Under general direction of the Fire Chief, the Division Chief manages one of two major divisions; directs and completes special assignments in support of the Fire Chief; assists the Fire Chief in meeting city and department policies, goals and legislative mandates; and acts for the Chief as designated during periods of absence.
THE POSITION
Under administrative direction, directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates the activities and operations of assigned Division within the Fire Department including emergency operations, ambulance and medical services, training, facility/equipment maintenance, disaster preparedness, public education and related programs and services; responds to emergency incidents; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Fire Chief. Responds to emergency incidents as required by departmental policy and assumes command of incident unless relieved of command by a superior officer.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives administrative direction from the Fire Chief.
Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical and clerical staff.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS--
Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Assumes management responsibility for assigned programs, activities and operations of the Department including operations, training, facility/equipment maintenance, communications, disaster preparedness, emergency and non-emergency medical services, ambulance transportation, and related programs and services.
- Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and
priorities for assigned programs and services; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
- Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
- Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
- Participates in the selection and evaluation of assigned personnel; prepares performance evaluations of Battalion Chiefs, and other assigned personnel; reviews evaluations for shift personnel as assigned; implements discipline and termination procedures.
- Oversees and participates in the development and administration of assigned Division’s annual budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.
- Oversees the development and implementation of the Department’s training programs for firefighting, emergency and non-emergency medical services and transportation, and other emergency response services and programs; develops and implements training programs and schedules; identifies the emergency and non-emergency operations training needs of company personnel; provides or coordinates staff training and drills in fire, rescue, and medical care methods, techniques, and related subjects; coordinates training programs with other divisions, departments and outside agencies.
- Manages the purchasing, maintenance, and inventory of all fire department related equipment, vehicles, and property including communication equipment, vehicles and related equipment, and safety equipment; establishes replacement schedules for equipment, vehicles and property; ensures budgets support replacement schedules.
- Participates in facilities planning for the Fire Department; coordinates maintenance and repairs to existing facilities as necessary.
- Prepares a variety of public information materials; conducts or has subordinates conduct public information/education classes related to emergency and non-emergency operations and other department activities.
- Provides staff assistance to the Fire Chief.
- Serves as the liaison for assigned Division to other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
- Serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
- Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of fire prevention, suppression, training, and management.
- Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
- Develops and maintains an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) facility and coordinates EOC staffing and internal procedures to enable all essential City emergency managers to conduct coordinated operations during emergencies.
- Coordinates emergency communications planning, secures necessary equipment, and conducts drills of emergency communications.
- Conducts tests, exercises and drills to train emergency management personnel in directing coordinated operations under simulated emergency conditions.
- Assists all City departments with emergency services training and provides disaster preparedness training to employees.
- Prepares applications for emergency services funds for submission to state and federal government agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Assistance (FEMA) Program and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- Coordinates and participates in disaster preparedness training programs for the public and establishes systems to notify the public in emergencies.
- Establishes and coordinates a Citizens’ Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program for the community.
- Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of fire prevention, suppression, training, and management.
- Performs related duties as required.
Experience And Training Guidelines
Minimum requirements as a condition of hire:
Experience
Eight years of increasingly responsible experience in an agency providing a full range of urban fire protection services including one year of management and administrative responsibility at the level of Battalion Chief.
Education/Training
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in fire science, fire administration, public administration or other related field.
- California State Certified Chief Officer or equivalent experience and/or certification.
Licenses And Certificates
Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver’s license. Current California certification as an EMT-1 with local accreditation for San Bernardino County within one year of appointment.
Knowledge Of
- Firefighting tactics and strategy; emergency incident management, specifically the Incident Command System (ICS); principles of incident safety; automatic and mutual aid agreements; hazardous materials incident management; and confined space and technical rescue techniques.
- Emergency and non-emergency medical service deliver and program management; ambulance transportation including pertinent laws and codes, billing laws and practices, and personnel certification and licensure requirements.
- Principles and practices of program development and administration.
- Principles and practices of training program development and implementation.
- Fire science theory, principles, and practices and their application to a wide variety of emergency service operations including fire suppression, fire prevention, and fire investigation.
- Principles and practices of Disaster Preparedness, Emergency Management and Homeland Security program development and administration.
- Operational characteristics of fire apparatus and equipment including Code 3 driving techniques.
- Modern fire loss and fire prevention principles, methods and practices.
- Geography and street layout of the City and surrounding area.
- Personal Protective Equipment.
- Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
- Departmental Policy and Procedures, Manual of Operations.
- Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
- Principles and laws relating to supervision, training, discipline, and performance evaluation of department personnel.
- Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
- Use of common computer software programs
- English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
- Principles and practices of customer service.
Ability To
- Oversee and participate in the management of fire suppression, prevention, emergency medical services, ambulance transport, training and disaster preparedness program services and activities.
- Perform competently in dynamic, highly stressful situations; command fire department staff and operate vehicles and radios.
- Work extended hours and days to meet operational needs.
- Oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
- Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
- Effectively work with contractors and manage contract agreements.
- Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
- Participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives and procedures.
- Prepare and administer large program budgets.
- Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
- Meet and deal tactfully and effectively with the public in all types of situations.
- Collect, analyze and evaluate data and be able to prepare and deliver clear and concise written and oral management reports.
- React quickly and calmly in all types of emergency situations.
- Speak effectively before public gatherings.
- Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
- Operate modern office equipment and computers.
- Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations.
- Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environment
Standard office setting with some travel to various locations to attend meetings or respond to emergency scenes, disasters, or critical incidents; occasional exposure to excessive noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, airborne particles, noxious odors, gases, explosives and blood-borne pathogens; and all types of weather and temperature conditions; occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, in areas of limited and restricted entry and exit, and in high precarious places; exposure to vibration from equipment and vehicles; operation of foot controls or repetitive foot motion; extensive public contact; the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate; however, the noise level may be very loud when responding to emergency calls and when working at a fire or other emergency incident; wear appropriate personal protective equipment including goggles, face protector, turn-outs, safety shoes and self-contained breathing apparatus; may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends and may be required to travel outside City boundaries to attend meetings. Work schedule is 9/80 with alternating Fridays off in a biweekly period. Work environment is both formal and informal, team oriented, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure. Work is usually performed indoors in office and in meeting rooms.
Physical
Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment and to respond to emergency alarms. CONTINUOUS sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck; side-to-side turning of neck; reaching below the shoulders; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. FREQUENT walking and twisting at the waist; lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 10 pounds. OCCASIONAL standing, running, climbing, balancing, and squatting; walking on uneven ground; bending at the waist; reaching at and above shoulder height; pushing and pulling; power grasping to pick up equipment; lifting and carrying objects weighing 11-100 pounds; may lift and carry objects weighing more than 100 pounds with or without assistance; operate a vehicle to travel to various locations; operate fire suppression and medical response, equipment, apparatus, and tools; verbally communicate to exchange information.
Application Procedure
A City application form and supplemental questionnaire (if applicable) MUST be submitted and received by the closing date. Please apply online at www.yourrialto.com. All other employment inquiries can be directed to The City of Rialto, Human Resources Department. 246 S. Willow, Rialto, CA 92376. Telephone: (909) 820-2540.
Selection Process
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application material that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the positions may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skills, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical, drug screen, and fingerprinting.
Veterans Preference Credit Eligibility
Veterans of the armed forces, who have been discharged or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable (Government Code: 18540.4), shall receive an additional five (5) points to their final examination score for ranking purposes only. This preference will apply only to the first appointment to any regular full-time City appointment. A copy of your valid DD214 must be submitted on or before the final filing date in order to be eligible for Veterans Preference Credit. For more information, please see the City's Veteran's Preference Policy.
E-Verify
The City of Rialto is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees in the United States.
