Fire Chief

Department/Division:  Fire/EMS                                                                                                                                                       

FLSA Status: Exempt

General Definition of Work

Performs complex professional work providing leadership, fiscal management, and direction to the Fire Department being responsible for emergency medical services, fire suppression, fire prevention, hazardous materials response, disaster preparedness, and related programs, services, and operations. Work involves setting policies and goals under the direction of the City Manager.  Departmental supervision is exercised over all personnel within the department.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

• Assumes full management responsibility for all Fire Department services and activities.
• Manages the development and implementation of Fire goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each service area.
• Responds to and takes command at major fires and rescue situations, sets guidelines for automatic alarm companies, and procedures for the implementation of mutual aid company responses to other jurisdictions.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates through subordinate level supervisory and managerial personnel, the Fire Department work plan; assigns projects and areas of responsibility; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Establishes, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocates resources accordingly.
• Selects, trains, motivates and evaluates Fire personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures. Increases professionalism and creates a positive work environment through leadership and mentorship.
• Supervises the fire prevention permit review and inspection program as required by local codes, ordinances, and State statutes.
• Manages and participates in the development of the department’s annual budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.
• Evaluates and forecasts the City’s Fire Department needs; develops and designs capital improvement projects.
• Represents the Fire Department to other City Departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; coordinates Fire department activities with those other departments and outside agencies.
• Creates and maintains positive relationships with community stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and other community-based organizations.
• Assists with City and County emergency planning and emergency operations center functions during planning, training, emergencies and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation.
• Explains, justifies, and defends Fire Department programs, policies and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
• Fields questions and complaints from the public regarding fire service; assigns the investigation of these complaints.
• Provides staff assistance to the City Manager; serves as staff on a vari