Job Summary
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The Assistant Chief is responsible for managerial and administrative work in planning, organizing, and directing the programs and services of the Whitewater EMS Discipline. Under the general direction of the Fire & EMS Chief, the Assistant Chief of EMS must exercise considerable judgement and discretion in meeting departmental objectives
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Work Schedule Requirements
This position requires a flexible, non-traditional work schedule, including regularly scheduled evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday hours, based on the operational needs of the Department. The Assistant Chief must be willing and able to adjust their work schedule to ensure appropriate staffing, operational coverage, and continuity of emergency services. Work hours may vary from week to week and may include extended shifts, schedule changes with limited notice, and responding to emergencies outside of regularly scheduled hours.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary.
- Acts as the EMS Service Director, EMS Infection Control Officer and EMS Safety Officer with administrative and operational oversight of EMS discipline.
- Performs Duty officer responsibilities, to include serving as incident command.
- Assists with formulation and enforcement of Department rules, regulations, goals, policies and programs.
- Assists with the management of the activities of personnel, including hiring, training, counseling, firing, promotion, commendation and discipline.
- Coordinates/manages EMS logistics/purchasing and inventory management for supplies.
- Assists Fire & EMS Chief with preparation and presentation of EMS discipline budget, Capital Improvement Plan, and Annual Report.
- Coordinates budgeting & payroll practices with the Fire & EMS Chief.
- Serves as a liaison between the Department and billing company representatives, hospital stakeholders, and other municipal/government stakeholders related to EMS administration/operations.
- Reviews and submits EMS patient care reports to support billing and collection in a timely and accurate manner.
- Perform and supervise various fire suppression duties.
- Supervises submission of weekly Ambulatory run sheets and State of Wisconsin Wards Report entries to ensure accurate billing and monthly EMT payroll based on Ambulatory run sheets submitted by Rescue Squad and Rescue Software hourly reporting.
- Oversees operations at fires and other emergencies and delegate authority to other officers as required by circumstances or as directed by the Fire & EMS Chief.
- Assists with the development of standard operating procedures/guidelines/policies that will govern fire/rescue/EMS operations as well as establish goals for the EMS and for individual EMS personnel.
- Available as a fill-in or secondary resource for fire responses.
- Performs other supervisory, incident management, operational, and fire suppression/prevention duties as assigned.
- Plans, formulates and develops minimum standards of training and technical competence for EMS personnel.
- Reviews reports and records of EMS activities and operations and take appropriate action when required to ensure they are effective.
- Prepares, implements and periodically reviews programs of instruction designed to equip EMS personnel with the skills and knowledge needed to perform the assigned tasks and to progress in responsibility and achievement.
- Maintains membership in professional organizations to stay current with “best practices” in the provision of services to the community.
- Maintains professional and technical competence related to EMS administration, prevention, and public EMS education.
- Organizes, deploys and operates within the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System. Trains department personnel in the use of the NIMS Incident Command System.
- Develops and maintains positive, cooperative and supportive relationships with other fire and EMS departments and agencies at all government levels.
- Responds to requests from city council and township boards as assigned.
- Any other duties and responsibilities required by city ordinances and Wisconsin Statutes.
Additional Duties And Responsibilities
- Serves as a fill-in or secondary resource for 9-1-1 EMS responses.
- Serves as primary backup to any 24 hour or other shifts unfilled due to an excused or unexcused absence, injury, illness, inability to find paid-on-call or other sufficient coverage not otherwise covered by other EMS/Fire personnel. In these instances, the Assistant Chief will be expected to flex regular working hours to accommodate.
- Examines and evaluates patients to determine necessary care.
- Provides patients with emergency care by utilizing appropriate techniques and equipment.
- Documents patient information, condition, and treatment.
- Maintains patient confidentiality and performs all care with respect for patient rights.
- Transports patients in accordance with outlined policies and procedures.
- Maintains a safe, clean, and well-stocked environment for patients.
- Operates and drives ambulances in conjunction with applicable safety policies and laws.
- Provides basic life support and gather patient data.
- Protects citizens during emergencies.
- Executes rescues.
- Assists with vehicle accidents, lift assists and other calls.
- Mitigates chemical spills.
- Maintains a current, valid State of Wisconsin Operators license, and must advise the Chief of any suspension, revocation, or additional restrictions of the license.
- Assists with the training of the department members as qualified and assigned.
- Attends applicable department training and meetings as scheduled.
- Acts as a driver as needed (provided training and State certification for operation of the specific apparatus has been completed).
- Performs fire suppression.
- Performs duties such as; restocking ambulances after emergency calls, washing of vehicles, or other duties as assigned.
- Reports vehicle maintenance needs.
- Maintains compliance with local, state and national training requirements.
- Attends outside educational opportunities as available to develop and maintain the highest current level of expertise.
- Meets department expectations for participation in and/or leadership of department training activities, public education, and other events when on duty.
- Participates in organizational committees.
- Maintains confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
- Attends all joint police and fire commission meetings, as well as periodic attendance at city and/or town board meetings, as requested.
- Assists the department Public Information Officer, with handling media relations and press releases.
- Attends conferences and meetings to keep informed of current EMS trends; represent Department at a variety of local, county, state, and national meetings, with approval of the Fire & EMS Chief.
- Provide Duty Officer coverage on an on-call basis.
- Must reside within 15 miles of the City of Whitewater’s boundaries. Candidates who do not currently meet the residency requirement will be provided with a reasonable period of time following hire to relocate.
- Must be available to respond promptly to emergency incidents outside of regular working hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, in accordance with departmental emergency response expectations.
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
In the absence of or at the direction of the Fire Chief:
- Assume incident command of all Department operations at fires and other emergencies and delegate authority to other officers as required by circumstances.
- Respond to fire calls within normal workday parameter and EMS calls as required.
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/or Experience
- An associate’s degree in Fire Administration or Fire Science, preferred, or equivalent experience.
- A minimum of 10 years of previous firefighting experience, at least five (5) of which were as an officer and/or command capacity role (Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, Lieutenant, or Captain) in a community fire/rescue department comprised of full-time staff and/or paid on-call personnel.
- Maintain State of Wisconsin EMT License-Paramedic or be able to obtain it within 24 months.
- Qualified driver-operator of all apparatus.
- Must possess or be able to obtain by the time of hire, valid State driver’s license without record of suspension or revocation in any state.
- Experience & completion of Wisconsin Fire I, Fire II, Fire Officer I, Driver Operator Pumper and Ariel.
- Obtain and maintain all State and Federal requirements for the officer position.
- Obtain ICS 300, 400 training.
- Complete NIMS 100, 200, 700, 800 training.
- Maintain current CPR certification.
- Ability to obtain Fire Inspector I certification within 2 years.
- Knowledge of inspection practices and NFPA 1.
- Knowledge of emergency medical care procedures and equipment.
- Best practice methods and practices of fire administration.
- Supervision of the operation and maintenance of various types of firefighting apparatus and equipment.
- Knowledge of explosives, hazardous properties and potential hazards of chemicals, liquids and gases as well as the combustion qualities of materials used in the construction of commercial and residential buildings.
- Use of firefighting tools and equipment and an ability to demonstrate their use to others.
- Best practice training methods and the ability to supervise the training and instruction of personnel.
- Knowledge of fire prevention codes and ordinances, fire hazards and the methods and techniques of fire inspection and investigation.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of building construction and maintenance.
- Ability to delegate authority to appropriate staff subordinates as well as monitoring adherence to established fire policies and Departmental procedures.
- Ability to plan, recommend and support changes within the Department, the City and the fire science fields to improve fire protection and public safety.
Language Skills
- Ability to relate to and effectively communicate with a variety of people with differing skills and interests.
- Ability to effectively communicate and promote both verbally and in writing, municipal policies and programs to employees and the public. Well-developed communication skills to gain the trust and cooperation of others when it may be difficult to achieve, and ability to communicate technical concepts and abstract ideas.
- Ability to establish good working relationships with all levels of staff and citizenry, and provide facilitation skills in sensitive, emotional, or hostile situations.
- Ability to gather, analyze, interpret, and present data in clear and concise reports and make recommendations.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with related agency officials, community and civic leaders, City officials, other employees, news media, court officials, business persons, public organization representatives, attorneys, other law enforcement personnel and the general public.
- Skill in all aspects of public speaking.
- Ability to persuade, convince, and/or train others.
- Ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information such as code manuals, City ordinances, directories, State statutes, procedures, guidelines and non-routine correspondence.
- Ability to understand and execute complex oral and written instructions.
- Skill in the preparation and interpretation of complex oral and written communications.
Mathematical Skills
- Ability to calculate percentages, fractions, decimals, volumes, ratios, present values, and spatial relationships.
- Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure, copy, and record data and information.
- Ability to interpret basis descriptive statistical reports.
Reasoning Ability
- Ability to exercise independent judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory and judgmental criteria.
- Ability to work well under pressure and handle stressful situations, to organize work and set priorities, managing time and resources to meet deadlines and changing demands within the entire operation of administrative services, perform duties with a minimum of supervision
- Ability to analyze data and information using established criteria, in order to determine consequences and to identify and select alternatives.
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
- Ability to quickly make assessments of emergency situations, determine appropriate responses and act assertively; cope with situations firmly, courteously, and tactfully.
Equipment Operated
- Skill in the operation of departmental equipment, including but not limited to vehicles, medical equipment, radios, first aid equipment, telephone, and copy machine.
- Working knowledge of basic computer functions to include word processing, data processing and software record-keeping systems.
Other Qualifications
- Compliance with the conditions of employment as stated in the Employee Handbook.
- Take an oath of office.
- Pass a background check prior to hire.
- Pass a medical examination for the occupational group and drug screen prior to hire.
- Ability to work independently using time management skills
- Competency with Microsoft Office, Windows, RMS software, and other web-based software applications
- Ability to manage multiple projects with broad direction
- Excellent customer service skills
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.
- While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to talk or hear. Ability to hear and understand radio transmissions.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus, and the ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.
- Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing skilled movements.
- Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities and differences between characteristics of colors, shapes and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.
- Ability to meet the Department’s physical standards and maintain good health and fitness.
- Requires the ability to lift, bend, climb (stairs, ladders, fence, etc.), walks (on normal, slippery, uneven surfaces), stand or sit for various time frames.
- Must be able to drive and operate responding apparatus and vehicles equipped with lights and siren.
- Must be able to use hands for handling objects, tools, controls and writing.
- Requires strength and stamina to perform fire suppression and patient care duties.
- Must be able to make critical decisions and direct others under extreme conditions
- Physical strengths, endurance and agility to handle the extreme stresses of the position, to rescue persons from burning structures, to risk life in the pursuit of life saving efforts. Must be able to use a respirator and perform duties in confined spaces.
- Must be able to drag, lift and advance charged fire hoses, which can weigh up to 100 pounds or more.
- Must possess sufficient strength and stamina to control pressurized hoses, extend ladders, use tools like axes and battering rams, operate the “jaws of life” and perform other rescue operation in full turnout gear and with safety equipment.
- Ability to transport heavy firefighting tools and personal protective equipment (PPE), often weighing over 50 pounds.
- Perform physically demanding work while wearing positive pressure breathing equipment with one and one-half inch (1.5”) water column resistance to exhalation at a flow of forty (40) liters per minute.
- Ability to lift, carry and ambulate with the agency/organization’s current medical equipment, bags, and supplies in an approved/recommended fashion.
- Ability to operate patient movement equipment (cot/stretcher, stair chair, longboard/backboard, scoop stretcher, etc.) in an acceptable single-person or multiple-person scenario, according to manufacturer recommendations.
- Must be able to remove unconscious or incapacitated individuals from hazardous areas, which may involve lifting, dragging or carrying individuals weighing 150 pounds or more.
- Must be able to safely and efficiently complete physical activity commonly encountered as an EMT, including entering and exiting the ambulance, lifting and carrying equipment and patients over uneven terrain and up and down stairs, and performing continuous chest compressions according to agency standards. A physical agility test may be required.
- Cannot have active/current medical or physical conditions, directed or outlined by a physician that may hinder performance, judgment, or physical abilities while providing an emergency response, direct patient care, or operation of motor vehicles.
- May be subject to functioning and making decisions in high-stress situations involving potentially life-threatening conditions related to patient(s).
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.
- The noise level in the office work environment is moderately quiet; noise level may be loud at times due to working at a fire scene or responding to an EMS call.
- Work is performed indoors and outdoors.
- Work may be performed in high, precarious places, confined and awkward spaces or in high traffic areas.
- May be exposed to traffic, equipment, fire hazards, extreme heat and cold, smoke, carcinogens, biohazards, adverse weather conditions, noise extremes, dusts, odors, toxins, caustic chemicals, pathogenic substances.
- Subject to unusual fatigue, high stress from irregular working hours and incident call activity.
- Faces exposure to infectious agents, such as hepatitis B or HIV.
- May be subject to operate in situations/environments involving biohazard fluids/substances, sick/ill/injured individuals, and/or otherwise hazardous environments requiring additional personal protective equipment (PPE) or body substance isolation (BSI).
- May be subject to functioning in inclement/excessive weather conditions.
- May be subject to deprived sleeping conditions if working/staffing overnight shifts.
- May be subject to working in smaller or cramped spaces, including (but not limited to) inside vehicles, small rooms, ambulances, or other semi-confined spaces.
The City of Whitewater is an Equal Employment Opportunity. In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
SELECTION GUIDELINES
- Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.
- Nothing in this job description reflects management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at anytime. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
- The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Supervision Received and/or Exercised
- Assistant Chief reports to the Fire & EMS Chief.
- Discipline and termination under the Police and Fire Commission.
- Assists and supports personnel in daily operations, while overall oversight and disciplinary authority remains with the Fire & EMS Chief.
We are proud to be recognized as a
Family Friendly Workplace, supporting employees through flexible scheduling, family-focused leave policies, and a workplace culture that values balance, well-being, and time with loved ones.
Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) – WRS participation begins the 1st day of employment. The City and Employees share the required Employee Trust Fund (ETF) contribution.
Wisconsin Public Employers Group Life Insurance Program – Employees are eligible to purchase life insurance in this program on the 1st of the month following their hire date. Spousal/dependent coverage is available.
Income Continuation Insurance (Long Term Disability Insurance) – Employees are eligible for coverage the 1st of the month following their hire date. City will pay full cost of basic coverage at 180 day elimination period. Employee may pay a premium to reduce the elimination period and purchase supplemental coverage if eligible.
Health Insurance – Employees are eligible for coverage the 1st of the month following their hire date. Single or Family coverage available. The plan includes valuable
$0 care options, including unlimited services through a designated Direct Primary Care provider, eligible preventive care, virtual visits, certain specialty and outpatient services through preferred providers, and select medications. Employees also have access to a Nurse Navigator who can help identify lower-cost or no-cost care and prescription options. A wellness incentive is available to further reduce the employee’s premium contribution.
Dental Insurance – Employees are eligible for coverage the 1st of the month following their hire date.
Vision Insurance - Employees are eligible for coverage the 1st of the month following their hire date.
Section 125 Flexible Benefit – Optional Employee benefit. Employees are immediately eligible for the City's FSA (Section 125) Program benefit upon hire. FSA contributions can be made for Medical and/or Dependent care.
Paid Vacation – Employees are eligible for paid vacation. Vacation time is prorated during the first year of employment and is awarded on a calendar-year basis.
Paid Sick Leave - Employees earn sick leave hours each pay period.
Lifestyle Savings Account (LSA) - $500.00 for wellness and other eligible expenses. This amount will be prorated based on your start date for the first year of employment.
Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program (WDC) – The WDC is Wisconsin's supplemental retirement savings program authorized under Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). Employees choosing to participate in the program enroll directly with WDC for payroll deduction.
Questions – If you have additional questions regarding any benefits offered by the City of Whitewater, please contact Human Resources, (262) 473-1387 or hr@whitewater-wi.gov
