FIRE CHIEF

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general administrative direction, plans, directs, manages, and oversees the activities and operations of the Fire Department including fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, disaster preparedness, and related programs, services, and operations; coordinates assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to a Deputy City Manager and the City Manager.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Assumes full management responsibility for all Fire Department services and activities including fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, disaster preparedness, and related programs, services, and operations.
• Manages the development and implementation of Departmental goals, objectives, and priorities for each assigned service area; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• 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.
• Assesses and monitors work load, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs and implements changes.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates, through subordinate level staff, the Fire Department’s work plan; assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; meets with key staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the Department budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
• Responds to emergency alarms and may assume command of field operations; performs a management role in the direction of assigned personnel and equipment at the scene of emergencies involving fire, all types of accidents, hazardous materials incidents, and life-saving and rescue work.
• Oversees facilities planning for the Fire Department to meet current and future needs of the community.
• Directs disaster preparedness and other fire protection programs to minimize the loss of life and property within the community.
• Provides staff assistance to a Deputy City Manager and the City Manager; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; reviews and recommends modifications to codes, regulations, and ordinances pertaining to fire services and activities.
• Attends and participates in fire, rescue, and emergency medical services training as well as professional group meetings; obtains information and cooperation on public safety issues; establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with other Fire Departments; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of fire prevention and suppression.
• Responds to major fire alarms and major emergency medical first responder calls; personally directs fire suppression activities as necessary.
• Participates with community relations including public, media, and press relations; give speeches and presentations to local service clubs and organizations to further public relations.
• Represents the Fire Department to other departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; coordinates assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
• Explains, justifies, and defends department programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
• Participates on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints. Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of a comprehensive emergency service operation including fire suppression, fire prevention, hazardous materials response, emergency medical, and associated services.
• Principles and practices used in the administration, organization, and management of a municipal fire operation.
• Governmental codes, ordinances, and regulations and Civil and Criminal codes as they relate to the functions of the fire department.
• Incident Command System.
• Fire science theory, principles, and practices and their application to a wide variety of emergency service operations including fire suppression, fire prevention, and fire investigation. Principles and practices of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
• Advanced methods and techniques of emergency medical response.
• Operational characteristics of fire apparatus and equipment.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Current safety practices as they relate to equipment and procedures involved in the fire service.
• Methods and techniques of public relations.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to:

• Manage and direct a comprehensive fire program.
• Develop and administer departmental goals, objectives, and procedures.
• Analyze and assess programs, policies, and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments.
• Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
• Delegate authority and responsibility.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Operate modern office equipment and computers including applicable software applications.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in fire administration, fire science, public administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree is desirable.

Experience: Ten years of increasingly responsible experience in an agency providing a full range of urban fire protection services including three years of management and administrative responsibility at the level of Division Chief or above.

License or Certificate - Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver’s license. Possession of California State Chief Officer certification or ability to obtain within one year of employment if new incumbent is from out of State. Possession of CPR Certificate. Possession of Hazardous Materials First Responder Incident Command Certificate. Possession of Strike Team Leader Certificate. National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Certification is highly desirable.

Residency Requirements - Residency within the adopted General Plan for the City of Escondido is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Standard office setting with some travel to various locations to attend meetings or respond to emergency scenes, disasters, or critical incidents; occasional exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, airborne particles, noxious odors, gases, and all types of weather and temperature conditions; occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, in areas of limited and restricted entry and exit, and in high precarious places; extensive public contact; the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate; however, the noise level may be very loud when responding to emergency calls and when working at a fire or other emergency incident; wear protective apparel including goggles, face protector, aprons, safety shoes and oxygen breathing apparatus; may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends and may be required to travel outside City boundaries to attend meetings. Work schedule is 9/80 with alternating Fridays off in a biweekly period. Work environment is both formal and informal, team oriented, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment. CONTINUOUS sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. FREQUENT side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting at waist; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards. OCCASIONAL squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasp to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 20-35 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Date: April 2003
Johnson & Associates