Fire Chief

***Position open until filled***

The City of Haines City is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for all positions equally without regard to their race, sex, age, color, religion, creed, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. The City of Haines City is a Drug-Free Workplace. Applicants who complete the initial screening process will be required to complete a pre-employment drug screen and physical. Police Department applicants will also be required to take a Polygraph Examination. All information provided by an applicant will be verified for truthfulness and accuracy if a conditional offer of employment is made. Applications and other submitted documents are considered public records.

Salary range is provided to show the min to max compensation for a position. It is not the basis for or guarantee of a starting salary.

Position Function:

Under the direction of the Deputy City Manager, provides complex administrative direction and leadership for all Fire Department operations, equipment, and personnel. Manages daily operations necessary to achieve exemplary services for the protection of life and property through efficient and effective implementation of fire suppression and prevention, emergency medical response, and other emergency and non-emergency related services.

Essential Duties:

1. Directs and is responsible for personnel, property, and operations of the department. Reviews departmental operations through written reports or personal observation and takes necessary action to improve operations.
   
   
2. Directs the administrative and departmental budget exercising control over expenditures and assessing the need for and recommending the addition of new personnel, material, apparatus, or supplies.
   
   
3. Develop and implement departmental policy and procedures and ensure they are followed by members of the Department.
   
   
4. Respond to major alarms and personally direct activities at large fires or disasters and/or review the supervisory activities of subordinates at other emergencies. Works with other departments on mutual aid agreements.
   
   
5. Supervises and reviews the activities of various sub-divisions within the Department such as fire prevention and building inspection.
   
   
6. Attends Deputy City Manager / City Manager's staff meetings when scheduled as well as other meetings as required.
   
   
7. Meets with union representatives and handles grievances when they occur; sits in on union negotiations.
   
   
8. Performs additional duties as assigned.

Environment:

Duties are performed primarily within an office environment or setting. Secondary environment related to fire suppression, medical emergency, and other emergency and non-emergency response services. Possible exposure to dust, mold, noise, inclement weather, extreme temperatures, smoke, fire, electricity, toxic or caustic chemicals and/or fumes, mechanical and/or moving parts, high elevations, vibration, blood-borne pathogens, viruses, disease and other like items associated with fire suppression, and medical emergency and other emergency and non-emergency response services.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Preferred knowledge and experience are normally obtained through the completion of an advanced education from an accredited educational institution of higher learning resulting in a Bachelor's Degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or a related field.

• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible administrative/command experience with a full-time career department in all phases of fire and emergency medical operations, with at least five (5) years at the rank of Battalion Chief or higher, which provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills.
  
• Required Minimum Certifications (must be current and maintained throughout employment):
  • State of Florida Firefighter II Certificate of Compliance
  • State of Florida Fire Instructor II Certificate of Compliance
  • State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector II Certificate of Compliance
  • State of Florida Paramedic Certification
  • Must possess or obtain the most current FEMA 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 Incident Command System certifications within 12 months of appointment to the job.
  • Current State of Florida Driver's License

• Preferred Qualifications and Certifications:
  • Graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program from the National Fire Academy
  • Chief Officer Designation (CFO) through the Center for Public Safety Excellence
  • Experience in the ICS Incident Command and FEMA All-Hazards Preparedness and Response preferred.

• Must possess good oral and written communication skills.

• Must be able to read and understand the Florida Fire Prevention Code, Federal and State Regulations, Occupational Health and Safety, and City policies and procedure manuals.

• Extensive knowledge of principles, practices, methods, and techniques of modern fire prevention and suppression activities. Extensive knowledge of fire behavior, fire ground operations, firefighting, forcible entry tactics, pumping apparatus, hydraulics, hydrant locations, water systems, and drafting sources; extensive knowledge of the proper application/administration of all fire suppression equipment/apparatus and medical equipment, appliances, controlled substances, and supplies.

• Knows how to determine and ensure safety on fire and medical scenes. Knows how to utilize various pieces of firefighting and EMS equipment and tools safely and efficiently. Is able to make sound, educated decisions. Has the ability to use independent judgment and discretion in supervising various programs including the handling of emergencies, making quick decisions, determining procedures, setting priorities, setting schedules, maintaining standards, planning for future City needs, and resolving problems.

• Has the ability to plan and develop daily, short, and long-term goals related to City purposes. Has the ability to plan and coordinate the most effective use of personnel, facilities, and resources to achieve department goals. Is able to ensure departmental compliance with all laws and regulations and control the activities of the department through effective supervision. Knows how to apply supervisory and managerial concepts and principles; has knowledge of administrative principles involved in developing, directing, and supervising various programs and related activities. Has the ability to offer instruction and advice to subordinates regarding departmental policies, methods, and regulations. Is able to perform employee evaluations and make recommendations based on results. Has the ability to offer training and assistance to subordinates and employees of other departments as required. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need for direct supervision.

• Ability to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals, and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Ability to make public presentations.

• Must have the mathematical ability to handle required calculations necessary to perform budget and procurement analysis. Can compile, organize, and utilize various financial information necessary in the preparation of the departmental budget, and knows how to prepare and monitor the budget. Has knowledge of modern office practices and technology.

• Must be able to communicate and present oneself professionally, and have the ability to successfully work with confidential information.

• Ability to work under high demands, short time constraints, and pressure in a fast-paced work environment.

• Ability to serve in a leadership role in the event of EOC activation.

Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid Florida Class E driver's license.

• Must pass post-offer pre-employment Physical Examination, and applicable background checks to include CJIS screening.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.

Salary : $108,773 - $139,239