Description

The recruitment profile outlines the qualifications identified as important for the position of Fire Chief. This position is appointed by and responsible to the Southfield City Administrator.

This profile will be used as a primary guide in the recruitment process by which applications will be screened and individuals selected for the final interview and appointment consideration.

The Fire Chief is part of the Management Group Staff which consists of management and professional employees selected by authorized elected or appointed officials. These positions are executive level and are not part of the civil service system.

Inquiries relating to this recruitment and selection process are to be directed to James Meadows, City of Southfield Human Resources Director at jmeadows@cityofsouthfield.com.

THE CITY OF SOUTHFIELD

Southfield, a city of 26.7 square miles with a diverse resident population of approximately 73,000, is located immediately north of Detroit and is one of the largest suburbs in Oakland County. Southfield soars to a daytime population approaching 175,000 as a result of its large business commuter community.

The City was incorporated April 28, 1958, with a Council/Administrator form of government. The City Council is composed of seven members. The Mayor does not vote on legislative matters, but does have veto power over City Council actions.

The City services are unparalleled. Southfield has one of Michigan's outstanding public library systems, with a state of the art library. Parks and Recreation facilities include 770 acres of parkland, a municipal golf course, ball diamonds, volleyball, soccer, tennis, an ice arena, and a municipal swimming pool. The City is recognized for its premier emergency life support program, which serves as a national model for emergency medical service; its outstanding senior adult and other social services; a nationally honored municipal cable television channel; and leisure activities.

Dozens of major corporations and World Headquarters have locations in the City of Southfield. The presence of numerous international companies, a diverse resident population, as well as a multitude of enticing ethnic restaurants all contribute to the multi-cultural flair of the City, and have earned Southfield the nickname "The International City".

Representative Job Duties

Under the direction of the City Administrator Fire Chief’s duties and responsibilities are to:

Command and other daily responsibilities of the Fire Department
The Fire Chief has daily contact with staff for the purpose of supervising, directing, information sharing and problem resolution.
Manage, develop, prepare and implement specialized projects.
Prepare and administer department, division or special project budgets as assigned; with authorization, approve expenditures for equipment and supplies; monitor and maintain program accounts; assist with annual budget.
Provide the direct connection between the City and the Firefighter's Union as needed including contract development, implementation, discipline and management.
Assist with labor negotiations and participate in the grievance process.
Frequent contacts with Administration, other City personnel, Elected officials and/or emergency response providers are for the purpose of problem resolution, providing information and/or coordination of mutual efforts.
Liaison between the department and City Hall for Legal and Human Resources Department interactions.
Maintain communication with other City personnel, officials, law enforcement agencies, emergency services providers and the general public.
Respond to major incidents and may assume (if necessary/needed) command at fires, hazardous materials incidents, emergency medical responses and natural or man-made disasters.
Determine appropriate action and response to incidents and direct operations; accordingly, assure efficient and effective deployment of personnel, equipment and resources; direct evacuations and emergency medical care; request additional services and resources as needed.
Supervise assigned personnel, including scheduling, work assignment, performance evaluation and disciplinary actions or recommendations; Monitor overtime, sick leave (FMLA), vacation etc.
Assure compliance with departmental and City rules, regulations, operating guidelines, policies and procedures.
Identify functional goals and objectives and participate in long- and short-range departmental planning.
Prepare narrative reports, correspondence, interdepartmental communications, and department records and provide for records maintenance.
Assist with interviewing and selecting personnel for vacancies; train and develop staff members.
Conduct employee performance evaluations.
Participate in local fire organizations; attend conferences, workshops, seminars and meetings to keep abreast of the most up to date firefighting methods.
Represent the City and the Southfield Fire Department at State and national conventions, with media, citizens/business groups and other municipalities.
The Fire Chief will function as a member of the Senior Management Team, through frequent contact with other Team members for the purpose of reaching consensus on City-wide policy issues. Assure the Department's public profile is maintained through appropriate information releases, City Council visits and other documentation.
Attend Council and budget meetings and be prepared to answer questions from residents.
Interact with neighborhood associations.

Job Requirements - As Determined By the City Of Southfield

REQUIRED EDUCATION, TRAINING, And EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field. Master’s degree preferred
Completion of the State of Michigan Fire Officers I, II and III Certification, Incident Command, NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 & 800, Fire Staffing & Command or EFO Fire Management Program preferred.
Minimum of ten (10) years of extensive experience in firefighting work of a progressively responsible nature, serving at least 5 years as in a position with management level responsibilities sufficient to produce thorough knowledge of Principles and practices of Fire Science as well as methods, materials and equipment used in fire suppression and prevention, and Emergency Management department representative.
Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of fire service administration, emergency medical services, community preparedness, and public education.
Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations and codes pertaining to fire suppression, fire training, fire prevention, emergency medical services; Knowledge of fire service training requirements and programs.
Knowledge of modern supervisory practices and techniques and skill in the allocation and deployment of personnel and equipment at significant incidents Ability to multi-process and continuously adjust priorities.
Ability to provide effective leadership, develop and maintain trust, resolve interpersonal conflicts, and build and maintain morale.
Ability to supervise the operation and maintenance of a variety of specialized apparatus, facilities and equipment
Value a diverse workforce, and dedication to ensuring equal opportunity in all aspects of employment.
Analyze a variety of administrative, operational, fiscal and social problems and make sound recommendations for solutions.
Ability to provide on-site support during critical non-business hours, such as emergency/disaster response, and special events.
Highly effective oral and written communication skills. Expert interpersonal, negotiation and leadership skills.
Communicate effectively face to face in one on one and group settings.
Analytical ability and problem-solving skills. Ability to work effectively under pressure.
Computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, internet).
Ability to prepare comprehensive reports, budgets, department materials, records and correspondence.
Deductive and inductive reasoning skills. Creativity. Highly tuned “radar” for red flags. Politically sensitive.
Ability to provide effective leadership, develop and maintain trust, resolve interpersonal conflicts, and build and maintain morale.
The Fire Chief will have frequent contact with all segments of the City's population.
In order to effectively perform required responsibilities, regular attendance is required. May be required to attend evening meetings and/or work outside of normal business hours for emergencies or to address employee matters.
Must possess a valid State of Michigan driver’s license and a good driving record as determined by the City’s Driving Standards.
Applicants will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

Supplemental Information

This is an unclassified, at will position in the Management Group and is appointed by the City Administrator and confirmed by City Council. The salary range (Management pay grade 414) is $134,178 - $201,349, with the starting salary dependent upon qualifications. This position also includes a comprehensive fringe benefit package, consisting of medical, dental, optical, and life insurance; pension plan participation; disability insurance; holiday and leave provisions; and a residency bonus.

Application Process

All applicants must submit the following items for consideration via NeoGov
Cover letter with current salary information and date of availability
Resume
Completed City of Southfield Application for Employment
Authorization to Release Personal Information Form

Only those candidates who most closely meet our selection requirements will be invited to continue in the application process. If you require further information, you may contact the Human Resources Director, James Meadows at (248) 796-4700 or via the e-mail addressed listed above.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave and more!

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