Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal

THE COMMUNITY WE SERVE:

The City of Owatonna is a growing community strategically placed at the crossroads of I-35 and two major US highways, approximately one hour south of the Twin Cities metro area.  The community has a commitment to growth, access to services, and quality of life for its 26,000 residents.  

Click the link below to learn more about the community this position would have the opportunity to be part of and serve. 



ABOUT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT:

DEPARTMENT PURPOSE:
We believe that our community thrives when there is a response and support in times of emergency. The Fire Department creates a better tomorrow by preserving life and property when our citizens need it most.

As an organization, our Purpose is to create a better tomorrow.  We are guided in that work by our organization's 3 Core Values: Better Together, Community Stewardship, and Pride in Our Work.

In our department, the City’s values look and sound like . . . 

BETTER TOGETHER:

• Having each other’s backs - our lives depend on it  
• Working as a team within the department, the city, and the community - we can’t do this job alone
• Mentoring—sharing our wisdom and experience with each other
• Volunteering at community events
• Resisting the drama—treating each other with mutual respect and trust
• Providing and receiving positive and constructive feedback from each other
• Utilizing the individual strengths, skills, abilities, and backgrounds within our team while giving the appropriate respect to rank

COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP:

• Protecting and safeguarding community lives and property
• Operating with integrity at all times
• Continuing to enhance our training and education
• Recognizing that we are a public face for the city and maintaining that positive public image
• Proactively preventing fire and reducing risk throughout the community
• Participating in opportunities for community engagement and partnership
• Taking care of the equipment, facilities, and other public resources we are entrusted with
• Spending taxpayers’ money and using city resources wisely, efficiently, and effectively

PRIDE IN OUR WORK:

• Caring and showing up prepared to support an individual on their worst day
• Putting in the extra effort - taking the initiative to clean trucks, gear, tools, and the station
• Having a willingness to learn new things and seek self-improvement
• Honoring the public image and legacy of the fire service and the responsibility that comes with that

 WHAT YOU'LL DO: 
The third level of the Firefighting Series.  Incumbent assists the Fire Director with the overall planning, direction, and operation of the fire department. Responsibilities may include supervising staff; directing and managing the department's fire prevention, inspection, and investigation activities; and directing high-level public relations and education.

Specifically, as the Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal you will... 

• Supervise staff to include: prioritizing, assigning, and directing work; adjusting grievances on behalf of the city; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff are training; ensuring that employees follow policies and procedures; and participating in and effectively recommending hiring, promotion, discharge, suspension, rewarding, and other disciplinary actions for employees.  
• Develops, plans, and organizes the daily operating functions and activities of fire prevention administrative and educational activities and specialty operations, which includes identifying problem areas, developing, and implementing solutions, and ensuring the proper use of equipment and personnel.
• Develops, plans, coordinates, and evaluates high level of public relations and education.   Represents the City in both emergency and non-emergency situations.  Regularly interacts with citizens, community groups, and businesses to create partnerships and resolve identified issues.
• Directs and assists in fire investigations.  Coordinates arson investigations with Police and members of other organizations, including the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
• Ensures timely review of building permit applications, plans and specifications for all new construction, additions, alterations and installations for fire code compliance and fire protection systems, fire alarm systems, flammable/combustible liquid tanks, piping and dispersing systems, LP tanks, or other construction permits required by the fire code.  Coordinates plan review and inspections with the Building Department.
• Responds to fire emergencies as necessary and may assume command as provided for in department standard operating procedures.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

ABOUT YOU:

A successful candidate will have some or all of the following ...  
A bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, or related field; 4 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
 
Licensing in (requirements):

• Firefighter I and II certifications;
• MN Firefighter Licensure (or eligible to be licensed at time of hire)
• National Incident Management 100, 200, 700 & 800;
• Fire Inspector I certification
• Fire Officer I certification
• Valid Driver’s License

Preferred:

• Emergency Medical Responder Certification (or higher);
• Fire Inspector II certification
• Fire Plan Reviewer certification
• Fire Investigator (CFI certification preferred)   
• National Incident Management 300 & 400

Knowledge of:

• Managerial and leadership principles and practices;
• Advanced principles, procedures, and methods related to area of assignment;
• Project management principles and practices;
• Program development and administration;
• Customer service principles;
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations;
• Fire behavior and fire prevention techniques;
• Computers and related software applications;
• The National Incident Management System;

Skill in:

• Leading, supervising and evaluating staff;
• Managing projects within assigned parameters;
• Training subordinates on work methods;
• Interpreting and applying policies, procedures, codes, laws, ordinances, and regulations;
• Analyzing situations, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of actions, and implementing recommendations;
• Troubleshooting complex systems problems related to area of assignment;
• Preparing and maintaining a variety of reports and records;
• Resolving complex issues;
• Coordinating work of multiple programs;
• Developing and implementing strategies and procedures;
• Resolving conflicts;
• Using a computer and related software applications;
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, community organizations, public agencies, government officials and the media;  etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
• Reading building maps, diagrams, and plans and applying codes to inspection situations;

This is a full-time exempt position.  Flexibility is important to us and our employees, schedule may vary based on need.  

To view the full job description including position specifications and physical demands click here.

To view the job profile view here.

Salary : $105,373 - $137,010