Assistant Fire Chief
$166,350.23 - $232,913.16 Annually
THE POSITION
Under the direction of the Deputy Fire Chief, directs activities and manages a bureau which may consist of one or more divisions, battalions and units, or a combination of those. The successful candidate will possess a strong management background demonstrating the ability to be agile in a very fluid environment with multiple priorities which can change quickly and require immediate attention. Some knowledge of large-scale incident management. The ability to establish positive working relationships with elected officials, local municipalities, the County Executive Office, and the civilian workforce. Analyze and prioritize operational, managerial, and program decisions; make difficult choices and recommendations; be able to communicate and support those recommendations clearly and succinctly.
The IDEAL CANDIDATE will exhibit the following:
- Experience leading and managing bureaus consisting of one or more divisions.
- Comprehensive knowledge of practices and principles of organization, public administration, and budget processes.
- Experience with large scale incident management.
- Experience analyzing and prioritizing operational, managerial and program decisions.
- Impressive interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with a wide variety of professionals and agencies, including the skill to make effective presentations to the Board of Supervisors and other stakeholders.
- Exemplary leadership skills required to develop, coach, empower, motivate and manage staff.
- A strong and enduring commitment to continuous improvement through playing a vital role in both the community and the workplace.
- Ability to lead by example and exhibit solid supervisory and administrative skills.
Examples Of Duties
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
- Advises and assists the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief in the formulation and administration of overall policy, procedure and regulations.
- Manages fires and emergencies as deemed necessary, or as assigned by the Fire Chief or Deputy Fire Chief; directs personnel and fire fighting equipment for most effective fire fighting until relieved by the Fire Chief or Deputy Chief.
- Supervises Division Chiefs, Battalion Chiefs, or civilian manager classifications in their management of a group of stations forming a battalion, or in their management of various multiple support units.
- Maintains a high level of morale, motivation and discipline among subordinates and enforces all rules, regulations and special orders.
- Serves as a community liaison officer answering requests for information, serving as public, speaker or in other capacities to the general public in matters relating to the fire service.
- Assesses and analyzes the condition of the workforce, apparatus and equipment in relationship to Emergency readiness and response. Manages assignments and shift of personnel accordingly within departmental policy.
- Prepares and manages multiple budgets, ensuring assigned staff maintain budgets and comply with Department and County rules and regulations.
- Makes formal presentations to the Board of Supervisors, advisory boards and commissions and the general public, as necessary.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Thorough knowledge of: fire fighting tactics and strategy; the ordinances, policies, rules and regulations governing the operation of the department.
Ability to: coordinate, plan, direct and manage two or more battalions or bureaus. Organize and direct all kinds of emergency activities including structural and watershed fires, petroleum fires and rescue operations.
Five (5) years of full-time experience in fire fighting, including at least one (1) year as a Fire Battalion Chief.
Supplemental training in fire sciences, public administration, a bachelor degree in a related field and experience in fire prevention, training and administrative assignments are highly desirable.
Possession of, and the ability to maintain, a valid California Driver License is required.
Recruitment Process
To apply for this career opportunity, you may do one of the following:
- Email your current resume and cover letter to Denise.Carrizosa@ventura.org or apply at ventura.org/jobs