Fire Chief

Under general direction of the Assistant City Manager, the Fire Chief plans, directs, manages and oversees the activities and operations of the Fire Department including fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, disaster preparedness, and related programs, services, and operations; coordinates assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager and Assistant City Manager.
 

1. Assume full management responsibility for all Fire Department services and activities including fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, disaster preparedness, and related programs, services and operations.
2. Manage the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, and priorities for each assigned service area; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
3. Establish within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; and allocate resources accordingly.
4. Assess and monitor work load, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvements; and direct and implement changes.
5. Select, train, motivate, and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; and implement discipline and termination procedures, in coordination with Human Resources.
6. Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the departmental budget, to include but not limited to, forecasting funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approving expenditures and implementing budgetary adjustments as necessary.
7. Direct disaster preparedness and community risk reduction programs to minimize the loss of life and property within the community.
8. Conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; review and recommend modifications to codes, regulations and ordinances pertaining to fire services and activities.
9. Attend and participate in fire, rescue, and emergency medical services training as well as professional group meetings; obtain information and cooperation on public safety issues; establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with other Fire entities; and stay abreast of new trends and innovation in the field of fire prevention and suppression, EMS, and emergency management.
10. Represent the Fire Department to other departments, City officials, and outside agencies; including coordinating assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
11. As required and/or necessary, respond to major emergency alarms and major emergency medical first responder calls and direct firefighting tactics, rescue, hazardous materials, emergency medical services, and/or salvage operations.
12. Perform other duties as assigned.

Required:     
Bachelor's Degree in fire science, fire administration, public administration or a related field; and ten (10) years' experience in a certified firefighting capacity, including five (5) years in a supervisory or management role; or any combination of education or equivalent experience that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted. Texas Driver's License. Master Certification in Structure Fire Protection issued by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. EMT Basic certification (Paramedic preferred) issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Knowledge of operations, services and activities of a comprehensive emergency service operation including fire suppression, fire prevention, hazardous materials response, emergency medical, and associated services. Knowledge of principles and practices used in the administration, organization and management of municipal fire department operations. Knowledge of laws, departmental rules, guidelines, and policies relating to the management of all service delivery and support programs. Ability to identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs. Ability to communicate effectively in the English language, orally, electronically and in writing. Ability to maintain managerial control under extremely stressful conditions. Ability to exercise a high degree of self-discipline. Ability to develop plans and programs for more effective and efficient fire protection and public safety. Ability to plan, organize, lead, and direct a comprehensive fire program; organize and direct the activities of staff engaged in providing optimum fire services; plan, prepare, and administer an annual departmental budget; effectively analyze and resolve operational and procedural problems; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, City officials, community organizations, other agencies and City departments, and the general public. Ability to respond as on-call Chief Officer to emergency incidents and/or provide emergency response as necessary. Ability to maintain "fit for duty" status. 
 
Preferred:     
Master's Degree in a related field. National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Certification. Commission on Professional Credentialing Chief Fire Officer Designation.Interested and qualified candidates should submit their resume and letter of interest to:
Submissions will be reviewed as received and those selected to continue in the process will be contacted directly.  For more detailed information about this opportunity, please see our website: www.cstx.gov