Fire Chief/CEO

The Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District is seeking an experienced and visionary Fire Chief/CEO to lead the organization in all fire, emergency medical, rescue, and fire prevention operations. This full-time, at-will executive position reports directly to the District’s Board of Directors, guiding the strategic and operational leadership of the department’s services, administration, and resource management.

This is a dynamic opportunity to lead a dedicated fire and emergency services team, making a significant impact on community safety within the Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District.

The District

Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District is an independent fire district located in northern El Paso County, Colorado. It serves approximately 40,000 friends and neighbors, encompassing around 5,500 structures across 52 square miles. The District operates two fire stations and responds to 1,000 emergency calls each year, supported by a $6.6 million budget. While predominately rural residential, the service area also includes some light commercial properties.

The District is a full-time career agency comprised of 30 professional Firefighters, an Administrative Officer, a Director of Public Relations, and a part-time Emergency Vehicle Technician. The District provides a wide range of services, including structural firefighting, wildland firefighting, rescue, and EMS transport. Black Forest Fire Rescue also serves as a mutual and automatic aid partner with agencies within El Paso County, Douglas County, and the State of Colorado.

“As an all-hazards agency, we serve and protect the community with compassion, professionalism, and good moral character. We accomplish this mission with diligent preparedness, community risk analysis, and an effective response by a dedicated team.”

“Always Ready. Always Forward. Always Learning.”

Duty: Fulfilling the obligations and responsibilities of our profession.

Honor: An active regard for the high standards of our profession.

Integrity: The firm adherence to a code of conduct that exemplifies our profession. Humility: To serve our community and profession without arrogance or self-interest. Discipline: A professional state of good order, free from complacency.

The Area

El Paso County lies in east central Colorado encompassing over 2,000 square miles with a population of over 750,000 residents. While the western portion of El Paso County is extremely mountainous, the eastern part is prairie land where dairy cows and beef cattle are the main source of ranchers’ income. The altitude ranges from about 5,095 feet (1569 m) on the southern border at Black Squirrel Creek to 14,110 feet (4301 m) on the summit of Pikes Peak, near the western boundary. The county seat is located in Colorado Springs.

The natural physical beauty of the area, situated at the base of Pikes Peak and with an uninterrupted view of the Front Range, can be enjoyed by all. The magnificent scenery inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write the poem “America the Beautiful” after her visit here. The mild climate, on average, supplies 285 days of sunshine, 15 inches of rain, 35 inches of snow, and very low levels of humidity.

The County offers a variety of ways to live an active lifestyle, with opportunities for outdoor recreation, community engagement, and health-focused initiatives. The county has a strong emphasis on promoting physical activity and healthy living through various programs and resources.

The Black Forest Community is approximately 25 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs and a little over an hour from downtown Denver. Colorado Springs Airport is 30 min to the south and Denver International Airport is 75 minutes to the north.

The Position

The Fire Chief serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the District, responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and strategic direction of the organization. The Chief sets the tone for the District’s culture and fosters a strong commitment of excellence at all levels. Key responsibilities include the management of all personnel, oversight of all the District’s services, and administration of the annual budget. The Fire Chief reports directly to, and serves at the pleasure of, the Board of Directors.

Current critical priorities for the new Fire Chief:

· Building and developing a core leadership team in recognition of a current void of command level officers within the District.

· Fostering and promoting a culture free of “hazing” or other behaviors that lead to toxic workplace environments, while reinforcing respect, inclusivity, and professionalism.

· Establishing a strong, trust-based relationship between the Board of Directors and the Fire Chief by promoting open communication, transparency, and a collaborative working dynamic between governance and executive leadership.

Knowledge Requirements

· Systems, Operations, Fire and Emergency Management: Comprehensive knowledge of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), fire suppression, wildland suppression/mitigation/deployment/billing, prevention, emergency medical service delivery, EMS transport and billing, hazardous materials, and community risk reduction programs.

· Policy and Program Development: Expertise in policy and program planning, implementation, and administration.

· Innovation and Evaluation: Ability to research, analyze, and assess new service delivery methods, equipment, and techniques.

· Emergency Operations: Capable of critically analyzing and managing large-scale emergency operations.

· Legal Compliance: Knowledge of relevant NFPA standards, federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

· Budget Management: Skill in preparing, administering, and advocating for large and complex budgets in conjunction with the district treasurer.

· Leadership and Supervision: Proven methods of efective leadership, including budget management, supervision, training, and performance evaluation.

· Analytical Skills: Skilled in program assessment, policy adjustments, and cost- effective decision-making.

· Effective Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills across a range of environments. Proficient in maintaining regular and clear communication with employees, board of directors, and stakeholders, verbally and in writing with a focus on transparency.

· Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal skills for building and maintaining effective relationships within the community, the organization, external partners, neighboring and regional agencies.

· Team Building: Experience building diverse teams and maintaining a respectful, inclusive work environment.

· Community and Organizational Engagement: Ability to address community and organizational needs and concerns proactively.

· Exceptional political acumen, tact, and diplomacy are crucial for managing complex and sensitive issues.

Essential Job Functions

The primary duties and responsibilities for the role include the following:

· Manage Division Services: Oversee and coordinate all division services, including fire suppression, Wildland suppression/mitigation/deployment/billing, emergency medical response, EMS transport and billing, hazardous materials management, and community risk reduction. Facilitate the development and implementation of strategic goals, objectives, and priorities, and establish and enforce policies and procedures.

· Service Levels and Resource Allocation: Establish and assess service and staffing levels, evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods. Ensure resources are allocated appropriately, maintain compliance with District policies and procedures.

· Leadership in Service Delivery: Guide division management in service delivery, working with key staff to identify, negotiate, and resolve complex or controversial issues. Address citizen inquiries and provide feedback and solutions as necessary.

· Operational Assessment and Improvement: Continuously monitor workload, administrative systems, support systems, and reporting structures. Identify areas for operational improvement and implement necessary changes.

· Personnel Management: Lead the recruitment, training, motivation, and evaluation of assigned personnel. Coordinate management training, work with employees on

performance improvements, and manage hiring, disciplinary, and termination processes.

· Strategic Leadership: Serve as the Chief Executive Officer setting strategic direction, policies, and goals for all District operations. Ability to lead and direct a comprehensive, multi-faceted municipal fire department.

· Budgeting and Resource Management: Oversee the development and management of the departmental budget, including forecasting and approving funds for staffing, vehicles, equipment, and supplies. Approve expenditures and adjust budget allocations as needed to ensure they are within the approved budget while reporting to the district treasurer and the board of directors.

· Disaster Preparedness and Community Risk Reduction: Direct activities to minimize the loss of life and property within the community.

Key Responsibilities

· Asset Management: Oversee all District assets, ensuring operational readiness, safety, and proper resource allocation.

· Financial Management: Prepare and manage the district’s budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility in alignment with district goals.

· Policy Development: Collaborate with Lexipol to develop and implement policies aligned with Board guidelines and Colorado state laws for effective and compliant operations.

· Board Liaison: Present monthly reports and strategic recommendations to the board, advocating for ongoing improvement and service alignment.

· Operations Management: Supervise and evaluate fire suppression, Wildland suppression/mitigation/deployment/billing, emergency medical, fire inspection, prevention, and hazardous materials protocols, ensuring readiness and efficiency.

· Fire Prevention: Direct fire prevention activities, including safety inspections, code enforcement, plans review, and public education.

· Emergency Role: Serve as an on-scene incident commander during emergencies when needed, adapting to operational roles under high-stress, high-risk conditions.

· Investigations: Ensure that all fires and explosions within the district boundaries are properly and thoroughly investigated as per Colorado State Statute.

· Personnel Oversight: Lead and support district personnel, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and ongoing development consistent with the mission, vision, and values of the district.

· Workforce Development: Recruit, train, and develop a diverse and high-performing workforce, including volunteer personnel to ensure a high-level of readiness.

· Community Relations: Engage with the community and external partners, promoting fire safety, emergency preparedness, and fostering strong community ties.

· Professional Development: Engage with professional organizations to stay informed of best practices, enhancing service standards and District reputation.

Minimum Qualifications

· A valid Colorado State driver’s license is required by the time of hire.

· Able to pass district-required medical examinations.

· At least ten years of progressively responsible fire service experience, with two years in a Chief Officer Position (e.g. Battalion, Division, Assistant, Deputy Fire Chief, or Fire Chief).

· Associates degree in Fire Science, Fire Service Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.

· Certifications:

o IAFC Fire Officer I & II

o ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800

o CPR

o National Registry EMT

Skills:

· Proficiency in fire prevention, fire investigation, emergency response, and grant administration (e.g., FEMA SAFER, AFG).

Preferred Qualifications:

· Higher Education: Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Leadership, Fire Science, Fire Service Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.

· Leadership Experience: Senior Leadership role, such as the Fire Chief or a Chief Officer reporting directly to the Fire Chief or part of the Fire Chief’s Command Staff (e.g. Division, Assistant, or Deputy Fire Chief).

· Experience with a CPSE-accredited fire department, credential as a Chief Fire Officer through CPSE, completion of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy, and/or completion of the IAFC Fire Service Executive Development Institute.

· Advanced Certifications:

o NWCG Engine Boss

o Colorado State Hazardous Materials Operations Certification

o Fire Investigator I

Technical Skills:

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, budget management, and NFIRS reporting.

Working Conditions:

· The role involves a blend of office and field responsibilities, requiring physical fitness and the ability to work in hazardous, high-stress environments.

· Work a minimum of 40 hours per week and be available for emergency fire and medical service calls.

· Attend scheduled board meetings and other community events that can take place during nights and weekends.

Compensation and Benefits:

· Salary: $146,000 - $190,000 based on qualifications.

· Health & Retirement:

o Comprehensive health

o Dental

o Life insurance

o Retirement benefits. (Fire Police Pension Association of Colorado)

· Additional Benefits:

o Sick leave

o Vacation

o Paid holidays

o Uniform allowance

o Take-home vehicle

o Potential relocation support

Application and Selection Process

Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit an application and resume by May 23, 2025. All applications will be kept confidential during the initial phase of the process.

Submit application and resume to Recruitment@bffire.org. Visit www.bffire.org for more information.

The District will begin an initial screening on May 23rd and may invite selected applicants to participate in a video conference interview to assist in determining who will advance to the on-site selection process. Applicants invited to continue will receive a notice of inclusion along with the schedule of events.

The on-site process will include an opportunity to visit the District, participate in a Meet and Greet with the full Board of Directors and complete an interview with the Board’s Ad Hoc selection committee. The top candidate(s) will be subject to a background investigation prior to the issuance of a final offer for the position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $146,000.00 - $190,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Ability to Commute:

• Colorado Springs, CO 80908 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Colorado Springs, CO 80908: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $146,000 - $190,000