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SUMMARY
Manages the activities of the emergency operations division. Provides direction and support to fire operations Battalion Chiefs responsible for shift management.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Responsible to plan, organize, direct, and supervise operational activities of the Fire Department, including but not limited to Personnel, Facilities, Fleet, Dispatch, and Training.
- Provides direct supervision and leadership to Battalion Chiefs, Training Chief, and sets the standard for all sworn personnel.
- Works directly with Bedford Dispatch Center to ensure fire response is timely, accurate, and efficient.
- Responsible for management of fleet and facilities including maintenance, procurement, and budget management.
- Performs administrative duties including evaluation of personnel and completion of response and fire department reports and records.
- May assume command at multiple alarm fires as required.
- Prepares fire department reports and maintains records.
- Assists the Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) in Office of Emergency Management (OEM) functions.
- Assists Fire Chief and Office Manager in developing and implementing budgets.
- Surveys buildings, grounds, and apparatus to estimate needs of department and prepare departmental budget.
- May assist with pre-fire planning fire safety inspections and cause and origin.
- Maintains a level of physical fitness consistent with job duties and in compliance with department policies.
- May assume the duties of Fire Chief when directed to do so in the Fire Chiefs absence.
- May perform other assignments and handle special projects as required.
- Regular and timely attendance is required, as well as the ability to get along with others in a professional and cordial manner. Maintain effective working relationships with representatives of other City departments, county, state, and federal agencies involved with the fire service, the general public, community groups, and organizations.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Directly supervises shift Battalion Chiefs and the Training Chief. Carries out management responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, conducting internal investigations and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
QUALIFICATIONS - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 12 years of full-time experience with a paid professional fire department. Minimum of five (5) years of experience at the Officer level (Lieutenant/Captain/Battalion Chief).
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Currently hold same requisite certifications for the position of Battalion Chief.
EMT or Paramedic
Master Structure Fire Suppression
Possession of Class C Driver’s License
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in fire science, public or business administration, or a closely related field.
- Sixty (60) semester units, or quarter unit equivalent, of coursework from an accredited college or university in fire science, public or business administration, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of 2 years as a Battalion Chief in similar sized department
- Texas Fire Chiefs Academy graduation
- Texas Fire Chiefs Battalion Chiefs Academy graduation
- Completion of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program
- Strong team building and operational field experience
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of: Modern emergency management principles and procedures. Principles and practices of fire administration and organizational structure. Technical and operating principles, practices, and problems in fire suppression, fire prevention, and emergency medical system delivery. Applicable safety rules, practices, and procedures affecting Fire Department operations. Principles and practices of management and supervision. Effective training techniques. Effective supervisory techniques. Effective customer service techniques.
Ability to: Perform research, analyze data, and make recommendations. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Supervise, manage, and command during major firefighting, medical, and hazardous materials emergencies. Prepare and present clear and concise oral and written reports and recommendations. To learn rules, regulations, and operational procedures to include State laws, municipal codes, and ordinances. Use independent judgment and make sound decisions consistent with the Fire Department’s mission, policies, rules, and procedures. Interpret and apply policies and regulations. Learn and use Fire Department telecommunication databases and other applications in an appropriate manner. Direct, supervise, train, evaluate, mentor, and motivate staff. Provide effective customer service. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees and the public.
Skill in: Leadership, management, and supervision techniques. Using a personal computer and various applicable software applications. Effective written and verbal communication. Public speaking and presentation. Preparing and maintaining various departmental reports, records, and budget.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
SPECIALIZED KSA’s
Must have working knowledge of the concepts of fire and rescue practices, hazardous materials, the City Emergency Management Plan and fire prevention as well as the policies and procedures of the Fire department. Must have an extensive knowledge of the incident management system. Must have a working knowledge of the use and application of computer software relevant to this position. Must have a working knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. Must be physically able to complete operational tasks.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Works in emergency conditions that may involve extreme danger and exertion under
hazardous conditions to include but not limited to flames, smoke, hazardous materials,
cramped conditions, charged or oxygen deficient atmospheres, downed power lines, victims with severe injuries/death and inclement weather. Must be able to wear all assigned bunker gear and safety equipment and perform related emergency scene duties effectively and efficiently. Be able to frequently lift and carry heavy weights, climb, walk, run, drive vehicles, crawl, stoop, push, pull, jump, grasp hoses, grasp and manipulate small objects, work on unsteady footing and use other emergency and firefighting equipment as required. Possess the ability to use basic swimming techniques for water rescues. Possess good vision and hearing and be able to distinguish colors and odors
WORK ENVIRONMENT - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, outside weather conditions, and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold; extreme heat; risk of electrical shock; explosives; and risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.