Fire Chief

Position Function/Nature of Work:

Under the direction of the City Manager, provides complex administrative direction and leadership for all
Fire Department operations, equipment, and personnel. Manages daily operations necessary to achieve exemplary
services for the protection of life and property through efficient and effective implementation of fire suppression and
prevention, emergency medical response, and other emergency and non-emergency related services.

Essential Duties:

• Directs and is responsible for personnel, property, and operations of the department. Reviews departmental operations through written reports or personal observation and takes necessary action to improve operations.
• Directs the administrative and departmental budget exercising control over expenditures and assessing the
  need for and recommending the addition of new personnel, material, apparatus, or supplies.
• Develop and implement departmental policy and procedures and ensure they are followed by members of the Department.
• Respond to major alarms and personally direct activities at large fires or disasters and/or review the
  supervisory activities of subordinates at other emergencies. Works with other departments on mutual aid
  agreements.
• Supervises and reviews the activities of various sub-divisions within the Department such as fire prevention
  and building inspection.
• Attends City Manager's staff meetings when scheduled as well as other meetings as
  required.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Preferred knowledge and experience are normally obtained through the completion of an advanced education from an accredited educational institution of higher learning resulting in a Bachelor's Degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, a related field or a combination of Fire Chief experience along with Education.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible administrative/command experience with a full-time career
  department in all phases of fire and emergency medical operations, with at least five (5) years at the rank of
  Battalion Chief or higher, which provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills.

Preferred Qualifications and Certifications:

• Graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program from the National Fire Academy
• Chief Officer Designation (CFO) through the Center for Public Safety Excellence
• Experience in the ICS Incident Command and FEMA All-Hazards Preparedness and Response
  preferred.
• Must possess good oral and written communication skills.
• Must be able to read and understand the Florida Fire Prevention Code, Federal and State Regulations, Occupational Health and Safety, and City policies and procedure manuals.
• Extensive knowledge of principles, practices, methods, and techniques of modern fire prevention and
  suppression activities. Extensive knowledge of fire behavior, fire ground operations, firefighting, forcible entry tactics, pumping apparatus, hydraulics, hydrant locations, water systems, and drafting sources;
  extensive knowledge of the proper application/administration of all fire suppression equipment/apparatus and
  medical equipment, appliances, controlled substances, and supplies.
• Knows how to determine and ensure safety on fire and medical scenes. Knows how to utilize various pieces
  of firefighting and EMS equipment and tools safely and efficiently. Is able to make sound, educated decisions.
  Has the ability to use independent judgment and discretion in supervising various programs including the
  handling of emergencies, making quick decisions, determining procedures, setting priorities, setting
  schedules, maintaining standards, planning for future City needs, and resolving problems.
• Has the ability to plan and develop daily, short, and long-term goals related to City purposes. Has the ability
  to plan and coordinate the most effective use of personnel, facilities, and resources to achieve department
  goals. Is able to ensure departmental compliance with all laws and regulations and control the activities of
  the department through effective supervision. Knows how to apply supervisory and managerial concepts and
  principles; has knowledge of administrative principles involved in developing, directing, and supervising
  various programs and related activities. Has the ability to offer instruction and advice to subordinates
  regarding departmental policies, methods, and regulations. Is able to perform employee evaluations and make
  recommendations based on results. Has the ability to offer training and assistance to subordinates and
  employees of other departments as required. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position
  without the need for direct supervision.
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals, and members
  of the public through contact and cooperation. Ability to make public presentations.
• Must have the mathematical ability to handle required calculations necessary to perform budget and
  procurement analysis. Is able to compile, organize, and utilize various financial information necessary in the
  preparation of the departmental budget, and knows how to prepare and monitor the budget. Has knowledge
  of modern office practices and technology.
• Must be able to communicate and present oneself in a professional manner, and have the ability to
  successfully work with confidential information.
• Ability to work under high demands, short time constraints, and pressure in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to serve in a leadership role in the event of EOC activation.

Other requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must possess a valid State of Florida drivers' license.
• Must possess an honorable military discharge, if applicant has been service connected.
• Must be a United States citizen or naturalized citizen.
• Must pass a physical examination and drug urinalysis test.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony.
• Must endure a personal, professional and moral background investigation to determine honesty, maturity and dependability.
• Must be fluent in the English language; ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus.
• Must possess a valid Florida Class E driver's license.
• Must pass post-offer pre-employment Physical Examination, and applicable background checks to include
  CJIS screening.

Licenses/Required Minimum Certifications(must be current and maintained throughout employment):

• State of Florida Firefighter II Certificate of Compliance
• State of Florida Fire Instructor II Certificate of Compliance
• State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector II Certificate of Compliance
• Must possess or obtain the most current FEMA 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 Incident Command
• System certifications within 12 months of appointment to the job.
• Current State of Florida Driver's License

Comments:

This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.