Fire Chief

Salary : $134,178.10 - $201,349.55 Annually

Location : Southfield, MI

Job Type : Career Full-Time

Job Number : 2101013-01

Department : Fire

Opening Date : 01 / 24 / 2025

Closing Date : Continuous

Equal Opportunity Language : This announcement is only a summary of the position, its duties, job requirements and compensation. Further information is available from the Human Resources Department. The City of Southfield does not discriminate in its employment or any other programs or activities on the basis, of sex, race, color, age, height, weight, marital status, national origin, religion, arrest record, physical or mental disability, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other protected category. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with a disability if requested.

ADA : AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M / F / V / H A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACEIndividuals with special needs who may require assistance with the application process should contact the Human Resources Department at (248) 796-4700 (voice) or via email at hrsupport@cityofsouthfield.com if auxiliary aids or services are needed. Reasonable advance notice is required.

Description

The recruitment profile outlines the qualifications identified as important for the position of Fire Chief. This position is appointed by and responsible to the Southfield City Administrator.

This profile will be used as a primary guide in the recruitment process by which applications will be screened and individuals selected for the final interview and appointment consideration.

The Fire Chief is part of the Management Group Staff which consists of management and professional employees selected by authorized elected or appointed officials. These positions are executive level and are not part of the civil service system.

Inquiries relating to this recruitment and selection process are to be directed to James Meadows, City of Southfield Human Resources Director at

THE CITY OF SOUTHFIELD

Southfield, a city of 26.7 square miles with a diverse resident population of approximately 73,000, is located immediately north of Detroit and is one of the largest suburbs in Oakland County. Southfield soars to a daytime population approaching 175,000 as a result of its large business commuter community.

The City was incorporated April 28, 1958, with a Council / Administrator form of government. The City Council is composed of seven members. The Mayor does not vote on legislative matters, but does have veto power over City Council actions.

The City services are unparalleled. Southfield has one of Michigan's outstanding public library systems, with a state of the art library. Parks and Recreation facilities include 770 acres of parkland, a municipal golf course, ball diamonds, volleyball, soccer, tennis, an ice arena, and a municipal swimming pool. The City is recognized for its premier emergency life support program, which serves as a national model for emergency medical service; its outstanding senior adult and other social services; a nationally honored municipal cable television channel; and leisure activities.

Dozens of major corporations and World Headquarters have locations in the City of Southfield. The presence of numerous international companies, a diverse resident population, as well as a multitude of enticing ethnic restaurants all contribute to the multi-cultural flair of the City, and have earned Southfield the nickname "The International City".

Representative Job Duties

Under the direction of the City Administrator Fire Chief's duties and responsibilities are to :

• Command and other daily responsibilities of the Fire Department
• The Fire Chief has daily contact with staff for the purpose of supervising, directing, information sharing and problem resolution.
• Manage, develop, prepare and implement specialized projects.
• Prepare and administer department, division or special project budgets as assigned; with authorization, approve expenditures for equipment and supplies; monitor and maintain program accounts; assist with annual budget.
• Provide the direct connection between the City and the Firefighter's Union as needed including contract development, implementation, discipline and management.
• Assist with labor negotiations and participate in the grievance process.
• Frequent contacts with Administration, other City personnel, Elected officials and / or emergency response providers are for the purpose of problem resolution, providing information and / or coordination of mutual efforts.
• Liaison between the department and City Hall for Legal and Human Resources Department interactions.
• Maintain communication with other City personnel, officials, law enforcement agencies, emergency services providers and the general public.
• Respond to major incidents and may assume (if necessary / needed) command at fires, hazardous materials incidents, emergency medical responses and natural or man-made disasters.
• Determine appropriate action and response to incidents and direct operations; accordingly, assure efficient and effective deployment of personnel, equipment and resources; direct evacuations and emergency medical care; request additional services and resources as needed.
• Supervise assigned personnel, including scheduling, work assignment, performance evaluation and disciplinary actions or recommendations; Monitor overtime, sick leave (FMLA), vacation etc.
• Assure compliance with departmental and City rules, regulations, operating guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Identify functional goals and objectives and participate in long- and short-range departmental planning.
• Prepare narrative reports, correspondence, interdepartmental communications, and department records and provide for records maintenance.
• Assist with interviewing and selecting personnel for vacancies; train and develop staff members.
• Conduct employee performance evaluations.
• Participate in local fire organizations; attend conferences, workshops, seminars and meetings to keep abreast of the most up to date firefighting methods.
• Represent the City and the Southfield Fire Department at State and national conventions, with media, citizens / business groups and other municipalities.
• The Fire Chief will function as a member of the Senior Management Team, through frequent contact with other Team members for the purpose of reaching consensus on City-wide policy issues. Assure the Department's public profile is maintained through appropriate information releases, City Council visits and other documentation.
• Attend Council and budget meetings and be prepared to answer questions from residents.
• Interact with neighborhood associations.

Job Requirements - As Determined By the City Of Southfield

REQUIRED EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE :

Supplemental Information

This is an unclassified, at will position in the Management Group and is appointed by the City Administrator and confirmed by City Council . The salary range (Management pay grade 414) is $134,178 - $201,349 , with the starting salary dependent upon qualifications. This position also includes a comprehensive fringe benefit package, consisting of medical, dental, optical, and life insurance; pension plan participation; disability insurance; holiday and leave provisions; and a residency bonus.

APPLICATION PROCESS :

Only those candidates who most closely meet our selection requirements will be invited to continue in the application process. If you require further information, you may contact the Human Resources Director, James Meadows at (248) 796-4700 or via the e-mail addressed listed above.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave and more!

Salary : $134,178 - $201,349