Description

Job Summary
Under the general direction of the City Manager, the Fire Chief manages the delivery of fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue operations, hazardous material response, emergency management planning and public education programs. Serves as the Emergency Management Coordinator. Provides supervision to the Fire Marshal and his responsibilities for fire protection, including inspection of all commercial and multi-family structures. Supervises assigned department staff. Must reside within ten minutes of City of Athens.

Essential Job Functions
Essential functions may include any of the following representative duties. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Requirements

Administration

• Oversee daily operations, activities, programs, and services of the Fire Department.
• Develop, plan, and implement goals and objectives relating to fire department operations.
• Recommend and administer fire policies and procedures.
• Comply with all written department and City policies and procedures.
• Plan, organize and direct the departmental operations of fire suppression, prevention, and emergency medical activities.
• Coordinate and direct the provision of departmental support services including station, hydrant and equipment maintenance, in-service training, and fire inspection.
• Maintain department efficiency, effectiveness, and safety.
• Project additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Participate, oversee, and manage the administration of the department budget, budget projections and justifications for the annual budget.
• Serve as a member of the City's management team; provide information and recommendations regarding operations.
• Develop strategic long-range and short-range plans to determine goals and objectives for the department.
• Coordinate the preparation of a variety of technical and departmental activities, reports, and records.

Fire Suppression and Emergency Medical Services

• Coordinate Fire Department activities with other City departments and divisions, as well as, with outside agencies including other fire departments involved in a mutual response agreement.
• Respond to major fire alarms and personally direct fire suppression activities, as necessary.
• Train employees on current fire suppression techniques.
• Research equipment needs specifications and costs.
• Direct the City’s emergency fire program.
• Coordinate with the City’s EMS service provider.

Fire Prevention

• Direct, coordinate and schedule fire inspection activities.
• Manage the enforcement of fire prevention codes.
• Coordinate fire prevention education.

Emergency Management

• Provide oversight for all emergency management operations.
• Manage and respond to large and moderate scale emergency operations and incidents.
• Coordinate emergency management activities and ensure mandated reporting is submitted.
• Provide training when necessary.

Personnel

• Interact and consult with senior fire staff regarding overall management, staff motivation and morale.
• Initiate policy development and implementation providing direction and vision.
• Review and assign staff resources as needed to achieve objectives of programs and services while monitoring safety and personnel issues.
• Conduct problem solving sessions with other personnel for internal personnel issues, investigations, and coordination of services to best meet department and community needs.
• Coordinate selection, training and motivation of personnel and evaluate progress.
• Monitor employee performance objectives and review shift activities.
• Ensure department personnel receive training/continuing education as necessary and as the budget allows.
• Work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Ensure bi-weekly payroll timesheets are processed accurately and efficiently for submission to Payroll.

Public Relations

• Respond to the complaints and requests for information.
• Represent the City in meetings with individuals, community groups, professional organizations, and leaders to determine the needs and issues of the community. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the management and oversight of a municipal fire department.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, methods and techniques of modern fire prevention, suppression, and EMS activities.
• Knowledge of the operation, maintenance and use of firefighting apparatus and equipment.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and codes pertaining to fire prevention, inspection, suppression, and EMS.
• Knowledge of budget development and administration.
• Knowledge of the principles of personnel management.
• Knowledge of budget development, management and justification practices and procedures.
• Plan, prioritize, assign, and direct the work of Fire Department personnel.
• Develop and administer sound departmental policies.
• Meet the physical requirements necessary to perform the assigned duties safely and effectively.
• Skill in effective oral and written communication. 
• Skill in responding to and managing emergencies and incidents.
• Skill in planning, developing, and implementing department procedures and objectives.
• Skill in effectively leading, supervising, and delegating duties to assigned staff.
• Skill in resolving citizen complaints and concerns.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Ability to be punctual and regular in attendance.

 
Education and Experience
Required

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, Emergency Management or a closely related field.
• 12+ years of progressively responsible, paid experience in municipal fire service, including demonstrated responsibility within emergency management functions.
• 2+ years at the rank of Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, Division Chief, or equivalent.  
• Demonstrated experience in leadership, budgeting, personnel management, and strategic planning.
• Master Firefighter, Texas Commission on Fire Protection or equivalent, with the ability to obtain the TCFP Head of Department - Suppression within twelve (12) months post-hire.
• Possess EMT-B Certification from the Texas Department of Health.
• Fire Officer II (or higher) certification with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
• Graduate of the Texas Fire Chiefs academy, U.S. Fire Administration Executive Fire Officer or Fire Service Chief Executive Officer (CEO) TEEX.
• NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800 Certifications.

Preferred

• Instructor III certification with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
• Incident Safety Officer Certification with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.

Timeline (anticipated and subject to change)

February 20 – March 15: Accepting applications

March 23 – April 10: Online interviews

April 20- April 24: In person interviews