Fire Chief

Job Summary
The Fire Chief is responsible for overseeing the operations of the fire department, ensuring the safety and protection of the community from fire hazards and emergencies. This leadership role involves managing personnel, resources, and emergency response activities while maintaining compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. The Fire Chief will also play a key role in community engagement, public education, and strategic planning for fire prevention and response initiatives.

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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field. Master’s degree preferred
• Completion of the State of Michigan Fire Officers I, II and III Certification, Incident Command, NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 & 800, Fire Staffing & Command or EFO Fire Management Program preferred.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of extensive experience in firefighting work of a progressively responsible nature, serving at least 5 years as in a position with management level responsibilities sufficient to produce thorough knowledge of Principles and practices of Fire Science as well as methods, materials and equipment used in fire suppression and prevention, and Emergency Management department representative.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of fire service administration, emergency medical services, community preparedness, and public education.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations and codes pertaining to fire suppression, fire training, fire prevention, emergency medical services; Knowledge of fire service training requirements and programs.
• Knowledge of modern supervisory practices and techniques and skill in the allocation and deployment of personnel and equipment at significant incidents Ability to multi-process and continuously adjust priorities.
• Ability to provide effective leadership, develop and maintain trust, resolve interpersonal conflicts, and build and maintain morale.
• Ability to supervise the operation and maintenance of a variety of specialized apparatus, facilities and equipment
• Value a diverse workforce, and dedication to ensuring equal opportunity in all aspects of employment.
• Analyze a variety of administrative, operational, fiscal and social problems and make sound recommendations for solutions.
• Ability to provide on-site support during critical non-business hours, such as emergency/disaster response, and special events.
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills. Expert interpersonal, negotiation and leadership skills.
• Communicate effectively face to face in one on one and group settings.
• Analytical ability and problem-solving skills. Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, internet).
• Ability to prepare comprehensive reports, budgets, department materials, records and correspondence.
• Deductive and inductive reasoning skills. Creativity. Highly tuned “radar” for red flags. Politically sensitive.
• Ability to provide effective leadership, develop and maintain trust, resolve interpersonal conflicts, and build and maintain morale.
• The Fire Chief will have frequent contact with all segments of the City's population.
• In order to effectively perform required responsibilities, regular attendance is required. May be required to attend evening meetings and/or work outside of normal business hours for emergencies or to address employee matters.
• Must possess a valid State of Michigan driver’s license and a good driving record as determined by the City’s Driving Standards.
• Applicants will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• All applicants must submit the following items for consideration via NeoGov
• Cover letter with current salary information and date of availability
• Resume
• Completed City of Southfield Application for Employment
• Authorization to Release Personal Information Form

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $134,178.00 - $201,349.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Uniform allowance
• Vision insurance

Shift:

• Rotating shift

Ability to Commute:

• Southfield, MI (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Southfield, MI: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $134,178 - $201,349