Fire Chief

SUMMARY

The Fire Chief provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight of all Fire Department operations, including fire suppression, emergency medical services, prevention, and disaster risk reduction. This role ensures compliance with regulatory standards, drives policy development, and optimizes resource allocation to safeguard community safety. As the department’s administrative head, the Fire Chief manages budgets, capital planning, and personnel training to deliver efficient, high-quality emergency response and prevention programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team, department and the City. Provide strategic leadership for all Fire Department operations, ensuring alignment with community safety priorities and organizational goals. Develop and implement policies, programs, and long-range plans that enhance fire prevention, emergency response, and disaster preparedness. Oversee departmental budget and capital improvement planning, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and fiscal accountability. Direct workforce planning, including recruitment, training, performance management, and compliance with regulatory standards. Foster collaboration with other departments, agencies, and community stakeholders to strengthen emergency management and public safety initiatives. Ensure operational readiness through continuous evaluation of programs, policies, and equipment, adapting to emerging risks and best practices. Represent the department and the City in professional forums, community engagements, and interagency coordination efforts. Maintain 24‑hour availability for major emergencies and assume command during critical incidents to safeguard lives and property.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration or a related field. Equivalent experience may substitute for a degree. Seven (7) years of experience as a fully paid firefighter. Demonstrated experience in command‑level leadership roles (e.g., serving in a supervisory or incident command capacity) is required. Must be eligible for Intermediate Firefighters Certificate with Commission on Fire Protection Personnel Standards. Must possess and maintain an Advanced or Master Firefighter certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP). Must possess and maintain an EMT Basic level of certification or higher in accordance with the Texas Department of State Health Services. Individuals who possess or achieve an advanced EMS certification (EMT‑Intermediate or EMT‑Paramedic) will be required to maintain that certification throughout the course of their employment. A Texas Commission on Fire Protection Hazardous Materials Technician Certification is required within one (1) year of appointment. Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record. Texas Local Government Code: The following sections of Texas Local Government Code 143 will be applicable unless superseded by the current Meet and Confer Agreement between the San Marcos Professional Firefighters Association and the City of San Marcos: Local Government Code 143.014‑1 (e) A person appointed to a position in the classification immediately below that of the head of the fire department must: (1) be employed by the municipality’s fire department; (2) have a permanent classification in at least an officer level; and (3) meet the requirements for appointment as head of a fire department prescribed by Section 143.013(b). Local Government Code 143.013(b) A person appointed as head of a fire department must be eligible for certification by the Commission on Fire Protection Personnel Standards and Education at the intermediate level or its equivalent as determined by that commission and must have served as a fully paid fire fighter for at least five years. Must comply with all other applicable section(s) of the Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 143 in effect at the time of appointment. #J-18808-Ljbffr International Association-Fire Chiefs