Assistant Fire Chief

SUMMARY

The assistant fire chief performs a variety of technical, administrative, and supervisory work through planning, organizing, directing, and administering all operations of the fire department including fire administration (public relations, management of budget, personnel, supplies, equipment, structures, and compliance/enforcement of regulations, policies and procedures), fire suppression, ambulance response, fire investigations, fire prevention, building inspections, code enforcement, hazardous material response, rescue, and all other life safety/emergency services (excluding law enforcement) provided by the City of Gravette to prevent or minimize the loss of life and property by fire and emergency medical conditions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below 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 classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Assists the fire chief to develop and coordinate plans for efficient and effective fire prevention, fire suppression, EMS/ALS and all other lifesaving services within the department's jurisdiction, and makes recommendations to the department relative to the long-term needs for maintaining, and improving effective operations;
• Help develop and enforce department policies and procedures necessary for orderly department operations and maintains compliance with federal, state, and recognized policy making entities (i.e. National Fire Protection Association);
• Ensure that the department is adequately staffed at all times, including scheduling and maintaining duty crews and volunteers for adequate department personnel responses to emergencies;
• Work with the fire chief to oversee the administration of the department's fire prevention program including building inspections, local code enforcement, as well as enforcement of federal and state laws, and conducting community education programs such as Fire Wise;
• Annually recommends a proposed operations budget for the department. Monitors expenditures for conforming to appropriations and purchasing regulations established by the department;
• Determine, recommend, and purchase the necessary equipment to execute the functions of the department.
• Supervise the maintenance, repair, and replacement of all equipment and ensure that all equipment and buildings are properly maintained and in good working order;
• Oversee and direct programs such as hydrant inspection, pre-incident surveys, pump testing for apparatus, hose testing, and any other programs associated with the ISO rating system.
• Present monthly and yearly reports to the Mayor and City Council on department activities (if the chief is unable to present);
• Maintain communication among city supervisors, area fire chiefs, and subordinates;
• Oversee and provide departmental training at all levels to ensure safe and effective operations;
• Provide attendance/membership on all necessary associations, boards, committees, etc. to ensure department representation. Attend Council meetings as directed by the Mayor (if the fire chief is unable to attend);
• Work with the fire chief to create a master plan for future department operations as well as the City of Gravette’s Emergency Operations Plan and Disaster Response Plans.
• Respond to emergency calls as necessary and may assume command and direct activities under the department's jurisdiction and authority;
• Exercise supervision over fire department personnel, including handling grievances and maintaining departmental discipline, conduct, and general behavior of assigned personnel.
• Conduct interviews and determine eligible candidates for appointments to and promotions within the department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Knowledge

Thorough knowledge of modern firefighting methods and techniques and ability to apply this knowledge to various fire control and fire prevention problems. Thorough knowledge of modern fire suppression and prevention and emergency medical service principles, procedures, techniques, and use and operation of a wide variety of fire and emergency medical equipment and apparatus. Considerable knowledge of municipal fire administration. Working knowledge of first aid and resuscitation techniques and their application. Considerable knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, departmental standard operating procedures, and regulations.

Skills and Ability

Communication

Ability to read a limited number of words and recognize similarities and differences between words and between series of numbers; Ability to write and speak simple sentences as a means for basic communication. Ability to read and understand simple instructions, short correspondence, notes, letters and memos; Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to read and understand documents such as policy manuals, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively communicate information and respond to questions in person-to-person and small group situations with media, general public and other employees. Ability to read, analyze, and understand general industry related articles and professional journals.

Mathematical

Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, probability, and statistical inference.

Critical Thinking

Ability to utilize common sense understanding to carry out written, oral, or diagrammed instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving several known or unknown variables in situations of a routine nature. Ability to make complicated decisions.

Computer

Basic: Alphanumeric Data Entry, Contact Management, Database, Presentation/PowerPoint, Spreadsheet, Word Processing/Typing, GIS

Other skills and abilities

Ability to utilize both internal and external resources to obtain information and data necessary to carry out routine assignments and special projects. Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management and staff and to promote a positive rapport with citizens and with other departments. Ability to maintain discipline, to lead and command effectively, and direct firefighters and equipment under emergency conditions. Ability to oversee completion of written reports for fires, medical emergencies, code enforcement, and inspections

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The following work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Public contact

Regular contact with the public and media. Involves both providing and obtaining information. Contacts are of considerable importance and of such nature, that failure to exercise proper judgment may result in important tangible or intangible losses to the city. This position requires working with the public, contractors, and others involved in the fire industry. Oversees enforcement of rules, regulations, codes, and ordinances adopted by the City Council.

Employee contact

Engage in contact with other departments or offices; consulting on problems which necessitate judgment and tact in presentation to obtain cooperation or approval of action to be taken. Delegates authority and responsibility for the achievement of the department’s goals, objectives, and priorities. Ensure all personnel are trained and qualified for the duties they are expected to perform.

Working conditions

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is exposed to indoor and outdoor conditions, including exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures, dust, fumes, smoke, gases, odors, mists or other irritating particles, and slippery or uneven walking surfaces. The noise level in the work environment is sometimes unusually loud. The individual may be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials during the course of duties.

Physical activities

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk or hear; frequently required to use hands to handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms; and occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds; frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds; regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; and ability to adjust focus. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, squat, kneel, enter attics, crawl spaces, walk on roofs, and climb ladders.

Mental demand

Close mental demand. Operations require close and continuous attention for control of operations. Operations require intermittent direct thinking to determine or select the most applicable way of handling situations regarding the organization's administration and operations; also, to determine or select material and equipment where highly variable sequences are involved.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent
• The equivalent of two years of additional education in a specialized field such as fire science, public administration, or a closely related field acquired through college, trade extension, or correspondence school specialized training
• Five years of experience in a fire department with some leadership experience
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a specialized field such as fire science, public administration, or a closely related field.
• Five years of satisfactory performance in a supervisory role involving administration in a fire department.
• Three years of experience working with the public and media.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

§ Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.

§ National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician license

§ Firefighter I & II certification

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Shift:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Morning shift
• Night shift
• Overnight shift
• Rotating shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000 - $65,000