What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fire Prevention Division Chief position at City of Grand Island, NE?
The Fire Prevention Division Chief is an executive and administrative position who manages the Prevention/Code Enforcement division within the Fire Department. Periodic rotation of divisional assignments will be at the discretion of the Fire Chief. A Fire Division Chief shall perform a wide variety of administrative and managerial duties for the Fire Department; coordinate assigned activities with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; and provide highly responsible staff assistance to the Fire Chief.
Essential Functions
Display honest, trustworthy, and ethical behavior when dealing with internal and external customers.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Regular attendance that is punctual and dependable is required.
Manage all aspects of public education and inspection and code enforcement.
Develop and supervise a comprehensive fire prevention program implementing procedural methods and practices for reviewing plans, conducting inspections and investigating fire incidents.
Develop and assign public education programs concerning fire prevention and safety; coordinate programs for schools, churches, elderly homes, health facilities, private homes, pre-school and day care, and other civic organizations; selecting materials, designing programs, scheduling presentations and coordination of program delivery.
Develop, organize and implement training programs including fire prevention, code enforcement, and fire investigation, ensure that training complies with Federal and State laws, rules, and regulations. Evaluate training programs and proficiency of department members in these training areas.
Coordinate, direct and evaluate joint prevention projects and mock drills with outside agencies and organizations.
Work closely with other city departments; promote collaboration, teamwork, and communication to ensure city and fire department interests are met.
Communicate with architects, engineers, building contractors and building owners and managers to assist in construction document development and code compliance; supervises the review of plans and makes appropriate fire safety recommendations concerning new construction and/or renovations.
Act in the capacity of delegated authority for the Nebraska State Fire Marshal.
Establish division goals and objectives.
Direct the development and implementation of policies and procedures.
Develop, maintain, and continually evaluate standard operating procedures and guidelines related to fire prevention division.
Work within the fire department management team to develop and implement departmental goals and objectives.
Direct firefighting and rescue operations; respond to alarms as incident commander, incident safety officer, or other position designated within the incident command system as determined by the on-scene incident commander. Fire Division Chiefs will respond on all third alarm working fires or whenever requested by the on-scene commander.
Select, train, supervise, motivate, and evaluate personnel; work with employees to correct deficiencies and implement disciplinary procedures as needed.
Participate in the development and administration of the fire department budget; assist in directing the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement mid-year adjustments.
Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor work load, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement and review with the Fire Chief; implement improvements.
Assist in preparing, updating and enforcing city fire codes, ordinances and standards.
Oversee the fire investigation program for the department. Ensure personnel assigned to perform investigations are adequately trained. Investigate fire incidents to determine the origin, cause, and loss value of the incident; collect evidence and participate in the prosecution activities as required. Manage fire investigation reports and ensure records are stored according to state statute.
Participate in the development and implementation of large scale emergency plans.
Assist in labor relations activities as related to the Fire Department; provide advice and assistance to the management negotiating team.
Participate in a variety of boards and committees; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the emergency response field.
Maintain a variety of records and reports related to fire department activities and enter such data into the computer. Ensure that records are properly documented by periodically checking the accuracy of entries.
Provide responsible staff assistance to the Fire Chief; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence, including monthly and annual reports to the Fire Chief.
Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Communicate professionally with the news media concerning matters related to fire department operations.
Participate in continuing education as approved by the Fire Chief.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Principles, practices, methods and techniques of fire prevention, fire investigation, and suppression activities.
Firefighting practices, skills and abilities required of subordinate Fire Department personnel.
Procedures and practices of Fire Department training programs.
Modern firefighting methods and equipment.
Procedures and practices of fire investigations.
Proper utilization and maintenance requirements of fire apparatus, equipment, tools, devices and facilities.
Applicable laws, rules, regulations, ordinances and codes pertaining to fire prevention, inspection and suppression.
First aid principles and practices and emergency medical services.
Modern office practices, procedures, methods and computer equipment.
Hazardous materials and safety procedures for handling such materials.
Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
Ability to:
Be tobacco free upon hire and remain tobacco free as a condition of employment.
Pass a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus fit test with Department SCBA as a condition of employment.
Use Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus and protective clothing to prevent exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases.
Plan, assign and objectively review the work of firefighters.
Organize, direct and implement a comprehensive fire prevention and fire investigation training program.
Deliver public presentations and speak before a variety of organizations and the general public.
Maintain good physical condition and professional composure at all times.
Work under pressure and make reasonable and sound decisions in emergency situations.
Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.
Maintain a pleasant disposition, appearance and attitude.
Motivate employees to work effectively and efficiently.
Interpret and explain departmental and City programs, procedures and legal requirements to Officials, Officers and the general public.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing and have an excellent command of the English language.
Work at heights greater than ten feet.
Work on uneven surfaces using powered and hand tools.
Properly wear all safety equipment.
See and read gauges, trouble lights and control panel screens. Perceive red, yellow, and blue colors to recognize hazards identified by fire diamonds. Visual acuity of not less than 20/40 in one eye, and 20/100 in the other eye, corrected to 20/20 in one eye, and 20/40 in the other eye display adequate color and peripheral vision in both eyes.
Hearing that will allow individual to safely perform all essential job tasks. Examples: voice commands, radio traffic, PASS devices, audible signal to withdraw.
Work for long periods of time, (24 hour periods or more) without sleep or rest due to ongoing emergencies, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration.
Work in heat/cold, fumes, dust, noise, water, oil and grease.
Work in both outdoor and indoor environmental conditions, confined spaces, and with moving mechanical parts.
Make fine, highly controlled muscular movements to adjust the position of control mechanisms such as operating levers, pedals, and valves. Perform heavy lifting and physical maneuvering.
Operate a computer terminal and applicable programs.
Operate a variety of audio-visual equipment.
Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
Supplemental Information
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Ten years of increasingly responsible fire service experience including at least two years of supervisory or leadership experience.
Training and Education:
A bachelor's degree in fire science, public administration, or a closely related field is required to be appointed to the position.
Licenses/Certifications Registrations Required:
Employee must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain insurability as determined by the City’s insurance carrier, within 30 days after appointment to the position. Click here to view our driver eligibility requirements.
Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain within one year of appointment the following:
- Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation at the Healthcare Provider level.
- Incident Safety Officer
- Fire Plans Examiner
- Fire Inspector I
- Fire Instructor II
- Fire Officer II
- NIMS - ICS 100,200,300,400,700 and 800
Residency:
Establish residency within a 30-minute drive time from the Grand Island city limits within 6 months of employment.
Civil Service Testing Process: A Civil Service Examination will be administered to qualified applicants. Tentative testing date is Friday, March 21, 2025. Testing details will be released at a later date.Working Hours:
Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. but on-call as needed.
Other:
Must submit a copy of your Bachelor's diploma or transcripts and birth certificate with your application.
Candidates may be subject to a background check.
