Deputy Fire Chief

Job Characteristics

The City of Eustis is seeking a trustworthy, responsible individual who under direction, performs highly responsible administrative and supervisory work involving the planning, coordination, and direction of work in the Fire Dept. Employee is responsible for assisting the Fire Chief in support of the overall administrative functions of the department and the day-to-day operational aspects, including the management of all sworn personnel; daily oversight of fire activities; planning, development, and implementation of policies and procedures; budget preparation; and other administrative and operational aspects.

Employee works in accordance with directives received from the Chief; however, is expected to exercise considerable independence and initiative in performance of duties. This employee’s recommendations on subordinate personnel decisions, including hiring and firing, carry weight in the decision-making process.

Examples of Machines, Tools and Equipment – Fire equipment and apparatus; emergency fire vehicles; communications equipment; general office and computer equipment

Supervision Received – Fire Chief

Essential Job Functions

• Participates in the development, implementation and maintenance of departmental goals and objectives, priorities, policies, procedures and work plans; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures for improving organizational performance, enhancing services and meeting goals; identifies and resolves problems and/or issues; ensures that goals are achieved;
• Participates in the preparation, management and coordination of the departmental budget; prepares forecasts of necessary funds for staffing, materials and supplies; presents and justifies programs, operations and activities; monitors and approves expenditures;
• Participates in the selection and recommendation of personnel; identifies and resolves staff deficiencies; supervises and reviews the work of subordinate personnel; provides counseling when required; enforces departmental rules & makes recommendations on disciplinary matters;
• Manages the daily operational aspects of the department including technical fire activities, departmental record keeping, budgetary control, personnel management, equipment safety and readiness, inventory, maintenance and repair, etc.;
• Attends or conducts staff and division meetings to exchange information; attends, and schedules others to attend, in-service training and technical or professional classes, seminars, or conferences to improve technical or professional skills;
• Assumes duties of Fire Chief in the Chief’s absence;
• Performs public relations functions between the City and various civic agencies and other fire departments;
• Performs research and conducts surveys;
• Responds to fire & emergency calls & takes charge/participates in suppression, rescue, first aid and emergency operations;
• Commands operations sector at all major multi-company emergency scenes or hazardous material incidents;
• Answers complaints and assists the general public;
• May supervise and perform fire inspection of buildings and premises as required;
• Composes detailed written and oral reports;
• Attends training sessions and seminars;
• In accordance with the City’s Emergency Management Plan, supports the Fire Chief in the planning and direction of all departmental activities in preparation for a major emergency, such as a hurricane or other storm or disaster, and in planning and managing aftermath activities of such disaster, including inspection, clean up, disaster relief, etc.;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills –
Thorough knowledge of current and modern principles, procedures, and techniques of fire administration, suppression, prevention, and inspection; knowledge of first aid principles and procedures; knowledge of city and departmental rules and regulations, fire prevention laws and ordinances, geography of the city, the operation and maintenance of various types of firefighting apparatus, fire service instructional techniques, and incident command procedures.

Ability to plan and direct work of others; ability to observe situations analytically and objectively, and record them clearly and completely; ability to interpret and enforce departmental rules and regulations; ability to make decisions in accordance with departmental policies; ability to organize and compose detailed written and oral reports; ability to maintain confidentiality; ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations; ability to meet and work with the general public and other employees; ability to drive & operate department equipment; physical ability to work long hours, under arduous conditions, and perform fire suppression work; ability to work on-call, as required, including nights, weekends and holidays.

Skill in the operation and maintenance of fire equipment and apparatus; skill in fire suppression strategy, tactics, fire service training, and incident command procedures.

Minimum Qualifications – Associate's Degree from an accredited college in Fire Science or related field; successful completion of Fire Officer One Certification; completion of all Lieutenant requirements; certified Fire Instructor and certified Fire Inspector supplemented by eight (8) years progressively responsible fire service experience, to include a minimum of two years as a Fire Lieutenant. Valid Florida Driver's License with endorsements for emergency equipment.

Working Hours:

Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands – Continuous light work and occasional heavy work. Requires walking and standing; running, jumping/leaping, climbing, stooping, reaching, bending; lifting 50+ pounds; carrying/pushing/pulling 50+ pounds; good finger/hand dexterity & hand/eye coordination; good eyesight, hearing & speech; driving and operation of assigned equipment. Must be physically able to work in adverse weather conditions for long periods and hazardous conditions related to firefighting. Must be able to work in protective clothing and equipment up to 60 pounds.

Salary Information:

($96,534.97 - $155,312.36 per year); EXCELLENT benefits (Note: See Benefits Tab for more information). Applicants should expect a starting salary of $96,534.97 per year. Only applicants with the most job-related qualifications will be selected for interview and further consideration. Additional consideration may be given to applicants with more extensive education, training, or experience. Following a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history and driver’s license check, the candidate will be given a conditional offer of employment. The final candidate will be required to pass a drug test and medical exam.