Performs a combination of difficult professional, administrative, and fieldwork involving the management of the combination paid/volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. Has the responsibility of lead role for efficiency in operations and establishing and/or performing all functions of incident command systems; plans, directs and coordinates departmental goals, objectives and operations; conducts studies and research; procures equipment; maintains records and files; prepares budgets and reports. Promotes community and fire safety awareness. Does related work as required. Work is performed under the general direction of the Deputy County Administrator with latitude for independent judgement and action. Supervision is exercised over all department personnel.

*First review of applications will occur in early July*

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Oversees, directs, and coordinates all activities of the Department including administration, communications, emergency medical, hazardous materials, fire prevention, fire investigation and training.
Implements strategic plan by translating the department’s long-term vision into measurable operational success.
Responds to serious fires, explosions, disasters, hazardous materials incidents and medical emergencies; assumes command of the situation.
Prepares budget estimates and supervises and controls the expenditure of all departmental funds.
Formulates administrative and operational policies, standard operating procedures, rules and regulations governing departmental activities, prescribes work methods and procedures, and adjusts departmental policies and methods to meet new situations or to improve existing operations.
Requisitions and purchases necessary supplies and equipment for the Department; develops specifications.
Enforces departmental rules and regulations and takes appropriate disciplinary action; counsels employees in regards to personnel problems, career development, motivation and problem solving.
Receives and responds to citizen inquiries; resolves internal and external conflicts involving citizens and/or volunteers.
Provides and implements educational and service delivery programs.
Supports recruitment, retention and educational needs of career and volunteer fire suppression personnel.
Serves as a member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee.
Represents the County as a Public Safety Official at functions, meetings, and events as necessary.
Attends meetings and/or presents to the Board of Supervisor as required.
Accomplishes all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested by management.
Participate in employee meetings and training as needed.
Performs special projects as assigned.
Meets attendance requirements and maintains the highest level of dependability.
Consistently demonstrates ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner in order to meet current needs, and reprioritizes work as necessary.

Education / Experience:

Requires education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, EMS, Public Administration/Business Administration or related field, supplemented by advanced level course work in modern methods of Fire Suppression and Rescue. Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in the fire and emergency medical service profession, with at least two (2) years of upper level public safety management in a paid position. Must be familiar with NFPA standards, particularly as they relate to the Fire & Rescue environment. Must possess experience in Health and Safety relevant to fire and rescue operations and personnel; experience or training in Emergency Management functions, and training in the area of public speaking and public education.

Preferred:

Master’s degree in Public Administration or related field; Executive Fire Officer; Chief Fire Officer or Chief Medical Officer/EMS Officer; Prior experience serving as a Fire Chief in a combination system; Knowledge of radio systems in relation emergency services and enhanced 911 telephone operations.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Requires comprehensive knowledge of the strategy and tactics of handling fire, rescue, and medical emergencies and the ability to analyze and respond effectively under stress to each. Must possess the ability to identify and interpret trends and preventive related issues within the Fire and Rescue Services industry.

Requires exercising a great deal of self-initiative and possessing the ability to positively interact with the public, volunteers, career staff, support staff, and outside agencies in a professional, courteous and tactful manner during routine, emergency, and controversial situations. Strong quality and service minded with commitment to continuous quality improvement.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work cooperatively in a diverse multi-disciplinary emergency services team and / or independently. Knowledge of management principles and practices with the ability to employ team-oriented problem-solving techniques and be capable of motivating new or inexperienced members. Puts success of team above own interests and supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.

Ability to develop, implement and facilitate educational programs.

Must possess the ability to communicate; both orally and in writing, in order to effectively educate a variety of audiences. Must be able to maintain confidentially and disseminate such information consistent with policies and procedures.

Knowledge and understanding of the County’s strategic direction, mission, vision, and values as they relate to the Department of Fire & Rescue; as well as the departments Standard Operating Guidelines, Rules and Regulations.

Knowledge of County geography with respect to streets, hydrants and building access.

Must be able to establish and maintain accurate records, files, and database systems. Requires compiling data and information to prepare summaries and reports using MS Office Suite and/or other computer systems.

Knowledge of budget preparation and accounting principles.

Certifications/Licenses:

Must have five years of driving experience and possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

EMT certification; CPR certification; NIMS – ICS 100 – 400 & ICS 700, 800 certifications; EVOC certification; Firefighter II certification; Hazardous Materials Operations certification.

Preferred:

Fire Officer and Fire Instructor certifications; Paramedic Certification; ACLS, PALS/PEEP.

Employee will be responsible for keeping his/her license and education requirements current including those certifications possessed listed above under Education/Experience.

This position is expected to maintain or establish a residence in Bedford County within 6 months of employment.

Bedford County, Virginia

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Chief of Fire & Rescue