Fire Chief

The Fire Chief is responsible to plan, organize, direct, and review the activities and operations of the Fire Department, including fire suppression, hazardous material mitigation, fire and life safety code compliance, emergency medical services, and administrative support services; to provide leadership to the department and the City organization; to coordinate assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager.

 
Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Resumes may be screened for the purpose of determining who is most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Do not substitute any part of the application form with the words "see resume". The following information is provided for you to use as a reference and as a planning tool. Human Resources is unable to schedule make-up examinations.

Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process which will include a virtual selection interview.
 
The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

 

Essential Functions:

 

Develop, plan, and implement Department goals and objectives; recommend and administer policies and procedures.  

 

Coordinate Department activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations; provide staff assistance to the City Manager and City Council; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.  

 

Direct, oversee, and participate in the development of the Department's work plan; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.  

 

Supervise and participate in the development and administration of the Fire Department budget; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement mid-year adjustments.  

 

Select, train, motivate, and evaluate personnel; provide a high level of leadership; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the Department. 

 

Develop and implement long and short-term strategic plans in support of department and City-wide goals and objectives. 

 

Respond to major fire alarms and personally direct fire suppression activities as necessary.  

 

Direct and participate in the research of alternative approaches to fire suppression, hazardous material handling, fire and life safety code, and emergency programs.  

 

Participate in employee relations activities as related to the Fire Department; provide advice and assistance to the management negotiating team.

 

Represent the Department to outside groups and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary. 

 

Research, prepare, and present technical and administrative reports and studies; prepare written correspondence as necessary.

 

Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.

 

Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.

 

Marginal Functions:  

 

Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:  

 

Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of modern fire and life safety and fire suppression activities.  

 

Operation, maintenance, and uses of firefighting apparatus and equipment.  

 

Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, and conflict resolution.

            

Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.

 

Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs.  

Principles and practices of organization, administration, and personnel management.  

 

Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.   

 

Principles and practices of safety management.

 

Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

 

Ability to:  

 

Plan, direct, and control the administration and operations of the Fire Department, including fire suppression, fire and life safety code compliance, emergency medical service activities, and hazardous materials emergencies.    

 

Prepare and administer department budgets.  

 

Develop and implement policies and procedures related to assigned operations.   

 

Supervise, train, and evaluate staff.

 

Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.  

 

Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.  

 

Interpret, explain, and apply federal, state, local, and department policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations.

 

Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.  

 

Identify and respond to public and City Council issues and concerns.

 

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.  

 

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

 

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

 

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:  

 

Seven years of increasingly responsible command and supervisory experience in an organized fire department, including three years of administrative and management responsibility.  

 

Training:  

 

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in fire science, public administration, or a related field.  

 

License or Certificate:  

 

                          Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.

Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone.  Environmental: frequent exposure to noise. 

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

 

Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment. Positions require regular overtime or weekend work and the ability to travel.

 

Individuals appointed into positions in this classification after February 5, 2008 are in the Unclassified Service and serve at the will of the City Manager.