Under administrative direction plans, directs and reviews the activities of the fire Department in preventing and extinguishing fires, limiting harm to citizens, preventing destruction to property and being a resource to the Fire Operations/Administration, Prevention and Training Divisions; responsible for budget, and program direction; provides direction to assure compliance to federal, state and local regulations. Provides leadership and direction to meet City goals and to coordinate with other service areas, agencies, boards, commissions and the public. The Fire Chief will function as the City’s Emergency Mayor.
This position is designated as Management for Labor Relations purposes and is considered exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a department head management classification responsible for the direction of discrete departmental organizational component(s) and programs/functions as determined by the City Mayor and City Council. The incumbent exercises policy development and promulgation responsibilities for multiple program/functional areas. Serves as a member of the City executive team with responsibilities for establishing and overseeing programs and policies that affect multi department and the City as a whole. Approves and has final responsibility for all written and other types of presentations to the City Council and other commissions, boards and policy adopting bodies. The incumbent is expected to demonstrate professional competence while working as a team member and exercise independent judgment in a number of confidential and sensitive areas. Duties and responsibilities are performed in accordance with municipal and fire codes, ordinances, City policy, federal, and state regulating entities.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Administrative direction is provided by the City Mayor. The job incumbent provides general direction to subordinate level managers in assigned program areas.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:
- Provides administrative direction to activities relating to the effective utilization of personnel, facilities and equipment.
- Directs departmental policy; collaborates with division managers regarding divisional policies and procedures.
- Consults, confers and coordinates with City departments, citizens and officials regarding conflicts and issues related to regulatory compliance; participates with Executive Team.
- Plans, directs and coordinates the activities of the Fire Department in operations, fire prevention training, and Neighborhood Services.
- Coordinates with other local government agencies such as mutual aid and auto aid with departments; steering committee member for County Haz Mat response; Weapons of Mass Destruction task force,
- EMS response and implementation.
- Coordinates the City’s Emergency Operation Plan, Emergency Operation Center, and the City’s Safety Program.
- Confers with and makes recommendations to the City mayor regarding projects and programs and participates in the development and implementation of City’s strategic plan.
- Updates City Council and City Executive Staff of emergency developments.
- Responds to major fire alarms and directs fire suppression activities as necessary.
- Manages outside fire protection contracts and cooperative agreements.
- Recommends new ordinances related to fire protection and manages the City’s EMS program.
- Acts as Hearing Officer for discipline of employees and for vicious dogs’ hearings.
- Directs and participates in the preparation of budget related to assigned activities; oversees budget implementation; directs the forecast of additional funds; approves expenditures; implements mid-year adjustments.
- Makes presentations before various groups, including City Council, commissions, boards, committees, task forces, and on and off-site public meetings; participates in community events.
- Supervises staff including provision of timely performance evaluations; recommends and implements approved discipline; provides staff development; and maintains high standards necessary for efficient, professional operations.
- Answers difficult questions; provides information to the public, other City departments, and other agencies; recommends and coordinates corrective actions; investigates, reports, documents, and resolves complaints.
- Builds and maintains respectful, positive working relationships with staff, supervisors, outside agencies and the public using principles of good customer service; provides effective conflict resolution, as needed.
- Models appropriate professional management conduct; maintains appropriate confidentiality of sensitive information; complies with and supports City policies and procedures, labor laws, and MOU provisions.
- Attends assigned meetings and training; interacts with outside agencies and commissions; consortium, participates in teams, or committees, as needed.
- Assures staff works in a safe manner; follows safety requirements; monitors and assures compliance with regulations and other legal requirements.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of:
- Modern principles of Fire Department administration and personnel training.
- Modern fire suppression, prevention and training principles.
- Use and maintenance of firefighting equipment and apparatus.
- Fire codes and local ordinances related to fire prevention, emergency response and disaster preparedness programs.
- Modern office procedures and methods including computer equipment, word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphic presentations and other needed specialized software applications, and internet and electronic communication usage and methods.
- Budgeting development procedures and administration.
- Principles and practices of supervision, staff selection, motivation, training and personnel management.
- Principles of effective time management
- Principles of effective public speaking, conflict resolution and excellent customer service.
Ability to:
- Plan, organize, direct, evaluate and improve fire prevention, suppression and support activities.
- Interact with citizens and employees in an effective way that produces positive results.
- Understand, interpret and communicate state and federal regulations, laws, codes, policies and solutions in the area of fire management.
- Direct program services that benefit the community; analyze policy issues and develop recommendations.
- Direct, manage and monitor complex programs, and other processes involving multiple groups.
- Lead and direct City processes and procedures and specific requirements of assigned program areas.
- Delegate authority and responsibility as well as schedule and program work on a long-term basis.
- Work with and control sensitive and confidential information.
- Plan, initiate, and direct complete complex and multiple simultaneous work assignments; set priorities and organize work to meet deadlines.
- Lead, manage, evaluate and train personnel effectively and maintain discipline.
- Organize, implement and direct departmental goals within City objectives.
- Make highly effective presentations before groups and represent the City in public forums; interpret and communicate codes and regulatory information.
- Use computer and needed programs in a highly effective manner.
- Direct, project and administer a budget.
- Establish and maintain respectful, effective and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Communicate effectively, orally, electronically and in writing.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
- Five years of increasingly responsible professional experience with a fire department at the level of battalion chief or above, including three years of administrative and management experience.
- The following qualifications are desired, but not mandatory:
- Mississippi State Fire Marshal Certified Chief Officer
- Certified Chief Officer
- National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer
Training:
Preferred a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with significant coursework in the areas of Fire Science Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
Licenses:
Possession of a valid Mississippi Driver’s License in the category necessary to perform essential duties of the position may be required as the time of appointment. Maintenance of a valid Mississippi Driver’s license and proof of automobile liability insurance is a condition of continued employment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Physical Conditions:
Maintain required physical abilities including: vision adequate to operate vehicles and equipment, read instructions and follow directions; hearing adequate to distinguish mechanical noises, converse on radio, telephone and in person; body mobility adequate to operate emergency medical equipment and perform required duties; use of hands and fingers adequate for writing, typing and computer related functions; ability to lift heavy equipment, as needed.
