident data and
identify community risk factors.
g. Participates in public relations activities, including media campaigns.
h. Assists with developing and implementing fire safety initiatives tailored to high-risk
populations.
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i. Provides support for fire prevention inspections as directed.
j. Accurately completes required reports and documentation related to CRR activities.
k. Performs other duties as assigned to support the department’s risk reduction mission.
l. Operates fire apparatus and other City-owned vehicles as necessary to support CRR
activities, including transportation of personnel, equipment, and educational materials to
outreach events. Ensures all vehicles use comply with department safety protocols and
City policy.
2. Confidentiality
a. This position may have access to confidential information related to fire investigations
and risk assessments. A background check may be required before employment.
3. General
a. Treat fellow employees with respect and integrity
b. Promote a positive and motivating environment
c. Provide exceptional customer service
d. Confer with supervisor, peers, and employees to discuss and resolve issues
e. Make decisions that are always in the best interest of the City
f. Perform other duties and projects as assigned
g. Follow all safety policies and procedures
h. Follow all City policies and procedures
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups, including children, seniors, and
individuals with special needs.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of fire prevention principles and community risk reduction strategies.
• Ability to engage in community outreach and build positive relationships with the public.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with department personnel.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to utilize computers and software programs to track CRR activities and data.
• Ability to adapt to different learning environments and teaching methods.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work outdoors and in various weather conditions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. 18 years of age or older.
3. Valid driver's license.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. Previous experience in fire prevention, education, emergency services, or community outreach.
2. Certification in Fire & Life Safety Educator (FLSE) or equivalent.
3. First aid/CPR certification.
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PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Community Risk Reduction Team Members work in a variety of settings, including schools, businesses,
outdoor events, and residential areas. The position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, and
lifting of educational materials or equipment. Work may be performed in various weather conditions,
including extreme heat or cold. Some outreach activities may involve interacting with individuals in high-
risk environments.
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Most work is in a normal office environment. Limited lifting of 10 pounds or less is required intermittently.
Activities that occur constantly (5–8 hours/shift): sitting
Activities that occur frequently (2–5 hours/shift): talking, hearing
Activities that occur occasionally (up to 2 hours/shift): standing, walking
Activities that occur rarely (do not exist as regular part of job): lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling,
climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, handling, grasping, feeling,
repetitive motions, eye/hand/foot coordination
City of Otsego is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act,
reasonable accommodations are offered to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current
employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Employee signature below constitutes employee’s understanding of the requirements, essential
functions, and duties of the position.
_______________________________________________
Employee Name
_______________________________________________ ______________________
Employee Signature Date