What are the responsibilities and job description for the Division Chief (56-Hour Shift Commander) Internal Only: Promotional position at City of Dubuque?
*Please note the Civil Service Exam process will take place the week of February 18th, 2025. Additional information will come from the Fire Administration Office.
Under direction of the Deputy Chief, will administer assigned duties; and assist in planning and in directing the work of the Fire Department in the protection of life and property from losses due to fire. The Division Chief will supervise shift personnel in the oversight and management of all hazards fire and emergency medical response. This job description represents duties assigned to the division chief who works a 56-hour work week. The Bureau Chief and Division Chief hold the same rank responsibilities but may be interchanged to oversee 40-hour bureau chief areas of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or Training Bureau oversight or one of the three shifts as Division Chief.
• Maintain safety and accountability of operations and assigned personnel.
• Direct and manage emergency personnel at fire, all hazards and emergency medical incidents.
• Direct prevention, public education, community risk reduction, and other community events scheduled for the shift.
• Evaluate employee performance (annual employee appraisals, performance improvement plans, documentation of exceptional performance and corrective actions).
• Monitor for proper alarm response, upgrade and downgrade alarms, initiate call back and mutual aid requests.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate programs to enhance service delivery and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as departmental policies.
• Foster a culture of respect and accountability among fire department personnel.
• Attend, coordinate, and conduct meetings, training sessions, and drills
• Monitor department accreditation requirements and collaborate on updates and reporting.
• Optimize resource allocation to ensure effective operations.
• Establish and maintain quality assurance processes to monitor compliance and the performance of personnel.
• Collaborate with the training and EMS Bureau Chiefs to implement department training programs for shift personnel to enhance skills and promote professional development.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with operations, including safety hazards and liability issues.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies, equipment, and software to improve efficiency and documentation.
• Maintain positive relationships with community stakeholders, elected officials, and advocacy organizations.
• Reference key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the effectiveness of operations and drive continuous improvement.
• Manage assigned budget areas, including forecasting, expenditures, and identifying opportunities for cost savings.
• Stay current with advancements in practices, technologies, and regulations.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the department when designated, responding to media inquiries and public speaking engagements.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Regulations and Standards: Understanding of regulations governing operations, including licensure, scope of practice, industry best practice (firefighting, specialty response and emergency medical services) compliance and documentation.
• Leadership and Management: Proficiency in leadership, management techniques, and organizational development.
• Risk Management: Knowledge of strategies to mitigate safety and liability risks.
• Emergency Preparedness: Familiarity with emergency response protocols and disaster management principles.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Problem-Solving: Analytical skills to make informed decisions under pressure.
• Team Building and Motivation: Ability to inspire and lead diverse teams.
• Conflict Resolution: Skill in managing interpersonal conflicts and promoting a positive work environment.
• Training and Education: Ability to design and deliver department training programs.
• Strategic Planning: Capacity to develop long-term plans and allocate resources effectively.
• Adaptability: Ability to adjust strategies to meet evolving needs.
• Crisis Management: Ability to remain calm and make decisions in crisis situations.
• Ethical Decision-Making: Commitment to ethical standards and professional conduct.
Additional Duties
• Leadership Development: Continuously engage in leadership development to enhance management skills.
• Community Engagement: Represent the department at city and community events.
• Administrative Support: Fulfill administrative duties, including reporting, compliance, accident and injury documentation, and budget management.
• Recall Availability: Be available for recall during emergencies to support operations.
• Department Management Support: May serve as acting deputy chief or chief in the absence of the fire chief or deputy fire chief.
Job Scope
• Budgetary: Assists in preparing, administering, and monitoring department budgets.
• Supervisory: Directly supervises 35 employee (Shift personnel) and indirectly supervises 100 employees.
• Managerial: Oversees the assigned shift (A shift, B shift, C shift) in line with department procedures.Required Qualifications:
• Certified Paramedic as recognized by the State of Iowa or National Registry.
• Associate’s degree in Fire Science, EMS, Public Administration, Healthcare Administration, or related field, or Bachelor's degree- Ability to attain within 12 months of promotion (Educational plan commitment documented prior to promotion).
• Five years of experience in fire-based emergency medical services with the Dubuque Fire Department including 4 years in grade as a company officer (Lieutenant and/or captain), EMS Supervisor, EMS Assistant)
• Valid Iowa Driver’s License and ability to maintain a valid license.
• Incident Safety Officer certification (to be attained within 12 months of promotion).
• ICS 300 and ICS 400 certifications (to be attained within 12 months of promotion).
Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, EMS, Public Administration, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
• Advanced EMS certifications (e.g., Critical Care Paramedic, Advanced Cardiac Life Support).
• Advanced Management Certifications (e.g., Certified Ambulance Compliance Officer).
• Pursuit of advanced education in fire service management (e.g., National Fire Academy).
• Fire Officer (FO)
Physical Demands & Work Environment
• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods and navigate varied terrains, including during fire and EMS incidents.
• Exposure to potentially uncomfortable conditions, such as dirt, dust, fumes, noise, and temperature variations.
• Ability to operate various department vehicles and lift up to 50 pounds.
• May need to occasionally transport objects weighing up to 150 pounds.
• Ability to work irregular hours, including potential sleep interruptions.
Residency Requirements:
Employee shall maintain their principal place of residence either within the city limits or within 50 miles of the corporate city limits of the City of Dubuque by the most direct street, road, or highway.
FLSA Status: Exempt
This position falls under Iowa Civil Service Chapter 400, which requires each applicant to take and receive a passing score on an approved civil service exam to be considered for this opportunity.
Under direction of the Deputy Chief, will administer assigned duties; and assist in planning and in directing the work of the Fire Department in the protection of life and property from losses due to fire. The Division Chief will supervise shift personnel in the oversight and management of all hazards fire and emergency medical response. This job description represents duties assigned to the division chief who works a 56-hour work week. The Bureau Chief and Division Chief hold the same rank responsibilities but may be interchanged to oversee 40-hour bureau chief areas of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or Training Bureau oversight or one of the three shifts as Division Chief.
• Maintain safety and accountability of operations and assigned personnel.
• Direct and manage emergency personnel at fire, all hazards and emergency medical incidents.
• Direct prevention, public education, community risk reduction, and other community events scheduled for the shift.
• Evaluate employee performance (annual employee appraisals, performance improvement plans, documentation of exceptional performance and corrective actions).
• Monitor for proper alarm response, upgrade and downgrade alarms, initiate call back and mutual aid requests.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate programs to enhance service delivery and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as departmental policies.
• Foster a culture of respect and accountability among fire department personnel.
• Attend, coordinate, and conduct meetings, training sessions, and drills
• Monitor department accreditation requirements and collaborate on updates and reporting.
• Optimize resource allocation to ensure effective operations.
• Establish and maintain quality assurance processes to monitor compliance and the performance of personnel.
• Collaborate with the training and EMS Bureau Chiefs to implement department training programs for shift personnel to enhance skills and promote professional development.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with operations, including safety hazards and liability issues.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies, equipment, and software to improve efficiency and documentation.
• Maintain positive relationships with community stakeholders, elected officials, and advocacy organizations.
• Reference key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the effectiveness of operations and drive continuous improvement.
• Manage assigned budget areas, including forecasting, expenditures, and identifying opportunities for cost savings.
• Stay current with advancements in practices, technologies, and regulations.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the department when designated, responding to media inquiries and public speaking engagements.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Regulations and Standards: Understanding of regulations governing operations, including licensure, scope of practice, industry best practice (firefighting, specialty response and emergency medical services) compliance and documentation.
• Leadership and Management: Proficiency in leadership, management techniques, and organizational development.
• Risk Management: Knowledge of strategies to mitigate safety and liability risks.
• Emergency Preparedness: Familiarity with emergency response protocols and disaster management principles.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Problem-Solving: Analytical skills to make informed decisions under pressure.
• Team Building and Motivation: Ability to inspire and lead diverse teams.
• Conflict Resolution: Skill in managing interpersonal conflicts and promoting a positive work environment.
• Training and Education: Ability to design and deliver department training programs.
• Strategic Planning: Capacity to develop long-term plans and allocate resources effectively.
• Adaptability: Ability to adjust strategies to meet evolving needs.
• Crisis Management: Ability to remain calm and make decisions in crisis situations.
• Ethical Decision-Making: Commitment to ethical standards and professional conduct.
Additional Duties
• Leadership Development: Continuously engage in leadership development to enhance management skills.
• Community Engagement: Represent the department at city and community events.
• Administrative Support: Fulfill administrative duties, including reporting, compliance, accident and injury documentation, and budget management.
• Recall Availability: Be available for recall during emergencies to support operations.
• Department Management Support: May serve as acting deputy chief or chief in the absence of the fire chief or deputy fire chief.
Job Scope
• Budgetary: Assists in preparing, administering, and monitoring department budgets.
• Supervisory: Directly supervises 35 employee (Shift personnel) and indirectly supervises 100 employees.
• Managerial: Oversees the assigned shift (A shift, B shift, C shift) in line with department procedures.Required Qualifications:
• Certified Paramedic as recognized by the State of Iowa or National Registry.
• Associate’s degree in Fire Science, EMS, Public Administration, Healthcare Administration, or related field, or Bachelor's degree- Ability to attain within 12 months of promotion (Educational plan commitment documented prior to promotion).
• Five years of experience in fire-based emergency medical services with the Dubuque Fire Department including 4 years in grade as a company officer (Lieutenant and/or captain), EMS Supervisor, EMS Assistant)
• Valid Iowa Driver’s License and ability to maintain a valid license.
• Incident Safety Officer certification (to be attained within 12 months of promotion).
• ICS 300 and ICS 400 certifications (to be attained within 12 months of promotion).
Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, EMS, Public Administration, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
• Advanced EMS certifications (e.g., Critical Care Paramedic, Advanced Cardiac Life Support).
• Advanced Management Certifications (e.g., Certified Ambulance Compliance Officer).
• Pursuit of advanced education in fire service management (e.g., National Fire Academy).
• Fire Officer (FO)
Physical Demands & Work Environment
• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods and navigate varied terrains, including during fire and EMS incidents.
• Exposure to potentially uncomfortable conditions, such as dirt, dust, fumes, noise, and temperature variations.
• Ability to operate various department vehicles and lift up to 50 pounds.
• May need to occasionally transport objects weighing up to 150 pounds.
• Ability to work irregular hours, including potential sleep interruptions.
Residency Requirements:
Employee shall maintain their principal place of residence either within the city limits or within 50 miles of the corporate city limits of the City of Dubuque by the most direct street, road, or highway.
FLSA Status: Exempt
This position falls under Iowa Civil Service Chapter 400, which requires each applicant to take and receive a passing score on an approved civil service exam to be considered for this opportunity.
Salary : $98,332 - $128,533
