Fire Chief

JOB This is an open recruitment. Qualified candidates from the public and qualified career City employees are encouraged to apply.The eligibility list that is developed from this recruitment process may be used to fill future vacancies in the Fire Chief classification or in similar classifications.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until the position has been filled. This recruitment may close at any time without notice. The first review of applications will take place on July 1, 2026.

DEFINITION
Under the administrative direction of the City Council plans, manages, oversees and directs the operations and services of the Fire Department which may include training/hazmat disaster preparation, emergency/ EMS/ tactical communications, records, support services and fire safety technical services functions; coordinates department activities with other City officials or outside agencies; provides responsible and complex staff support to the City Council.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Exercises direct supervision over Professional, Technical, Clerical, Reserve, Intern and Explorer staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Fire Chief is the executive management level class within the fire safety class series and has responsibility for managing and overseeing all organizational and operational facets of the fire protective services. This classification is distinguished from the next lower classification of Duty or Deputy Chief and Division Chief in that it has management responsibility for the entire Fire Department, rather than a fire division that it has management responsibility for the entire Fire
Department, rather than a fire division. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

• Accept full responsibility for all Fire Department activities and services including activities associated with training/hazmat disaster preparation, EMS communications, records, support services and fire safety technical services functions.
• Evaluate the Fire Department's projected evolution and identify upcoming needs of apparatus and equipment; actively work toward procuring the required funding, including pursuing grant monies.
• Develop, implement and maintain Fire Department goals, objectives, policies and priorities for appropriate service areas; ensure that established goals and priorities are achieved.
• Plan, direct and coordinate the Fire Department' s work plan through appropriate department staff; assign work activities and responsibilities to appropriate department personnel; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; identify and resolve problems and/or issues.
• Review and evaluate service delivery methods and systems including administrative and support systems and internal relationships; identify opportunities for improvement and implement changes to standard operating procedures to enhance services.
• Oversee the selection, training and evaluation programs for all Fire personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; identify and resolve staff deficiencies; execute discipline and/ or termination procedures.
• Respond to major fire alarms and personally direct fire suppression activities as necessary.
• Know through experience when to respond to other types of calls to conduct Incident Command.
• Oversee the testing of equipment; and inspect personnel, equipment and living quarters.
• Direct hazardous and toxic materials control activities.
• Present, justify and defend Fire programs, operations and activities; negotiate and resolve controversial department issues; recommend new ordinances, laws and regulations related to fire protection; and make recommendations concerning personnel, apparatus and equipment.
• Manage and coordinate the development of the Fire Department' s budget; monitor and approve expenditures; advise appropriate department personnel on budget matters; make adjustments to the budget as is necessary.
• Represent the Fire Department to other departments, divisions and organizations; coordinate departmental activities with other departments and organizations.
• Serve as a resource for department personnel, city staff and other organizations; coordinate pertinent information, resources and work teams necessary to support a positive productive environment.
• Attend and participate in professional and community meetings as necessary; stay current on issues relative to the field of fire protective services and relative service delivery responsibilities; respond to and resolve sensitive and complex community and organizational inquiries and complaints.
• Perform other related duties as required.