Chief, Emergency Services - Nikiski Fire Service Area

• High school diploma or GED, and
• Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or Business; or
• Associate’s degree in Fire Science, Emergency Medical Science or Para-Medicine OR an amount of SH or quarter hours equivalent to an Associate’s degree OR currently enrolled in a degree producing program to be completed in not less than 2 years. A minimum of ten (10) years of increasingly responsible leadership roles (fire officer or equivalent, and above) within a career or combination emergency services department.

• A minimum of twelve (12) years of firefighting/EMS experience, seven (7) years of which must have been as a fire officer or equivalent (and above) in increasingly responsible leadership/managerial roles within a career or combination emergency services department.  This experience must include demonstrated experience in all of the following:
  • Extensive command and control experience on emergency scenes including fire and emergency medical response.
  • Administrative responsibility including budget preparation, grant preparation, licensing, reporting and tracking of required expenditures.
  • Personnel management experience including successful management of bargained and/or non-bargained employees, and/or volunteers including management of performance evaluations, progressive discipline procedures and grievances.
  • Demonstrated experience with incident command systems, fire and emergency services apparatus/equipment specification, purchase, and maintenance.
  • Strong communication skills including both verbal command in person and via radio, and written communication as demonstrated in accurate and comprehensive report writing and documentation.

• Alaska Fire Officer I or state-approved equivalent; and
• NIMS (National Incident Management System) Certification; and
• A valid, unrestricted Alaska driver's license

• Advanced degree in a related field
• Professional experience providing training, conducting performance evaluations, public speaking
• EMT I, EMT II, EMT III Certification or Paramedic License
• Fire Officer II and/or Fire Officer III Certification (IFSAC or other state-approved equivalent)
• EMS and Fire Instructor certifications
• Alaska Fire Investigator Certification (Fire Investigator Technician or Certified Fire Investigator)
• Graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer program or Chief Fire Officer Designation
• Experience managing bargaining employees within emergency services

1. Manages all Department services and activities to include training, injury prevention, emergency medical services, and fire protection and suppression.
2. Oversees and participates in the development of the department's goals, objectives, work plan and budget. Monitors the expenditures of service area funds to ensure compliance with the adopted budget and borough policy.  Applies for grant funding when applicable.
3. Develops and implements departmental policies, standing orders, and guidelines to ensure that regulatory, legislative, and board policy matters are appropriately addressed.
4. Directs personnel of the department including career employees and volunteers.  Provides direct and indirect management of bargained and non-bargained employees, and volunteers including oversight of performance evaluations, progressive discipline procedures and grievances. Participates in the collective bargaining process.
5. Dependent upon department configuration and coverage including career and volunteer responders, may be required to assist with fire ground and EMS operations which may include aspects of fire attack, patient care or rescue techniques for the purpose of mentoring and/or training.  
6. Oversees department operations decisions, career shift staffing, volunteer program, volunteer residency program (if any) and related SOG's and policies to ensure coverage and service for the community.
7. Plans and coordinates Department programs, services, and administrative matters with the Borough Mayor or designee, including attending meetings with administrative staff and keeping the Mayor's office informed of key needs, issues, and support requirements.
8. Assists with development of Fire Service Area Board agenda and work session items, including the review of agenda material, attend public hearings, and related proceedings to represent the Department.
9. Directs the department's public relations efforts including campaigns to present the need for changes in laws and policies and to encourage fire prevention.
10. Monitors and prepares legislation as it relates to Fire Service Area activities.  Presents testimony on legislative matters that impact the service area.
11. Initiates internal investigations when appropriate and directs corrective action as needed.
12. Attends civic, professional, and community group meetings to explain the activities and functions of the Department and to promote favorable public opinions and working relations.
13. Regularly required to respond and provide incident command at irregular hours and holidays.  Regularly on-call by pager and cell phone for emergency calls. 

1. Directs the department's public relations efforts to encourage fire prevention.
2. Assists the public with fire code compliance and cooperates with the Alaska State Fire Marshal in fire investigations and code enforcement.
3. Represents the department to other government officials and private agencies and external entities. Attends public and professional meetings to represent the department's interest and to keep abreast of current trends and developments.
4. Other duties as assigned

Salary : $94,365 - $117,926