Fire Chief

 SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Fire Chief serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Summit Fire & EMS. This leadership role ensures the delivery of exceptional fire and emergency medical services, oversees organizational strategy, and maintains fiscal responsibility. The Fire Chief works in collaboration with the Board of Directors and to establish and implement policies and programs that align with the district's mission and values, fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and innovation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operational Leadership

• Direct and oversee emergency operations, including fire suppression, hazardous materials incidents, emergency medical responses, and natural or man-made disasters. Ensure effective allocation of resources, appropriate responses, and compliance with established Standard Operating Procedures.

Strategic Management

• Develop, implement, and evaluate organizational strategies, policies, and initiatives to achieve the district’s mission and objectives.
• Collaborate with the Management Team and Board of Directors to create and maintain operational infrastructure, ensuring alignment with short- and long-term goals.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, while fostering resilience and adaptability to evolving challenges.

Fiscal Oversight

• Oversee all aspects of the district’s fiscal functions, including budgeting, cash flow management, and financial forecasting.
• Enhance financial performance by partnering with Finance on continuously improving budgeting processes and educating management on financial considerations.
• Oversee the financial reporting mechanisms, ensuring fiscal accountability, transparency, and the ability to meet operational needs.

Personnel Management

• Inspire and lead a high-performing management team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Conduct regular Management Team meetings to address performance, operational challenges, and strategic goals.
• Manage subordinate supervisors, ensuring effective planning, task delegation, and employee development. Oversee performance evaluations, rewards, discipline, and problem resolution in compliance with district policies.
• Promote professional growth and succession planning to maintain leadership continuity and prepare for future organizational needs.

Community and Interagency Relations

• Act as the public face of the district, representing Summit Fire & EMS at public forums, community events, and interagency meetings.
• Establish and strengthen partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, including Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado State Patrol, county governments, and surrounding fire departments.
• Promote interagency coordination to optimize emergency service delivery and foster a shared commitment to public safety.

Mission and Organizational Excellence

• Champion the district’s mission of delivering high-quality public safety services with integrity, compassion, and professionalism.
• Ensure core organizational values are embedded in daily operations and decision-making processes.
• Enhance and enforce policies, systems, and procedures that improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Identify innovative solutions to challenges within emergency services, establishing credibility and trust throughout the district and with the Board of Directors.

Planning and Innovation

• Evaluate and advise leadership on long-range planning, new program introductions, and the impact of regulatory changes.
• Drive the implementation of systems, processes, and policies designed to enhance organizational performance and service delivery.
• Stay informed of industry trends and innovations to position the district as a leader in emergency service excellence.

Community Engagement

• Strong ability to represent the district in public forums, foster community relationships, and support risk reduction initiatives.

Integrity and Professionalism

• Commitment to ethical leadership, confidentiality, and upholding the mission and values of the district.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to lead, inspire, and develop a diverse team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and a culture of excellence.
• Advanced knowledge of fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, and disaster response, with proficiency in Incident Command Systems (ICS).
• Strong understanding, experience and knowledge of working with communities that are in wildfire prone areas and experience continuously developing a wildland division while serving the needs of the community and WUI.
• Skilled in planning, policy development, and managing complex operations to meet organizational goals.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, financial forecasting, and resource allocation to ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency.
• Ability to partner and collaborate with the local labor union.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with staff, the public, and governing bodies.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex situations and implement effective solutions, particularly in high- pressure or emergency scenarios.
• Proficiency with fire and emergency management software, HR systems, and data-driven decision-making tools.
• Expertise in building partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies to enhance service delivery and community safety.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required

• 10-12 years of Fire & EMS experience, with at least 5 years’ experience in a Chief Officer role with at least 2 in a non-operational and/or administrative role
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field
• Executive Fire Officer (EFO) certification from the National Fire Academy required and Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence
• Completion of ICS 300 certification
• Fire Chief must reside within Summit County within 9 months of hire date

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field
• ICS 400 certification
• Colorado Fire Officer III certification
• Chief EMS Officer (CEMSO) credential from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May require flexibility to address urgent matters outside regular hours.
• Exposure to sensitive situations related to emergency services.
• Mobility to move to and from various points within the facilities as well as mobility within the outdoor environment; Ability to lift and/or carry 10-40 lbs.
• Ability to sit, type, copy, fax, reach overhead, and reach away from the body.
• Ability to produce information in written form.
• Exposure to sensitive and confidential personnel issues.

Posting Open until March 10, 2025.