Fire Chief

Thank you for considering employment with the City and Borough of Sitka. The following information is provided to give potential applicants awareness regarding the job.

If a range of pay is advertised, starting pay dependent on experience and qualifications aligned with job requirements.

## Primary Purpose of Job and Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Primary Purpose of Job

The primary purpose of this position is to supervise and manage all staff and operations of the Fire Department to provide all municipal fire and emergency services operations and preparedness for fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical, natural disasters, air emergencies, search and rescue, and emergency management programs.

Under the supervision of the Assistant Municipal Administrator, the Fire Chief exercises independent judgment and discretion in the leadership and management of the Fire Departments staff, operations, and compliance. The Fire Chief directly supervises two or more employees and is responsible for the supervision of all department staff if delegated to other managers or supervisors.

The Fire Chief is a management employee who assists and acts in a confidential capacity to the Assistant Municipal Administrator, Municipal Administrator, Assembly, Municipal Attorney, and other department heads who formulates, determines, or effectuates management policies.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Assigns, prioritizes, supervises, motivates, and evaluates the work of staff directly supervised

Oversees the work and performance by all other department staff supervised by others who report directly to the Fire Chief

Maintains final authority, subject to review by the Municipal Administrator, on all department staff personnel actions and disciplinary decisions

Prepares, recommends, and provides operational justification for the departments annual budget to the Municipal Administrator and Assembly

Approves and monitors the expenditure of funds within the parameters of the budget

Plans, organizes, coordinates, and oversees all emergency services within the Fire Department

Ensures the enforcement of relevant codes and supervises equipment operation, maintenance, and procurement

Coordinates Sitka Fire Department activities with outside agencies, such as State Troopers and the U.S. Coast Guard

Responds to emergency situations, providing necessary leadership, and tactical command

Investigates the causes, origins, and circumstances of fires within the CBS

Organizes departmental training programs and schedules for both volunteer and paid staff

Develops and provides policy direction to department employees to ensure financial, technical or operational, and legal compliance

Advises the Municipal Administrator and the Assembly regarding the status of the departments obligations, ongoing activities, and accomplishments

Performs other duties as assigned

## Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge Of

Fire and emergency medical services operations, including the management of employees and volunteers performing such operations

Current fire suppression and firefighting techniques, including all related equipment.

Fire and emergency medical services recordkeeping requirements and systems

Fire and emergency medical services vehicles and equipment

Safety practices involved in fire suppression, firefighting, and emergency medical services

Fire and life safety inspections

Skills In

Operating a personal computer using standard software, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other customized software for fire and emergency medical services operations

Communicating and dealing with a variety of people with various, and sometimes competing interests, calmly and professionally, and maintaining a positive working relationship

De-escalating potential or actual conflict

Conducting public outreach and engagement

Researching current best policies, procedure , and practices related to fire and emergency medical services to prepare analysis and proposals

Presenting and public speaking, explaining complex and sometimes controversial topics to a wide audience

Analyzing complex problems and developing innovative solutions

Investigating fires and fire-related situations and preparing required reports of such investigations

Decision making as a manager in a diverse operation

Supervising a diverse team of professional, technical, and support staff

Ability To

Recognize and maintain confidential information

Work effectively with elected officials, department heads, representatives of other agencies, employees, and the general public

Communicate well with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language

Work under extremely stressful situations which result from responding to emergency situations, including the responsibility for remaining calm and carrying out all duties with the recognition of the threat to life and property

Make determinations as to the best course of action for fighting fires or responding to other related emergency situations under pressure

Work within a command structure requiring strict adherence to the following of orders

Understand and follow oral and written policies, procedures, and instructions

Prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations

Use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and oral instructions

Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines

Quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge

## Minimum Qualifications and Other Job Requirements/Expectations

Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma or GED; preferably supplemented by a Bachelors Degree in Fire Sciences, Public Administration, or a closely related field;and

Extensive experience in fire department operations, with management and supervisory experience;and

Possession of upon hire ICS 100 and ICS 700 from FEMA;and

Possession of upon hire EMT I license from the State of Alaska, advanced certification preferred,and

Possession of, or the ability to obtain within 12 months of hire,

• Firefighter I and Firefighter II certifications from the International Fire Service Accreditation Council or Proboard;
  
  

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