Fire Chief

Position Summary

The Fire Chief is responsible for the strategic leadership and operational management of the Fire Department. This role involves planning, organizing, directing, staffing, budgeting, and coordinating all aspects of emergency medical services, fire prevention, and fire suppression activities within the city. The ideal candidate is organizationally minded, understands how to create a positive and effective culture, and is committed to the safety and well-being of the community.

Supervision Received

• Works under broad policy guidance and direction from the City Manager.

Supervision Exercised

• Provides general supervision to Deputy Fire Chiefs, Fire Captains, Firefighters, and administrative staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Promotes and upholds the department's mission, vision, values, and expectations, fostering a positive organizational culture.

Note: The following duties are not exhaustive but provide a summary of the responsibilities required for this position. The employee may perform other related duties as assigned.

Leadership and Organizational Development

• Strategic Planning and Implementation:
  • Develop and implement long-term strategies, policies, and procedures to enhance department effectiveness.
  • Plan, direct, and administer the city's code enforcement, fire prevention, and fire suppression programs.
• Cultural Leadership:
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
  • Promote organizational values and lead initiatives to improve departmental culture.
• Organizational Management:
  • Determine essential resources needed to achieve program objectives.
  • Allocate resources effectively across various phases of department operations.
• Policy Development:
  • Establish departmental policies, rules, and regulations to ensure effective operations.
  • Keep staff informed of policy changes and procedural updates.

Operations Management

• Emergency Preparedness and Response:
  • Serve as the city's Emergency Preparedness Coordinator.
  • Oversee the readiness and efficient response to emergencies and disasters.
  • Respond to incidents and perform as Incident Commander when necessary.
• Training and Development:
  • Supervise and coordinate departmental training in fire prevention, suppression, investigation, emergency medical response, equipment maintenance, and hazardous materials handling.
  • Implement professional development programs to enhance staff skills and competencies.
• Safety and Compliance:
  • Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, codes, and regulations.
  • May act as Public Information Officer (PIO) or Safety Officer when required.
• Facility and Equipment Management:
  • Oversee station maintenance and general upkeep.
  • Ensure all equipment and emergency apparatus are operational and ready for deployment.

Financial Management

• Budget Development and Administration:
  • Prepare and administer the department's annual budget.
  • Monitor expenditures to ensure compliance with fiscal constraints.
• Grants and Funding:
  • Seek and apply for alternative funding through grants and financial programs.
  • Administer grant funds in accordance with program requirements.

Personnel Management

• Supervision and Leadership:
  • Supervise department personnel, including assigning and evaluating work.
  • Provide mentorship and opportunities for professional development.
• Recruitment and Hiring:
  • Assist with interviewing, screening, and hiring new department members.
• Performance Management:
  • Objectively evaluate staff performance and develop improvement plans when necessary.
  • Enforce departmental rules and regulations, administering discipline as required in accordance with city policies.

Community Relations

• Public Education and Outreach:
  • Conduct public meetings and issue notices to inform citizens about fire hazards and department activities.
  • Make presentations to schools and civic groups.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Develop and maintain positive relationships with the community, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
  • Represent the department at public events, meetings, and conferences.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of fire prevention, suppression, and investigation.
• Emergency medical practices, procedures, and ambulance operations.
• Applicable laws, ordinances, codes, and regulations affecting departmental goals and operations.
• Modern management practices, including organizational development and culture-building strategies.
• Budget development, financial management, and grant administration.
• Maintenance and operational requirements of firefighting equipment and apparatus.
• City geography, including key occupancies and associated hazards.

Skills in:

• Strategic planning and organizational development.
• Leadership and team-building to foster a positive organizational culture.
• Evaluating tactical and operational requirements during emergency incidents.
• Effective decision-making under stress.
• Public speaking and interpersonal communication.
• Utilizing technology and computer software relevant to fire department operations.

Ability to:

• Lead and inspire a diverse team to achieve organizational goals.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Analyze complex situations and adopt reasonable courses of action.
• Work irregular hours and respond to emergency callbacks as required.
• Organize and direct the implementation of fire department programs and objectives.
• Build effective working relationships with elected officials, city staff, subordinates, and the public.
• Make quick and accurate decisions in emergency situations.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
  • A Master's degree or Executive Fire Officer certification is preferred.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible firefighting experience.
  • At least four (4) years in a supervisory role, such as Fire Captain or Chief Officer capacity.
  • Demonstrated experience in organizational leadership and culture development.

Certifications and Licensures:

• Required Certifications:
  • Utah State Advanced EMT (AEMT) or Paramedic Certification.
  • Certifications in CPR, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals (PEPP).
  • Utah Fire and Rescue Academy (UFRA) Firefighter I & II Certification.
  • UFRA Hazardous Materials Operations Certification.
  • UFRA Fire Officer I Certification.
  • Valid State of Utah Class "D" Driver's License.
• Preferred Certifications (or willingness to obtain within one year of hire):
  • UFRA Apparatus Driver Operator - Pumper (ADO-P) Certification.
  • UFRA Apparatus Driver Operator - Aerial (ADO-A) Certification.
  • UFRA Fire Instructor I Certification.
  • UFRA Fire Inspector I Certification.
  • UFRA Fire Investigator I Certification.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work Environment:

• Work is performed in office settings, vehicles, and outdoor environments.
• Exposure to emergency and stressful situations is frequent.
• Potential exposure to hazards associated with firefighting and emergency medical assistance, including smoke, fumes, chemicals, and bodily fluids.
• Work may occur under unfavorable conditions such as harsh weather, extreme temperatures, and poor lighting.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks during emergencies, including:
  • Climbing ladders and working at significant heights.
  • Lifting and carrying heavy equipment and individuals.
  • Working in confined spaces and adverse conditions.
• Must meet the physical fitness standards required by the department.
• Ability to work for extended periods in personal protective equipment.

The City of  Clinton is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.