Fire Chief

General Statement of Duties:

Oversees all firefighting services and the operational control of all resources assigned to the fire department; continuously evaluates firefighting tactics and performance and either effects changes in equipment, methods control procedures, and training. Evaluate performance on the basis of excellence of firefighting and corollary activities.

NOTE: The essential functions and major responsibilities listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. Duties and responsibilities are also subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties. Not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual in the classification.

Essential Functions:

• Researches, develops, implements, and evaluates departmental policies, procedures, methods, etc. necessary to accomplish departmental objectives and to provide safe efficient and effective fire and medical emergency services to the City of Alamosa.
• Maintains administrative responsibility for the selection, training, evaluation, and discipline of departmental personnel; recommends hiring, promotional, and/or disciplinary actions to the appointing authority; may temporarily suspend or discharge any member of the department for cause in accordance with departmental guidelines and protocols and as prescribed in the City of Alamosa Charter and City Administrative Policies, and authorization of City Manager.
• Prepares and presents annual budget requests to City Manager for review and approval by city council, including projections of operating expenses, manpower, equipment, and facilities requirements, etc.; executes approved budgets to ensure prudent and timely expenditures of funds; reviews and approves all departmental expenditures.
• Maintains administrative responsibility for the usage, maintenance, and security of equipment, apparatus, and facilities on a departmental basis.
• Reviews and/or prepares records and reports on departmental activities and operations, including submissions to the City Manager and City Council (i.e., month-end and annual reports.)
• Supervises inspections and conducts fire prevention educational programs.
• Serves as departmental spokesperson before City government, public groups, professional groups, outside jurisdictions and agencies; serves as liaison between the fire department and other City departments.
• In the event of fire or other emergency, may order demolition of buildings or parts thereof which, in his judgment, might further endanger life or property.
• May command fire ground operations or delegate command of same.
• May respond to alarms, fire and emergency calls.

Knowledge of:

• Guidelines and protocols of the department and of laws and ordinances pertaining to fire prevention.
• Training techniques and methods.
• Fire science (firefighting, fire prevention) principles, practices, methods including knowledge of personnel, equipment, and facilities needs and requirements.
• Principles of organization, management, and administration including knowledge of the budgetary processes of municipal government.
• City of Alamosa administrative and personnel policies and procedures; fire department guidelines and protocols; laws and ordinances pertaining to fire prevention.
• Knowledge of firefighting and emergency techniques, methods, etc.
• Usage and maintenance requirements of station facilities, apparatus, equipment, etc.
• Fire building codes.
• Physical layout of Alamosa including city streets, hydrant locations, water system, building locations, and major fire hazards located within the City.

Ability to:

• Perform a broad range of supervisory responsibilities under conditions of severe emotional and physical stress.
• Plan, evaluate, assign and coordinate activities performed by fire department units.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate internal policies, procedures, departmental objectives, and structure necessary to provide safe, efficient fire and fire and emergency medical services.
• Establish and maintain effective working/supervisory relations with superior, subordinates, outside agencies, the public, etc.
• Supervise, train, evaluate, and discipline subordinate supervisors and personnel.
• Perform fire-fighting and/or emergency activities as required.
• Work cooperatively with department personnel, City employees, and the public, often under stressful circumstances.
• Produce written documents in the English language with clearly-organized thoughts with proper sentence structure, punctuation, and grammar.
• Communicate orally and in writing, in the English language, with co-workers, and the public in a tactful and courteous manner, both in person and by telephone.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Education/Experience Required:

• High school graduation or the equivalent.
• Ten years of experience in municipal fire services.
• State of Colorado Certified Fire Inspector I within 1 year of appointment
• 1403 certification within 1 year of appointment

Additional Requirements:

• Performance of other essential or marginal functions as necessary.
• Requires travel to off-site locations for firefighting, meetings, and/or training.
• Must be physically capable of operating firefighting vehicles, possess a valid State of Colorado Class C Operator’s license and have an acceptable driving record in compliance with City policies.
• Must pass all testing and screening requirements established at the time of application.

Material and Equipment Directly Used:

Fire-fighting equipment including fire engine, ladder truck, rescue vehicle, extrication tools, hoses, ladders, chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines, self-contained breathing apparatus, used; emergency communications equipment, PC-based office computers with standard word processing and spreadsheet software.

Working Environment:

Approximately % of the essential duties/activities for this position are performed from a vehicle and on foot under adverse conditions; approximately % of the essential duties/activities are performed in a heated office environment. The working environment and the duties of the job itself subject this position to periods of high activity and stress under demanding conditions, including exposure to a confined work area for long periods of time and in inclement weather.

Required Physical Capabilities:

• Positionrequires sufficient strength and manual dexterity to grasp and use fire-fighting and extrication apparatus and equipment.
• Position requires the ability to stand, bend, stoop, reach and handle to perform fire-fighting activities, lifting and carrying of objects heavier than 50 pounds.
• Physical activities required to perform essential duties include hearing conversation and traffic, speaking in an understandable voice; see well enough to operate-motor driven equipment in traffic and off-road, to use fire-fighting equipment, and review and produce work products.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $89,190.00 - $93,350.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $89,190 - $93,350