Description

Under the administrative direction of the City Manager, the Fire Chief is the senior fire department official for the city. Responsible for the administering of all administrative, operational, and fiscal aspects of the fire department and ensuring the protection of lives and property within the City from uncontrolled fire and medical emergencies. 

Requirements

Essential Functions:

• The position represents the city and works closely with outside emergency response agencies and works directly with the City Manager and other Department Directors to implement and support citywide projects and initiatives.
• Prepare written reports for the City Manager as requested; advise the City Manager of needed policies, goals, and objectives; develop and issue regular reports which summarize department operations.
• Responds to requests from the City Manager regarding fire department and emergency management inquiries.
• Assume command and control of major emergency activities as directed by the City Manager.
• Responsible for all positions within the fire department, both career and volunteer, with an emphasis on employee relations and teamwork.
• Selects, trains, schedules, and evaluates Fire Department personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Provides estimates for annual and capital improvement plan budgets.
• Prepare short- and long-range plans for the Department operations and develop innovative and alternative programs to improve workflow and the efficiency of department.
• Develop, review, and revise standard operating procedures.
• Develop training and education programs for department personnel.
• Help coordinate fire department activities and functions with other City departments and outside agencies.
• Assess project needs for equipment, materials, and supplies.  Assist in the preparation of specifications, estimates, and bids for machinery, equipment, and contractor services.
• Coordinate requisitions for purchase of equipment, supplies and materials.
• Coordinate testing, maintenance, and repairs of equipment and vehicles.
• Receive and respond to complaints.
• Attend, conduct and address meetings at public gatherings to explain the activities and functions of the fire department and to establish favorable public relations.
• Duties are performed in accordance with applicable laws, existing City and departmental policies and procedures.
• Required to carry a cellular phone on and off duty.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties. Employees will be required to perform other job-related duties, as required.)  

Minimum Qualifications (KSAs):

• Modern fire safety, fire suppression, heavy rescue, training, fire prevention, hazardous materials, public fire safety education, and emergency management.
• Pre-hospital patient care for Basic and Advanced Life Support.
• Appropriate procedures and methods used in providing safety and comfort in the handling and treating of patients.
• Comprehensive safety and risk management systems.
• Incident command system, recruitment, and selection.
• Labor laws, contract administration, and laws governing the fire service.
• Computer systems and ability to apply new technology effectively.
• City’s functions, policies, and procedures.
• Strong written and oral communications and relational skills.
• Public relations and customer service.
• Operations and maintenance of various types of apparatus and equipment used in firefighting activities.
• Budgetary development and administration.
• Follow and relay complex oral and written instructions, policies, and procedures.
• Operate a variety of office equipment, including computer terminal, printer, calculator, fax, and copier.
• Work with a high degree of independent judgement while working under pressure.
• Organize and direct firefighting and emergency medical services of broad scope and complexity.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with a diverse group of associates including other professionals at the local, state and national level and those providing services to the city.
• Effectively and efficiently plan, assign, supervise, evaluate, and direct assigned personnel to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of services by the department and promote team unity.
• Apply analytical skills for all related activities and interpret data for making effective decisions, recommendations and prepare oral and written reports.
• Occasionally assumes risks inherent in fire service.
• Regulate and control firefighting and emergency medical programs, expenditures and equipment.
• Work may occur at heights.

Education, Training and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field. 
• Ten (10) years of experience in Fire Service with five (5) years of experience at the command level equivalent to District Chief or higher. 
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience may be substituted for education.

Licenses, Certificates, Special Requirements:

• A valid Florida driver’s license
• A current Firefighter II
• Florida Fire Safety Inspector I certificate as issued by the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.
• Must have attended Command training and/or be CPM certified.
• Approved 16-hour Emergency Vehicle Operations course completed.
• This is a key position, and the individual must be able to work during a declared emergency disaster since fire services are essential.