Fire Chief

JOB

General Statement of DutiesPerforms complex managerial and public safety work planning, organizing, and directing the emergency and non-emergency activities and staff of the Fire Department.Distinguishing Features of the ClassAn employee in this class plans, organizes, and manages a variety of departmental activities to include fire suppression, training, public education, emergency medical response, hazardous materials response, emergency management planning and response, and fire prevention in protecting the lives and property of the citizens. Work includes establishing a vision of excellence in customer service and emergency response readiness and performing long range planning for programming, facilities, staff, technology, and equipment needs. The Chief manages the department staff, prepares and monitors the budget, plans and evaluates work operations, and directs the hiring, training and performance management of personnel. The Chief evaluates the need for new equipment, stations, and programs, and ensures a program of fire prevention, inspections, and fire investigations. The employee attends major incident response and may take command at the site; consequently, skills must be maintained in the use of firefighting and fire equipment operation. The employee is subject to hazards associated with firefighting including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as exposure to high heat, exposure to chemicals, and in the proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, and working in high places. Employee may be exposed to atmospheric conditions and blood borne pathogens, may be required to wear a respirator, and may be required to work in close quarters. Considerable judgment and expertise is required in directing departmental activities. Work is performed under the general administrative supervision of the Town Manager and is evaluated through observation, conferences, and written reports concerning the quality and effectiveness of fire and rescue work.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Essential Duties and TasksPlans, organizes, and directs departmental operations and establishes overall departmental policies and operational guidelines on fire prevention and suppression, EMS response and related matters; develops short- and long-range goals.Manages staff to ensure effective firefighting operations and to maintain sufficient level of preparedness and training; performs the hiring, promotion, discipline, and evaluation of departmental employees; ensures high levels of training, teamwork, motivation, and performance.Analyzes personnel, property, and operations of the department; implements action on such information in order to improve departmental operations; regulates and balances workload; reviews work objectives and expectations; establishes and maintains an effective organizational climate and culture. Prepares budget projections of anticipated expenditures and needs; assigns personnel and equipment; evaluates the need for the repair of existing or the purchase of new apparatus and requisitions equipment and supplies; ensures proper maintenance of facilities and equipment; identifies technology needs and ensures efficient utilization; participates with Town Management and other federal, state, and local officials in planning for long range needs for stations, equipment and staffing and in planning for all types of emergency response; coordinates construction of facilities with architects, contractors and others.Establishes and maintains effective working relationships, agreements and protocol for administering contract and mutual aid agreements with other public safety agencies.Serves as Town emergency manager responsible for planning, coordination and operations of EOC, coordinates emergency planning including hurricane planning and response with other Town response coordination, hazard mitigation planning, and related programs; participates with other agencies in various training and security activities.Supervises and participates in review of plans for new construction and land developments to ensure public safety.Ensures the development of new or the modification of existing policies, procedures, guidelines and/or standards.Ensures necessary and accurate records and data are established and maintained for reporting and management decision making.Additional Job DutiesPerforms related duties as required.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Physical RequirementsMust be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and perform repetitive motions.Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.Must possess the visual acuity to perform accounting, computer work, and extensive reading in addition to ability to distinguish people and objects at emergency scenes.Desirable Education and ExperienceGraduation from a college or university with a degree in fire science, public administration or related field, completion of advanced courses and seminars in fire administration and management, and considerable experience in fire service management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Special RequirementsPossession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.Possession of Fire Officer certification and other certifications as required by the Town.EMT certification preferred.