Fire Chief

Under the general direction of the County Manger, the fire chief performs a variety of technical, administrative and supervisory work in planning, organizing, directing and implementing fire prevention, suppression and emergency medical services to prevent or minimize the loss of life and property by fire and emergency medical conditions. This position is responsible for complex administration of the standard operating policies and procedures and budgets for the six (6) County Volunteer Fire District, career Firefighter/EMT’s and Fire Administration; Fire Chief carries the responsibility to lead volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel to provide high quality emergency services to Torrance County residents and visitors. Fire Chief duties include fire investigation, fire inspections, pre-fire planning, fire education, and coordination and overall improvement of the fire services.

Responsibilities:

• Responds to fire and other emergency situations and carries out fire suppression and firefighting techniques to rescue victims and protect private and public property.

• Plans, coordinates, supervises and evaluates fire and EMS operations.

• Establishes policies and procedures for fire and EMS Departments to implement directives from the County Manager.

• Plans and implements Fire and EMS programs for the county to better carry out the policies and goals. Reviews departmental performance and effectiveness; formulates programs or policies to alleviate deficiencies.

• Supervises and coordinates the preparation and presentation of an annual budget for Fire and EMS Departments; directs the implementation of the departments' budgets; plans for and reviews specifications for new or replaced equipment.

• Responds to alarms and may direct activities at the scene of major emergencies, as required.

• Supervises the inspection of buildings and other properties for fire hazards and enforces fire prevention ordinances.

• Supervises the operation of departmental in-service training activities.

• Controls the expenditure of departmental appropriations.

• Handles grievances, maintains departmental discipline, oversees conduct and general behavior of assigned personnel who represent the county.

• Prepares and submits monthly reports to the County Commission regarding the department's activities and prepares a variety of other reports as appropriate, including the annual report of activities.

• Plans departmental operations with respect to equipment, apparatus and personnel; supervises the implementation of such plans.

• Assigns personnel and equipment to such duties and uses as the service requires; evaluates the need for, and recommends the purchase of, new equipment and supplies.

• Meets with elected or appointed officials, other fire/EMS officials, community and business representatives, and the public on all aspects of the department's activities.

• Attends conferences and meetings to keep abreast of current trends in the field.

• Represents the county fire/EMS departments in a variety of local, county, state and other meetings.

• Performs the duties of command personnel as needed and fulfills obligations during duty days or duty weeks.

• Serves as a member of various employee committees.

• Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out of area travel and overnight may be expected.

• This position regularly requires long hours and frequent weekend work.

• Determines training needs, prepares, and implements the budget, to provide a maximum level of Fire and EMS services.

• Coordinates Fire and EMS activities with state, federal, and/or county law enforcement agencies, regulatory agencies, and organizations.

• Works closely with the Office of Emergency Management.

• Facilitates team development, communications, uniformity, and consistency.

• Evaluates needs for and recommends purchase of equipment.

• Routine inspections of stations, personnel, and equipment to determine fitness and readiness for action.

• Responds and evaluates and/or directs activities at scenes of fire and emergencies as required.

• Responsible for planning, organizing, staffing, equipping, and training a force up to a sufficiently high level of operating efficiency to provide adequate protection and service.

• Other duties assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Required:

• Ten years’ experience in fire suppression and EMS.

• Five years’ experience in grant application and budget preparation.

• Demonstrated computer experience in word processing, spreadsheet, and EMS software.

Physical Functions and Working Conditions:

• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions.

• The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat and vibration.

• The individual may be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials during the course of duties.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk; hear; stand; walk; use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms.

• The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, taste and smell.

• The employee must frequently lift or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 130 pounds.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  

Mental Functions:

• Ethical Conduct

• Stress Management/Composure

• Problem Solving/Analysis

• Communication Proficiency

• Strategic Thinking

• Teamwork Orientation

• Diversity and Inclusion

• Technical Capacity

Preferred Experience:

• High school diploma or GED certification required.

• Current CPR certification required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, public administration, or a closely related field preferred.

• Must possess Firefighter I certification.

• Must possess EMT – Basic or higher certification.

• Four (4) years of supervisory experience involving firefighting and administration in a fire department preferred.

• Must possess and maintain a valid class E driver’s license or ability to obtain Class E upon six (6) months of employment.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of fire suppression principles, methods, techniques, and practices.

• Knowledge of equipment requirements for effective fire suppression.

• Knowledge of fire prevention and safety standards, methods, practices, and procedures, including Fire Prevention Safety Codes, including but not limited to IFC and NFPA.

• Knowledge of emergency medical services, practices, and techniques.

• Knowledge of general management principles, including budgeting, supervision, and training.

• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in English is required, including ability to prepare and deliver presentations to large and small groups.

• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations concerning all aspects of FLSA, OSHA, ADA, and EEOC.

• Ability to use all safety aids related to EMS, rescue, and firefighting during emergency situations.

• Ability to talk to private organizations, schools, and civic groups.

• Ability to understand and interpret complex standards, regulations, and guidelines.

• Ability to prepare reports and respond to comments requested by reporters or media personnel.