Under the direction of the City Manager, the Fire Chief plans, organizes, controls and directs the establishment, development, and ongoing operations of the Avenal Fire Department. This position is responsible for building and maintaining a comprehensive fire protection program, including fire suppression, fire prevention, hazardous materials mitigation, fire and safety code compliance, and emergency medical services to protect lives, property and the environment from human and natural disasters. The Fire Chief will recruit, train, and supervise professional firefighters while establishing departmental policies, procedures, and operational standards. This position supervises and evaluates the performance of assigned personnel, ensures department compliance with and enforcement of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, and codes, and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is a single, department head position responsible for establishing and maintaining Avenal's fire department with professional firefighting personnel. The Fire Chief's duties are administrative/managerial in nature with significant emphasis on program development, personnel management, and community outreach. The incumbent has extensive contact with public officials, State/Federal/local agencies, other fire departments, labor organizations, and the general public. The incumbent exercises a high level of independent authority and serves as the primary architect of the City's fire protection services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Department Establishment and Development:

Lead the comprehensive establishment of the Avenal Fire Department from initial planning through full operational capacity
Develop foundational policies, procedures, standard operating procedures, and organizational structure for a professional fire department
Create recruitment and retention strategies for professional firefighters and support staff
Establish mutual aid agreements with neighboring fire departments and emergency services agencies

Strategic Planning and Administration:

Work closely with the City Manager in setting and carrying out the City's vision, mission, and objectives for fire protection services
Develop long-range strategic planning for fire department growth and service delivery
Plan, organize, control and direct all activities, personnel, resources and operations of the fire department
Create and implement comprehensive training programs for professional firefighters

Personnel Management:

Recruit, interview, and select professional firefighters and support staff
Supervise and evaluate the performance of Assistant Fire Chief, Battalion Chiefs, Captains, Engineers, and all other firefigting personnel
Develop and implement employee recognition and retention programs
Establish clear roles and responsibilities for all department personnel
Manage collective bargaining agreements and labor relations

Budget and Financial Management:

Develop and prepare the annual budget for the Fire Department, including personnel costs, equipment, facilities, and operational expenses
Research and apply for grants available to fire departments
Analyze and review budgetary and financial data; control and authorize expenditures
Plan for future staffing, equipment and facility needs as the department grows

Emergency Management:

Serve on the City's Emergency Operations Team or delegate to designee
Coordinate with county, state and federal authorities during disasters
Plan and execute city-wide disaster preparedness training and community education
Ensure management and delivery of services for cooling and warming centers as required

Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement:

Organize and direct fire prevention inspections of commercial and residential buildings
Investigate complaints from citizens regarding fire hazards
Ensure proper enforcement of fire prevention codes and ordinances
Review community development plans to ensure compliance with fire prevention codes

Community Engagement:

Facilitate fire prevention through community educational activities and demonstrations
Attend civic events and represent the Fire Department in the community
Build strong relationships with community organizations and civic groups
Prepare and deliver presentations to civic groups regarding departmental functions

Operations and Training:

Plan, organize and direct training activities in fire suppression, emergency medical aid, hazardous materials, and equipment operation
Respond to major emergency incidents as required and assume or delegate command
Direct appropriate actions to protect life and property during emergencies
Oversee the maintenance and repair of Fire Department equipment, apparatus and facilities
Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety standards

Reporting and Communication:

Prepare and maintain narrative and statistical reports related to personnel, incidents and operations
Submit monthly reports to the City Manager/City Council regarding Department activities
Communicate with other departments, agencies and community members to coordinate services

Additional Responsibilities:

Oversight of education and outreach Fire Department services
Drive department vehicle to conduct work and respond to emergencies as needed
Perform related duties as assigned

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Planning, organization and direction of fire department activities, personnel, resources and operations
Professional fire department management principles and best practices
Principles of municipal fire department administration
Fire prevention, fire suppression and emergency medical services principles and practices
Fire prevention and emergency rescue laws, ordinances and codes
Budget preparation and control
Professional firefighter recruitment, training, and retention strategies
Grant writing and fundraising for fire departments
Labor relations and collective bargaining principles
Oral and written communication skills
Principles and practices of administration, supervision and training
CPR and emergency medical practices and procedures
Fire science, hydraulics and water flow capacity principles
Building construction, hazards, and emergency rescue considerations
Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures
Public relations practices and techniques
Computer operation and software applications
Record keeping and report writing techniques

ABILITY TO:

Establish and develop a professional fire department from inception to full operation
Plan, organize, control and direct fire department activities and professional personnel
Recruit, train, and retain professional firefighters effectively
Supervise and evaluate performance of assigned personnel
Interpret, apply, explain and enforce rules, regulations, policies and procedures
Develop and implement comprehensive training programs for professional staff
Organize and direct fire prevention inspections and code enforcement
Prepare and manage departmental budgets and seek grant funding
Participate in fire suppression and emergency activities as needed
Perform emergency medical procedures as necessary
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff and community
Manage labor relations and collective bargaining processes
Analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action
Meet schedules and deadlines while managing multiple priorities
Prepare comprehensive reports, correspondence and documentation
Build strong community partnerships and support for the fire department

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to: Bachelor's degree in fire science, public administration, emergency management or related field is preferred. At least seven years of increasingly responsible supervisory, management and/or command experience in a professional fire department is highly desirable.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid California Class "C" driver's license with acceptable driving record
Completion of California Fire Service Training and Education System (CFSTES)
Able to obtain Chief Fire Officer certification and/or National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer (EFO) program certification within 2 years
California State Fire Marshal Certified Chief Officer desirable
Current CPR and First Aid certification required

WORKING CONDITIONS:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Sitting, standing and walking for extended periods
Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations
Vision to read materials and computer screens
Manual dexterity for emergency operations and equipment use
Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling objects during emergency operations
Walking and running over various surfaces during emergency response
Bending, stooping, crawling, kneeling or crouching during operations
Reaching in all directions
Physical agility and stamina for emergency operations
Climbing ladders and working at heights

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Indoor and outdoor work environment with varying noise levels
Evening, weekend, and emergency call-out availability required
Driving city vehicles to conduct work
Interaction with community members, staff, and officials
Exposure to environmental conditions including smoke, heat, weather, traffic hazards, communicable diseases, electrical currents, and hazardous materials
Working at heights and in confined spaces
Exposure to extreme weather conditions and various emergency hazards

ALL FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A VALID CONTACT TELEPHONE.

EMPLOYEES SHALL WORK HARMONIOUSLY WITH ALL CITY EMPLOYEES.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER.

Apply here: https://www.cityofavenal.gov/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=101&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=Fire-Chief-65

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Fire Chief

Fire Chief