Fire Chief
Job Title: Fire Chief
Department: Fire
Reports to: Mayor
FLSA: Exempt
Principal Purpose of Job: Responsible to direct the overall operations in an all-hazard organization to deliver essential emergency and non-emergency services to the community and greater area to include fire suppression, fire education and prevention, special operations, and EMS services. The Fire Chief is responsible for setting overall department strategy and directions, collaborating with City staff and elected officials, and building inter-jurisdictional/regional relationships.
Level of Authority: The Fire Chief is appointed by the Mayor and reports administratively to the Mayor, with activities reviewed for adequacy of professional judgment, compliance with policies and regulations and achievement of results with objectives consistent with a council approved budget. The Fire Chief is accountable for the efficient provision of an effective, comprehensive fire and EMS services. The Fire Chief is a representative of the City of Anacortes while on and off duty and personal behavior should reflect acceptance of this responsibility.
Work Environment: Much of the work is performed in office settings at the Fire Department and other City and community offices. When responding to emergencies as Incident Commander, may be exposed to all risks and difficult conditions identified for firefighting and medical response situations.
Essential Job Functions:
- Oversee and direct the day-to-day operations of the Fire Department. Plan, coordinate, supervise, and evaluate fire and EMS operations. Serve as the city*s Emergency Management Coordinator.
- Direct the development of operational and administrative procedures, departmental policies, programs, and initiatives.
- 3Collaborate and demonstrate an ability to build rapport with staff, elected officials, peers, regional partners, and community representatives. Build partnerships at the local, state, and federal levels to secure resources and to advocate for the community*s interests.
- Deliver timely, cost effective and efficient all-hazard approaches to community services.
- Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.
- Perform and fulfill obligations as duty commander including responding to alarms and directing activities at the scene of emergencies.
- Develop, communicate, and implement the strategic plan and vision for the department in a collaborative manner. Engage with citizens to foster support, input, and prioritization of needs of service delivery.
- Plan departmental operations with respect to equipment, apparatus and personnel. Supervise the implementation of such plans.
- Use data to comprehensively assess operations and provide a vision to examine alternative forms of service delivery that may improve responsiveness and/or enhance resource conservation. Predict or adjust priorities and services through analysis of performance measure or other analytical data.
- Direct the preparation of the budget and manage expenditures for the department and grant funding efforts.
- Promote professional development, coaching, mentoring, and fostering a work environment that motivates individuals to excel in their areas of responsibilities.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Knowledge of federal, state, and city rules and regulations governing firefighting functions and emergency medical services.
- Knowledge of local, state, federal law, and city ordinances.
- Comprehensive knowledge of and first-hand experience in all major aspects of fire and EMS operations.
- Comprehensive knowledge of administrative functions and budgetary responsibilities for a similar sized fire department.
- Knowledge of and experience with collective bargaining, labor negotiations, and civil service rules.
- Ability to develop, implement, and administer goals, objectives, and procedures for providing effective and efficient services for the city and surrounding areas.
- Competencies in ethical conduct; stress management and composure; problem solving and analysis; strategic thinking; and teamwork orientation.
- Ability to direct a program and to plan, schedule, and review the work and performance of others in a manner conducive to strong performance and high morale.
- Extensive ability to prepare and direct preparation of comprehensive reports, budgets, departmental materials, and correspondence.
- Ability to communicate well for example, to calm individuals experiencing a medical emergency, handle abusive behavior, create public trust, give and receive information in emergency situations, and prepare and present about the department.
- Ability to perform duties and maintain personal conduct, attitude, and appearance that conform to strict policies, procedures, and discipline, within a *chain of command* management system.
- Ability to have a strong and confident presence, be a good listener, be accessible, and understand the importance of maintaining close and consistent communication throughout the organization.
- Considerable knowledge of the geography of the City and its buildings, street systems, and special areas requiring pre-fire knowledge or special firefighting techniques.
Physical Capabilities:
- Ability to maintain physical stamina and agility sufficient to perform physical activities of a firefighter.
- Physical strength and ability to perform intermittent strenuous work for extended periods of time under extremely dangerous and uncomfortable conditions, often while wearing bulky protective gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus.
- Strenuous work is defined as exerting force sufficient to lift and carry up to 160 pounds of body weight or as necessary lift whatever weight is required to handle the emergency or rescue.
- Occasional lifting in spaces where use of correct lifting techniques may not be possible where the utilization of additional personnel are needed.
Hearing ability sufficient to communicate with team members and use portable radio while wearing self-contained breathing apparatus.
Visual ability sufficient to drive emergency apparatus during the day and night, manage incident action plans in inclement weather, treat and transport medical emergencies, engage in firefighting activities to include pulling hoses, making hydrant connections, and utilizing ladders for rescue.
Education and Experience:
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in Fire Science, public administration, or a closely related field; and eight years of increasingly responsible fire and EMS services including suppression, prevention, training, emergency management, and advanced life support. Completion of a National Fire Academy Executive Officer program is highly desirable.
- Licenses and Certifications: A valid Washington State driver’s license is required and must be obtained prior to date of appointment.
- Residency must fall within the response boundary established by the Anacortes Fire Department’s Duty Chief Policy.
Other:
- As an absolute condition of employment, employees are required upon hire to sign a drug free workplace agreement and an agreement not to use tobacco products in any form while on the job.
- The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the work load.
- Following an offer of employment and prior to starting work, must satisfactorily pass psychological and polygraph examinations, and a medical examination by a licensed medical doctor who is designated by the City. The purpose of the exam is to ensure that no physical, emotional, sensory, or mental conditions exist which could adversely affect performance of duties, personal safety, or safety of others. The examination will be paid for by the City. Satisfactory clearance to perform essential job functions will be required for employment.
Are you able to perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodation? Yes