Fire Chief

DEFINITION

To plan, organize, direct and review the activities and operations of the Fire Department including fire suppression, hazardous material mitigation, fire and life safety, code compliance, emergency medical services and administrative support services; to coordinate assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives administrative direction from the City Manager. Exercises direct supervision over assigned sworn and non-sworn management, supervisory, technical and administrative support personnel.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Reliable and dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Develop, plan and implement Department goals and objectives; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
• Coordinate Department activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Direct, oversee and participate in the development of the Department’s work plan; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
• Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures as required; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the Department.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Maintain skills through continuing education and training.
• Attend various meetings, trainings, etc.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports and studies; prepare written correspondence as necessary.
• Develop schedules and methods to accomplish assignments ensuring work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Plan, organize and direct fire related activities including fire suppression, arson investigations, training, fire inspections, and basic life support operations.
• Maintain emergency equipment, apparatus, and facilities.
• Supervise and participate in the development and administration of the Fire Department budget; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement mid-year adjustments
• Respond to major fire alarms and personally direct fire suppression activities as necessary.
• Direct and participate in the research of alternative approaches to fire suppression, hazardous material handling, fire and life safety code, and emergency programs.
• Oversee and participate in fire suppression, basic life support and first aid, fire and arson investigations, and fire inspection activities.
• Plan, organize and implement department training for fire suppression, heavy rescue operations, driver operator and related topics.
• Serve as the Chief Building Official; ensure that new construction within the City meets building and City codes and standards.
• Leads and oversees volunteer fire services program.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Budgeting procedures and techniques.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Modern office procedures and computer equipment.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
• Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
• Principles, practices, methods and techniques of modern fire suppression and life safetyactivities.
• Operation, maintenance and uses of firefighting apparatus and equipment.
• Modern fire prevention and investigation techniques.
• Modern hazardous material containment practices.

Ability to:

• Plan, direct and control the administration and operations of the Fire Department.
• On a continuous basis, analyze budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports; know laws, regulations and codes; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem solve department related issues; remember various rules and procedures; and explain and interpret policy.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk and in meetings for long periods of time; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone; write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift or carry weight of 10 pounds or less.
• Interpret and apply local, State, Federal, City and department policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Supervise, train and evaluate personnel.
• Work independently.
• Understand and follow both oral and written instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Exercise independent judgment.
• Establish and maintain a high level of trust.
• Remain calm and focused during emergency operations.
• Prepare and administer department budgets.
• Develop and implement department policies and procedures.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Develop and implement programs to meet the needs of the City.
• Effectively oversee multiple projects simultaneously while managing project costs, resources, and schedules.
• Prepare and present staff reports at City Council meetings, attend City Council meetings.
• Organize, direct and implement comprehensive fire suppression, life safety and fire investigation, and inspection programs.
• Effectively operate all fire suppression equipment with Department.
• Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties as well as those of a firefighter.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be age eighteen (18) by date of application.
• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver license with Firefighter endorsement or Commercial Class A or B with endorsements.
• Possession of a current State of California Emergency Technician (EMT) card is required at time of application. A course completion certificate is NOT adequate.
• Possession of a valid California Firefighter I Certificate.
• Possession of a valid California Fire Officer Certificate.
• Possession of a valid HAZMAT Operations and Awareness Certificate.
• Possession of a valid California Chief Officer Certificate.
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible command and supervisory experience in an organized fire department, including three (3) years of administrative and management responsibility.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in fire suppression, or related field.