Project Specialist, Improvement

Salary : $94,144.96 - $126,900.80 Annually
Location : Headquarters - 1 Fire Authority Road, Irvine, CA 92602, CA
Job Type: FULL-TIME
Job Number: 2026-22-DS
Department: PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Opening Date: 05/21/2026
Closing Date: 6/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


DESCRIPTION
THE POSITION

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is currently recruiting to fill one (1) vacancy for the position of Project Specialist, Improvement in the Property Management Division of the Logistics Department. This recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancy and establish an eligibility list for future vacancies.
CLASS SUMMARY:

Incumbents are responsible for performing professional level work in supervising maintenance and construction projects.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Project Specialist, Improvement is the first level in a two level facilities construction series. The Project Specialist, Improvement is distinguished from the Construction Manager, which has supervisory authority and manages construction contracts.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

• Last Day to Apply: Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 11:59 pm
• Oral Interview: Week of June 29, 2026
• Stat Date: TBD

Please note that the schedule of events listed above is subject to change based on Authority needs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
To view the full Classification Specification including the essential function, knowledge, and skills, please use the link provided below.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
EDUCATION (position requirements at entry) :

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management or a related field

EXPERIENCE (position requirements at entry) :

• Two (2) years experience in planning and managing projects

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS (position requirements at entry) :

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License is required at time of appointment.
This classification is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program, which periodically provides Risk Management with the incumbent's Driver License record and status.
HIGHLY DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• California General Contractors License
• Able to work efficiently with minimal direction
• Understanding of scheduling and determining timelines

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, walking, driving, fingering, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.
Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.
WORKING CONDITIONS:

Incumbents may be subjected to dusts, extreme temperatures, intense noises, and travel.
NOTE: The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department.
PRE-HIRE REQUIREMENTS

Before an employee is hired, he/she must successfully complete pre-employment requirements including, but not limited to: fingerprinting and background check, reference check, DMV check, licensure/certification check, Oath of allegiance to the United States of America and the State of California, and proof of eligibility to work in the United States in accordance with Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986. All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment medical exam including a drug screen through the OCFA's designated physician.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION

When the recruitment opens for this position, an applicant must submit, during the application filing period, an online application and attach any supplemental information as required in the job announcement which may include submitting responses to a supplemental questionnaire. Online resumes and other unsolicited materials may be attached but will not be considered in lieu of the required online application, unless otherwise specified in the job announcement. The OCFA reserves the right to limit the number of online applications when necessary. Applicants are responsible for maintaining/updating their contact information through the online application system.
SELECTION PROCEDURE

INITIAL SELECTION REVIEW

Human Resources reviews all initial application materials to identify qualified applicants. Applicants meeting minimum qualifications will be invited to the first phase of the recruitment process. The OCFA reserves the right to refer only the better qualified applicants if the number of applicants is high. If the number of applicants is high, the review process may include a secondary screening (by a panel of job knowledge experts) of the applications and/or supplemental questionnaires in which the better qualified applicants are referred to the next phase of the recruitment process. Because recruitment processes vary, applicants are advised to thoroughly review the job announcement before submitting their online application materials.
TESTING

Testing for this position or any other position may include, but is not limited to the following: written exam, practical exam, panel interview, physical ability test, assessment center, oral presentation, project assignment, etc. If a revision is made to a testing component during a recruitment process, the assigned recruiter will notify by email all affected applicants.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) ACCOMMODATION:

In accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, anyone who needs an ADA accommodation for the purposes of employment testing should contact Duke Steppe, Human Resources Manager at View phone number on click.appcast.io or at dukesteppe.ocfa.org at least 72 hours prior to any portion of the examination process.
RECRUITMENT/SELECTION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS:

All recruitment/selection process and requirements will be held in accordance with the OCFA's Selection Rules, which are available for inspection in the Human Resources Department.
ELIGIBLE LIST:

The duration of the Eligible List for this recruitment is one (1) year, unless extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director prior to the expiration.
WITHDRAWING FROM RECRUITMENT PROCESS:

If an applicant chooses to withdraw from this recruitment process, he/she is required to submit an email notification to Duke Steppe, Human Resources Manager at dukesteppe.ocfa.org requesting a withdrawal from the process. The email to the recruiter must include the applicant's current phone number.
QUESTIONS:

All questions regarding this position should be directed to Duke Steppe, Human Resources Manager at View phone number on click.appcast.io or at dukesteppe.ocfa.org.
NOTE:
The provisions of this publication do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision in this publication may be modified or revoked without notice.
Orange County Employees Association (OCEA) Representation
This classification is represented by the OCEA. Please visit the for additional information.


Base Salary Adjustments:

• 2.54% base salary adjustment effective 5/1/26

Merit Salary Increases
Employees are eligible for a merit salary increase (1 to 4 steps) at their six-month review date, and annually thereafter based upon work performance until step 12 of the salary range is reached.


Medical Benefit
Employees have a choice of medical plans under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program and the Authority contributes towards the cost of health premiums as follows:

• 100% of cost for employee only premium; or
• 75% of cost for dependent/family premium

The enrollment period for a new employee is sixty (60) days from the date of employment. The effective date of coverage will begin on the first day of the month following submission of the CalPERS Health Benefit Plan Enrollment Form.


Medical Opt-Out: Effective January 1, 2025, employees who submit sufficient proof of alternate group health insurance may waive coverage and receive the following in bi-monthly taxable cash:

• Full-Time Employees: $340.91 per pay period (24 pay periods)
• Part-Time Employees: $170.46 per pay period (24 pay periods)

Medical Opt-Out: Effective January 1, 2026, employees who submit sufficient proof of alternate group health insurance may waive coverage and receive the following in bi-monthly taxable cash:

• Full-Time Employees: $386.27 per pay period (24 pay periods)
• Part-Time Employees: $193.14 per pay period (24 pay periods)

Please visit for more information regarding the various plans offered under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program, as well as the current premium rates.


OCEA Health & Welfare Benefits Plan
The OCFA contributes to the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust which provides for the following dental, vision, disability insurance, and life insurance for all employees in regular or limited-term positions represented by OCEA, regardless of membership status. With a union membership, employees have the option to purchase additional insurance available through the OCEA. Please visit the webpage for additional information.


Retirement
All regular OCFA employees are members of the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) - a defined benefit retirement program. Employees are enrolled in one of the following retirement formulas based on date of hire.


Legacy General Members: Employees hired on or after December 1, 2012, who establish reciprocitywith OCERS are enrolled in the 2% at age 55 retirement formula (Plan N). Employees pays their maximum employee contribution based on age of entry into OCERS (or reciprocal retirement system), including any increases to the maximum employee contribution as calculated by OCERS. The compensation limit for Legacy members in 2025 is $350,000.


New General Members (PEPRA): Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, without reciprocity are enrolled in the 2.5% at age 67 retirement formula (Plan U). Employees contribute 50% of the normal retirement cost toward the employee's retirement contribution but no higher than their maximum employee contribution (based on age of entry into OCERS). The compensation limit for PEPRA members in 2025 is $186,096 (non-Social Security participants).


For more information about OCERS retirement, please visit


Deferred Compensation
Employees in regular or limited-term positions may voluntarily participate in the Authority's deferred compensation plan. This plan is provided by Nationwide Retirement Services and allows for pre- and post-tax deferrals.


Retiree Health Reimbursement Arrangement
General Unit members hired on/after January 1, 2007, are enrolled in a defined contribution retiree health reimbursement arrangement to which they contribute 4.0% of base salary.


Social Security
Orange County Fire Authority employees are not covered under the provisions of Federal Social Security (OASDI); therefore, they are not required to contribute 6.2% of salary towards Social Security.


Medicare
Employees contribute 1.45% to Medicare. Employees whose wages exceed $200,000 in a calendar year shall contribute an additional 0.9%.


Educational Incentive Pay


Employees with college-level semester units, a bachelor's degree, or completion of an approved course from the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) or equivalent, are eligible for educational incentive pay as follows:

• 60+ units or UTI course = 2.5% of base salary per month; or
• 90+ units = 3% of base salary per month; or
• Bachelor's degree = 5.5% of base salary per month

The maximum educational incentive pay an employee may receive is 5.5% of base salary.


Other Specialty Pays / Reimbursements
Employees under special classifications or assignments, or who possess specialized skills/training/certification, may be eligible for other specialty pays. Please refer to the for further details.


Tuition Reimbursement
Tuition reimbursement is $2,000 per fiscal year to cover certain expenses associated with academic pursuits.


Vacation
Vacation accrual is based on hours of completed continuous service (regular hours) exclusive of overtime:

• Upon employment and up to 3 years, up to 80 hours per year
• After 3 years, but less than 10 years, up to 120 hours per year
• After 10 years, up to 160 hours per year

Holidays
Employees in the General Unit observe 13 holidays within the calendar year:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday
• Lincoln's Birthday
• President's Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Indigenous Peoples' Day
• Veteran's Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Day after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day

Full-time ten (10) hour, nine (9) hour, and eight (8) hour workday employees receive holiday pay for the number of hours they are regularly scheduled to work. When a holiday occurs on the employee's day off, the employee receives eight (8) hours of holiday pay or eight (8) hours of compensatory time. Full-time twenty-four (24) hour, thirteen (13) hour, and twelve (12) hour workday employees receive nine (9) hours of holiday pay or nine (9) hours of compensatory time.

Sick Leave
Sick leave is accumulated from year-to-year and accrues as follows:

• Upon employment, up to 72 hours per year
• After 3 years, up 96 hours per year

At retirement, employees receive a payoff of their sick leave based on their years of full-time continuous service.


Paid Annual Leave (PAL)
After completion of new probation, a full-time employee will be eligible to take up to thirty-six (36) hours of paid time off each year, in addition to his/her accrued time (Part-time employees are eligible for eighteen (18) hours). PAL is awarded on the first day of pay period 1 of the subsequent year and every year thereafter. PAL cannot be cashed out and must be used by the last day of pay period 26 within the calendar year it is earned.


Uniforms
The Authority provides uniforms to employees in designated positions.


Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs):
The OCFA offers regular, limited-term, and probationary employees both a Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which allows you to contribute pre-tax dollars into an account that can be used throughout the year on qualified medical or dependent care expenses. Participants pay fewer taxes and take home more money.


Behavioral Health and Wellness
OCFA offers a variety of behavioral health and wellness services to our employees and their dependents, including access to the OCFA Peer Support Team Members, OCFA Chaplains, and the Counseling Team International (TCTI). TCTI provides behavioral health and wellness services to public safety agency employees and their eligible family members with confidential professional assistance. Support services include, but are not limited to, the following types of situations: marital and family problems, stress/burnout, anger management, separation/divorce, child/adolescent issues, depression, and critical incident/trauma. TCTI also offers life care resource assistance for childcare, adoption, elderly and senior care, and financial information.


Pet Discount Program
OCFA has partnered with United Pet Care to offer a pet healthcare program. This program helps employees reduce the cost of escalating veterinary bills at an affordable rate. All pets are eligible regardless of their age or medical condition.


Benevolent Association
Employees have the option to join OCFA's Benevolent Association which was created to "Take Care of Their Own". Included in your $8.00 per pay period cost is $10,000 Member Death Benefit, $4,000 Dependent Death Benefit, $32,500 Annual Scholarships for Members and Dependents., Hardship Grants/Loans, Annual Picnic for Members, Holiday Ball, Retiree Tribute. In addition, Discount Offers- Recreation/Amusement Parks, fitness 19 & 24-Hour Fit. gym membership. Discount Movie Tickets, Angel Baseball Games with Tailgate Party, etc.). In addition, membership allows access to very good supplemental insurances of many type, including Long Term Disability, Long Term Care, Various AFLAC (ICU, Cancer, Accident Inj., CSFA membership, Living Trusts & more. The Family Auxiliary and KIDS Fund (provides monetary assistance only to kids of members), both operate under the Benevolent Assoc. Visit the for more information or you can watch

Updated: 09/2025


This benefit summary is intended to provide an easy way for current and prospective employees to access fringe benefit information, including voluntary options. This summary is intended to be accurate, but it is not an official plan document, and has no legal or binding effect as an expressed or implied contract, or otherwise, and does not alter or amend any provision of the Memoranda of Understanding, Personnel and Salary Resolution, retirement contract, insurance policy contract, or any other official document of the Orange County Fire Authority, including Standard Operating Procedures and General Orders. All insurance benefits described in the summary are subject to the terms and limitations of the Orange County Fire Authority's insurance contracts with individual insurance providers. Should you have any questions pertaining to information in this summary, please contact the Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
01


The Orange County Fire Authority uses e-mail to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of applications. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase efficiency, conserve resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, please ensure that the e-mail address you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We recommend that you do not share e-mail addresses with other individuals who may inadvertently delete important communications sent to you. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept e-mails from ocfa.org and governmentjobs.com. Please read each e-mail notice carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any.Please acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.

• Yes
• No

02


Are you a current OCFA employee?

• Yes
• No

03


From the choices below, select the highest level of education you have completed.

• Less than high school diploma or GED
• High school diploma or GED
• Some college credits completed
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• PhD

04


If you possess an associate's degree or higher, please list the major of completion. If you do not possess an associate's degree or higher, please type "N/A".
05


Please indicate your years of experience in planning and managing projects. Please note: All related experience must be detailed in your application.

• No experience
• Less than two (2) years of experience
• More than two (2) years, but less than four (4) years of experience
• More than four (4) years, but less than six (6) years of experience
• Six (6) or more years of experience

06


Do you possess a California General Contractors License?

• Yes
• No

Required Question