Fire Chief

Fire Chief Position

The Fire Chief shall serve as the District's Chief Administrator directing all operations and activities of the Fire District in order to protect the lives and property of citizens from the loss due to fire and life safety related hazards. The Fire Chief is appointed by the Board of the Fire District and serves at the pleasure of the Board.

Supervision Received

Position is directly responsible to the elected District Fire Board.

Supervision Exercised

Directly supervises the Deputy Fire Chief, other Chiefs, Directors and other District administrative personnel as needed. Indirectly supervises all employees of the District.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Plan, coordinate, supervise and evaluate, Operations, Communications and Administration Departments.

2. Establish procedures, guidelines and standing orders for Operations, Communications and Administration Department activities in order to implement directives from the Board.

3. Plan and implement, Operations, Communications and Administration programs for the District in order to better carry out the policies and goals; reviews District performance and effectiveness; formulates programs or procedures to alleviate deficiencies and improve efficiencies.

4. Supervise and coordinate the preparation and presentation of an annual budget and related documents for the District; directs implementation of the District's budget; plans for and reviews specifications for new or replaced equipment.

5. Respond to alarms and may direct activities at the scene of major emergencies as required.

6. Serve as the liaison between District employees and the Board.

7. Utilize a participative style of management in guiding the District.

8. Serve as the District's Chief personnel officer with full authority to hire, promote, and terminate employees of the District.

9. Oversees preparation of monthly reports to the Board including distribution of the Board Meeting agendas and related documents; maintains records of Board Meetings; prepares and distributes monthly financial and payables listings for Board review and consideration.

Prepares detailed and technical reports regarding future fire protection requirements, equipment, apparatus and personnel with recommendations for improvement.

10. Continuously evaluates the need for and approves purchase of new equipment and supplies.

11. Routinely meet with elected and appointed officials, other Fire/EMS/Communications/Fire prevention officials, community and business representatives and the public on all aspects of the District's activities.

12. Attend conference, meetings and seminars to keep abreast with current trends in the fire service; represents the District at local, regional and state meetings.

13. Plan, initiate and carry out long-term programs in fire department administration, risk care management, training, and fire prevention and relates the programs of the District with other regional programs.

14. Develop and recommend for consideration by the District Fire Board, policies needed to carry out the business of the District. Implement policies adopted by the Board.

15. Consults with and advises the District Fire Board on matters pertaining to public safety, fire protection and the fire code.

The above listed examples of work are not intended to be all-inclusive. The Fire District Board reserves the right to assign additional duties and responsibilities it deems necessary or desirable, as well as take away any duty and responsibility at its discretion.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Extensive knowledge of good management techniques and the ability to apply these techniques.

2. Ability to integrate knowledge of statutes, rules and regulations related to Fire District operations.

3. Ability to think logically and quickly during an emergency and non-emergency situations.

4. Ability to listen to and apply information and instructions.

5. Ability to read and comprehend technically written materials and manuals.

6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing in the English language with customers, clients, employees, and the public in face-to face, one-on–one setting, in group settings, or using a telephone.

7. Requires confidentiality and ability to remain calm under stress.

8. Knowledge of controlling laws and ordinances affecting the District.

9. Ability to direct and supervise the work of others.

10. Ability to build teams.

11. Ability to maintain and uphold high ethical standards.

12. Possess the knowledge and skills to speak publicly and make presentations.

13. Ability to interact with elected officials appropriately.