Deputy Chief of Administration

Position Summary

Performs a combination of difficult administrative work and fieldwork to ensure emergency services operations run safely and efficiently. Frequently involves participating in the work of subordinates, and in the absence of Chief of Fire and Rescue, assumes the lead role of administration and may be required to establish and/or perform in all functions of the incident command system. Position directly supervises career staff and educates both career and volunteer staff. Increases community awareness by providing information and/or education pertaining to a variety of emergency service opportunities including but not limited to, promoting the role of the Fire and Rescue Department within the community, promoting the need for and recruitment of volunteer Fire EMS personnel. Work is performed under the general direction of the Chief of Fire & Rescue with latitude for independent judgment and action.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Has line authority and assumes command of functions in a leadership role for fires or other significant incident’s both emergency and scheduled; makes technical decisions on methods of fire suppression, medical and other emergency’s responses including directing administering, coordinating, and supervising companies during emergency operations. May be required to perform firefighting activities.
• Serves as a member of the management team and coordinates activities with the Chief and other department staff.
• May act as the Chief in his/her absence.
• Coordinates and oversees various management teams and special projects including but not limited to construction of fire & rescue buildings / stations; apparatus specifications; equipment maintenance and replacement; computer aided dispatch systems; records management systems; accident review; and technology solutions.
• Serves as an advisor to ensure consistent application of disciplinary action with the supervisory chain. Serves as a point of escalation for disciplinary issues that cannot be resolved at the first line supervisory level.
• Assists with the development of administrative and operational policies, standard operating procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Makes recommendations for departmental equipment procurement and purchases.
• Plans for division short and long-term needs; transmits information to subordinates; researches and prepares special reports and studies; monitors departmental records and reports.
• Develops a positive working relationship and serves as the liaison between the Fire & Emergency Services department, as well as all other County departments.
• Conducts investigations of accidents involving departmental personnel and/or equipment as well as investigations into escalated allegations of misconduct.
• Identifies recruitment, retention, and educational needs of volunteer Fire & EMS personnel.
• Prepares a calendar of events and programs that are relative to emergency services.
• Works with County departments, agencies, and civic groups to build relationships and promote the Fire & EMS department within the community.
• Works with the Public Information Office to coordinate and prepare Fire & EMS educational messages.
• Responds to citizen inquiries.
• Serves as a member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee.
• Oversees the hiring process and works with the Human Resources department on recruitment needs.
• Assists with preparation of the department’s annual budget.
• Attends meetings and/or presents to the Board of Supervisor as required.
• Serves as an Emergency Services official at functions, meetings, and events, as necessary.
• Accomplishes all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested by management.
• Participates in employee meetings and training as needed.
• Performs special projects as assigned.
• Meets attendance requirements and maintains the highest level of dependability.
• Consistently demonstrates ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner to meet current needs and reprioritizes work as necessary.

Qualifications

Education / Experience

Requires education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, EMS, Public Administration/Business Administration, or related field, supplemented by advanced level course work in modern methods of fire suppression and rescue. Must be familiar with NFPA standards and OEMS Regulations particularly as they relate to the Fire & Rescue environment. Must possess experience in health and safety relevant to Fire and Rescue operations and personnel. Must possess a minimum of three (3) years of experience in a career Fire and EMS supervisory role serving at the rank of Captain or above. Training in public speaking and public education desired.

Requirements include: EMT certification, Paramedic preferred; CPR certification; NIMS – ICS 100 – 400 & ICS 700 certification; EVOC certification; Firefighter II certification; Hazardous Materials Operations certification.

Preferred Qualifications: Education Coordinator, Fire Officer certification, and Fire Instructor certifications, Executive Fire Officer & Chief Fire Officer/Chief Medical Officer.

Knowledge of radio systems in relation to emergency services and Enhanced 911 telephone operations preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Requires comprehensive knowledge of the strategy and tactics of handling fire, rescue, and medical emergencies and the ability to analyze and respond effectively under stress to each. Must possess the ability to identify and interpret trends and preventive related issues within the Fire Services industry.

Requires exercising a great deal of self-initiative and possessing the ability to positively interact with the public, volunteers, career staff, support staff, and outside agencies in a professional, courteous, and tactful manner during routine, emergency, and controversial situations. Strong quality and service minded with commitment to continuous quality improvement.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work cooperatively in a diverse multi-disciplinary emergency services team and / or independently. Knowledge of management principles and practices with the ability to employ team-oriented problem-solving techniques and be capable of motivating new or inexperienced members. Puts success of team above own interests and supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.

Ability to develop, implement and facilitate educational programs.

Must possess the ability to communicate; both orally and in writing, to effectively educate a variety of audiences. Must be able to maintain confidentially and disseminate such information consistent with policies and procedures.

Knowledge and understanding of the County’s strategic direction, mission, vision, and values as they relate to the Department of Fire & Rescue, as well as the departments standard operating guidelines, rules, and regulations.

Knowledge of County geography with respect to streets, hydrants and building access.

Must be able to establish and maintain accurate records, files, and database systems. Requires compiling data and information to prepare complex reports using MS Office Suite and/or other computer systems.

Knowledge of budget preparation and accounting principles.

Certifications / Licenses

Must have three (3) years of driving experience and possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license, proof of insurance required to drive on County business, and acceptable driving record.

Instructor credentials required, or ability to obtain within one year.

Must possess certification(s) as listed above under Education / Experience. Employee will be responsible for keeping his/her license and education requirements current.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described here 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 for individuals with disabilities.

Requires employee to perform very heavy work requiring the exertion in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions.

Sensory skills: Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, night vision, peripheral vision, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts at or within arm’s length, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.

Ability to mentally and emotionally deal with emergencies that may result in severe injury or the loss of human life.

Environmental Factors

Worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, hazards, atmospheric conditions, oils. Ability to wear an air pak is required. Worker may be exposed to blood borne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.

Special / Additional Requirements

Subject to a complete criminal history background search and drug screening with acceptable results.

Requires annual medical examinations to establish fitness to perform the job.

Worker may be required to work beyond a normal schedule to include rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime to meet the needs of the department.

This position is designated as essential personnel. In accordance with the County's personnel policy, essential personnel are critical to the continuation of key operations and services and are expected to report to work, unless otherwise directed by management, in all weather conditions.

Disclaimer

Bedford County maintains a safe, drug-free workplace for its employees. Drug screening, driving record check, a criminal background check, and previous employer references are required for all positions as conditions of pre-employment.

Bedford County, VA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.