Hiring Range:

$120,000 - $140,000 with a robust benefits package to include a Fire Pension or Director’s Retirement Plan.

Download the full brochure here: https://www.mywinterhaven.com/DocumentCenter/View/1816/Fire-Chief-Recruitment-Brochure-Final

ABOUT THE POSITION

Winter Haven is actively recruiting for a new Fire Chief as we prepare for the upcoming retirement of our current Chief in January 2025. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic, forward-thinking Fire Department in a city that blends a rich history with modern, innovative living. We are seeking a leader who can step in before the retirement allowing some overlap time to ensure a smooth transition. Interviews are anticipated to take place from late October through November 2024.

Our Fire Department offers fire and paramedic services, operating on a 24-on, 48-off schedule with Kelly Days included. While patient transport is not part of our services, our team is equipped with a Tactical Response Unit that handles high-stakes incidents with precision and expertise.

The City of Winter Haven is deeply committed to public safety and invests significantly in resources that set our department apart. We take pride in our capital depletion funding and ability to procure grants throughout the City, which ensures the timely replacement of all vehicles and equipment—giving our team an unmatched advantage. With a new station under construction, another in design, and plans for further expansion, we’re ready to meet the growing needs of our community. Ongoing investments in cutting-edge tools and technology ensure our department is equipped to respond to any challenge. The Fire Chief will have the unique opportunity to shepherd the growing department through this infrastructure investment and expansion, as well as continue to build training and development opportunities for personnel.

Collaboration is at the heart of our success. As a key member of our leadership team, you will work closely with all City departments, the firefighter’s union, and City Management Team to address Public Safety issues and promote a collaborative approach to decision making. Our department’s leadership team is comprised of Battalion Chiefs (Shift Commanders) and Specialty Chiefs focused on EMS, recruitment, training, and strategic initiatives – fostering a culture of excellence. Our Fire Marshal’s Office is an integral part of this team, featuring highly credentialed staff working seamlessly with our Building Officials.

This role offers more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to lead in a city that embraces innovation, invests in its people, and prioritizes public safety. As the Fire Chief, you will have access to professional development opportunities and resources to continue your professional growth. We look forward to welcoming a Fire Chief who shares our passion for progress and is ready to make a lasting impact in Winter Haven.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Under the supervision of the Assistant City Manager of Public Safety, the Fire Chief will plan, coordinate, and direct a variety of fire services, programs, and projects within the Fire Department, including:

Assign personnel based on the Fire Department’s strategic plan, priorities, and objectives in accordance with established policies and procedures; ensures that optimum efficiency and effectiveness are obtained.
Act as the primary authority in the areas of fire safety, emergency response, and fire administrative activities.
Hold considerable latitude in the exercise of individual initiative in the performance of duties and responsibilities; assists the Assistant City Manager of Public Safety in planning and directing the activities of the Fire Department and coordinates these efforts with those of other emergency services and public safety agencies.
Prepare and manage the operational budget of the Fire Department.
Plan, direct, coordinate, supervise, train, and evaluate the work performance of fire service personnel.
Initiate and recommend personnel actions for recruitment, promotions, discipline, and separation subject to the approval of the Assistant City Manager of Public Safety and City Manager.
Train and counsel employees on matters related to fire safety regulations, policies, department operations, and individual work performance; conduct regular department meetings with employees.
Maintain discipline and ensure compliance with City and department rules and regulations.
Receive and carry out special assignments; effect changes in organizational and operational procedures to obtain desired results; confer with command staff to transmit departmental directives and objectives.
Continually monitor the activity of and within the department; detect conflicts or problem areas and take necessary action to resolve them.
Maintain professional work habits and public image; develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, partners, and the general public.
Deal with the public and respond to citizen and community needs and concerns. Interact with and respond to media inquiries and requests in partnership with Public Information Officers.
Provide advice or assistance with difficult or unusual challenges.
Take personal charge of major incidents where unusual or very difficult circumstances exist.
Study incident reports and other data to determine trends in fire safety and prevention.
Evaluate, assess, and identify operational needs and provide sound recommendations for changes and / or enhancements aligned with personnel, material, apparatus, facilities and / or supplies.
Provide exceptional customer service.

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing of essential job functions; the performance of other essential functions may be required. May work alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Must have ten or more years of progressively responsible work experience, to include five years of fire service supervisory experience preferably at multiple levels of operation.
Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Public Safety, Public Administration, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
Must possess and maintain Florida State Firefighters II Standards, Florida Emergency Medical Technician Standards, Fire Officer II, and CPR certification. Paramedic credentialing preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

Must possess and be able to apply comprehensive knowledge of modern, accepted practices and protocols for fire prevention, suppression, and investigation; emergency medical services, and crisis and disaster management. In-depth understanding of the Incident Command System and the National Incident Management System. Knowledge of organizational development principles, procedures, and techniques, including human resource development, employee ethics, risk management, municipal government functions, Florida Life Safety Codes, Florida Administrative Code, and National Fire Protection Association Standards.

Must have the skill and ability to lead and motivate a diverse, multi-operational organization, coupled with the ability to foster innovation within the department. Skill in managing essential services with limited program funds is preferred. Skill in authoring and delivering public presentations. Ability to plan, evaluate, assign, and coordinate activities, personnel, and equipment. Ability to communicate timely and effectively, both in writing and verbally. Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with department personnel, officials, peers, and the general public. Ability to lead our Fire Department and work collaboratively with department heads, the firefighter’s union, and City management team, to ensure the safety of wellbeing of our community without alienating others.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license and a good driving record as determined by the City of Winter Haven. Absence of non-prescribed controlled substances in the applicant’s system administered and verified by a laboratory approved by the City of Winter Haven. Must successfully complete a background investigation, including a polygraph examination.

PHYSICAL / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

Must have the physical ability, strength, and flexibility required for State Certification in Florida and to perform the job functions. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.

An equivalent combination of education and experience that is determined to be directly related to the foregoing specific requirements may be substituted.

HOW TO APPLY

Please visit MyWinterHaven.com/Careers/ to completed our application. Submit a complete application, along with a cover letter and resume, by October 17, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Please contact 863-291-5650 with any questions.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE.

City of Winter Haven

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