What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fire Chief position at City of St. Joseph?
JOB TITLE: FIRE CHIEF
DEPARTMENT: FIRE
DIVISION: FIRE
SALARY: NEGOTIABLE
DEPARTMENT: FIRE
DIVISION: FIRE
SALARY: NEGOTIABLE
CLOSING DATE: UNTIL FILLED
Job Summary
Manages and directs all aspects of the department to provide a fire safe environment for the citizens as effectively and economically as practical.
Job Summary
Manages and directs all aspects of the department to provide a fire safe environment for the citizens as effectively and economically as practical.
Job Scope
Direct and indirect supervisory responsibilities. Develops, prepares, and implements departmental budget.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provides direct oversight of programs and operations of assigned department including developing and coordinating departmental budget.
- Establishes appropriate service and staffing levels.
- Monitors and evaluates service delivery methods and procedures.
- Responsible for effective employee relations, diversity, staff development along with departmental strategic visioning.
- Responsible for implementation of policies and programs supporting departmental and organizational mission and goals.
- Evaluates the performance of supervisory personnel.
- Acts as liaison to other professional organizations, community groups and city departments to ensure support and understanding of the Fire Department’s role.
- Contributes to community initiatives and participation in community activities, including activities that may not directly relate to the position of Fire Chief.
- Prepares and presents ordinances and resolutions for Council action for matters related to Department operations.
- Attends Council meetings and responds to questions or explains matters concerning the Department.
- Responds to major fires and other emergencies and directs the operations of Department personnel.
- Responds to inquiries and complaints from citizens.
- Oversees the departments involvement in the development review process involving recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.
- Prepares reports of departmental activities as required.
- Participates in labor relations negotiations with authorized (union) bargaining agent.
- Supervises and/or participates in most phases of personnel actions for the department and is proficient with standard Human Resources concepts.
- Prepares and presents news releases and meets with news media to respond to questions concerning the Department.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Required (Essential) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Skills in management, supervision, public speaking, public relations, interpersonal relations, and communication. Knowledge of modern firefighting methods and techniques, modern fire prevention codes and practices, effective supervisory practices and managerial techniques and methods. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; maintain discipline and the respect of subordinate personnel; develop initiate and administer new programs or improvements in existing programs; and coordinate the activities of the various divisions of the Department. Ability to think and react quickly and rationally in stressful or emergency situations, plan and assign activities, delegate responsibilities and the corresponding authority, and cope with stressful situations. Valid Driver’s License required. Ten years of experience in a related field required with experience in upper-level management required.
Materials and Equipment Directly Used
Uses a variety of office equipment including computer, copier, printers, telephone, and FAX. Uses base, vehicular-mounted and handheld radios. Operates vehicle (usually sedan) under emergency conditions.
Working Environment/Physical Requirements
Work is primarily in an office environment with a controlled environment with occasional need to perform in an outdoor setting under adverse and dangerous conditions and in the presence of extreme temperatures. Infrequent lifting of objects weighing as much as 60 pounds. Must have physical capabilities to climb, stoop, crawl, bend and perform other repetitive physical tasks. Capable of walking over uneven surfaces.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field preferred and/or equivalent professional accomplishment. Graduate of the Executive Fire Officer program or accreditation as Chief Fire Office preferred.
Passing of a drug screening required prior to appointment.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City is a Governmental entity subject to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
which requires that otherwise qualified handicapped individuals be protected from discrimination.
