Description
Interviews will tentatively be held on December 10
DEFINITION
To plan, organize, direct, and administer fire suppression, hazardous materials, emergency medical services, disaster preparedness, fire prevention activities, and serve as Disaster Coordinator.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This job class functions at a Senior Management level of classification and is responsible for the effective administration of the Fire Department.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives executive direction from the City Manager.
Exercises direct and indirect supervision over management, protective service, and administrative support positions.
Examples of Duties
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates fire suppression and fire prevention activities
- Analyzes and maintains awareness and implementation of recent developments in fire suppression and prevention
- Prepares periodic and special reports of Fire Department activities and operations
- Represents the City before groups and government organizations concerned with fire protection programs
- Serves as Incident Commander at major emergencies Emergency Services Director, EOC Coordinator or Fire Coordinator for disaster response
- Provides technical advice and consultation to the City Manager and City Council of fire prevention and suppression
- Directs and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities
- Develops budget estimates and expenditure controls
- Oversees the selection of staff; provides for their training and development, reviews and approves performance appraisals and recommendations for disciplinary actions, wage and salary actions, promotions, and related employment actions
- Prepares and makes presentations regarding agenda items and resolutions
- Evaluates, formulates, and implements operating policies and procedures
- Prepares and/or approves a variety of technical studies, reports, and correspondence
- Ensures that all safety regulations and mandated safety programs are communicated and followed
- Meets with Fire Department employee representatives to resolve labor relations issues
- Prepares news releases and meets with representatives of the press
- Prepares a variety of written and oral reports
- Appears before the City Council, other boards, and commissions
- Plans, organizes, and directs disaster activities
- Sits at a desk and in meetings for long periods of time on a continuous basis
- Intermittently twists to reach equipment surrounding desk, and performs simple grasping and fine hand manipulation
- Drives an automobile
- Uses telephone, and writes or uses a keyboard to communicate through written means
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
- Acts as OSHA inspection "Key Person"
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge Of
- principles and practices of the management of a large and diverse organization including organization and management of work, effective supervisory practices, staff development, and personnel administration and labor relations
- methods and techniques of budget development and management
- federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances affecting Department operations and facilities
- disaster and safety management programs and operations
- methods, techniques, and equipment used in fire suppression
- fire prevention and suppression programs, laws, rules, and policies
- modern municipal fire department organization and administration
- applicable City policies, procedures, and memoranda of understanding related to budgeting, administration and personnel
Ability to:
- analyze a variety of administrative and organizational problems and make sound policy and procedural recommendations
- plan, organize, direct, and administer Fire Department policies, programs, and functions
- prepare budget estimates and control expenditures
- prepare a variety of written and oral reports
- effectively represent the City and the Fire Department with citizen groups, boards, commissions, and other government agencies
- prepare effective technical reports and correspondence
- make effective presentations to elected officials, the public, city executives, businesses, and other agencies
- effectively and tactfully communicate in both oral and written forms
- establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties
- oversee disaster programs
- direct employee development and evaluation
Typical Qualifications
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Required
Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
- Advanced educational training in fire science and broad and extensive work experience in the provision of fire services, including at least five years in a management of supervisory capacity, two of which should be at the executive level.
LICENSE
- a valid Class C California Driver's license, including a safe driving record
Supplemental Information
The candidate will be appointed for a 12-month probationary period. Names of successful candidates who do not receive a job offer will be placed on an employment list which normally remains effective for one year. The Human Resources Department may abolish an Employment list at any time the needs of the City so require. This position is represented by the Executive Team bargaining group.
Prior to appointment to the position of Fire Chief, a medical examination and Department of Justice Livescan fingerprinting will be required.
The City of Watsonville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages workplace diversity. The City of Watsonville is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by including people with disabilities in all of its programs and activities.
NOTE: THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVISED WITHOUT NOTICE.
City of Watsonville offers excellent medical, dental and vision benefits for the employee and dependents. Benefits also include holidays, vacation, and sick leave. The City offers Public Employees Retirement benefits. Employees shall pay the full employee share of CalPERS contribution.
