Rolla Rural Fire Protection District
JOB DESCRIPTION, October 2016
JOB TITLE: FIRE CHIEF SALARY GRADE LEVEL: 15
FLSA: FULL-TIME, EXEMPT
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Under limited supervision, directs and coordinates all activities of the Rolla Rural Fire Protection District. This highly responsible and complex management position involves technical work in the direction of all employees and activities of the firefighting, codes and inspection, and training divisions. Work involves responsibility for the administration and the coordination of the fire department activities through the supervision of subordinate’s officers and through review of their activities. The employee of this class makes administrative and operational decisions pertaining to firefighting, fire prevention standards, training and enforcement of personnel to laws, regulations, and established policies affecting the department. Oversees long-range departmental and budgetary planning. Reports to the Fire Board of Directors.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Supervises, directs and evaluates all Fire Department personnel, handling employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining and completing employee performance evaluations.
Evaluates fire prevention and fire control policies by keeping abreast of new methods regarding same, and conducting studies of the efficacy of departmental operations.
Assumes personal command at fire and/or emergency scenes.
Oversees firefighters engaged in operation and maintenance of fire stations and equipment.
Coordinates mutual fire protection plans with surrounding municipalities.
Prepares and submits monthly reports to the Fire Board of Directors regarding the Department’s activities and prepares a variety of other reports as appropriate including the annual report of activities.
Surveys buildings, grounds, and equipment to estimate needs of the department and to prepare annual departmental budget relating to personnel needs, fire station planning and location, equipment needs, etc.
Prepares and presents annual budgetary evaluations and related analysis to appropriate individuals.
Confers with officials and community groups and conducts public relations campaigns to present need for changes in laws and policies and to encourage fire prevention.
Oversees the purchase of major firefighting equipment and specifications of same.
Provides input regarding design specifications for new fire station construction and capital improvement projects; oversees construction management and evaluates and submits constructions bids as required.
Performs numerous public relations duties for the department, interfacing on a regular basis with neighboring community fire departments, District Fire Boards, homeowners, business groups and various other organizations.
Researches, evaluates, and institutes new laws and governmental mandates which affect the Fire Department (OSHA, NFPA, EPA, EFD, Code Requirements).
Effects organizational planning for the department, which involves designing, evaluating, implementing, and amending policies and procedures as necessary through ongoing program analysis.
Designs, instructs, and attends ongoing professional and physical training courses, conferences and meetings; maintains awareness of changes in federal, state, and local fire service trends, ordinances and laws and dispenses pertinent information to subordinates; represents Rolla Rural Fire Department in a variety of local, county, state, and other meetings.
ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Performs other related duties as required.
MINIMUM TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
High School diploma (or GED Equivalent) required; and
Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science or Public Administration or a closely related course emphasis is strongly preferred.
required to have been employed with a fire department for a period of not less than seven continuous years of progressive responsibilities; or
any equivalent combination of education, specialized training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
Prior to Promotion, Applicant Must Agree to the Following:
Must be at least 21 years of age, and possess a valid Missouri Driver’s License without record of suspension or revocation in any state.Never have been convicted of a felony, or a misdemeanor involving theft or giving false information, and live within five miles of the Rolla Rural Fire Protection District within 6 months of selection, and be in good physical condition as determined by medical examination, and meet minimum physical fitness requirements of the Fire Firefighter Professional Code as published by the National Fire Protection Association, and possess thorough knowledge of District geography and related laws, ordinance, rules, and relations.
(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OF STANDARDS REQUIRED
TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of firefighting equipment, such as a hacksaw, crescent wrench, chock blocks, hydrant wrench, foam nozzle, salvage cover, straight tip and licensed to operate a motor vehicle in the State of Missouri. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. Must be able to exert up to one hundred pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to fifty pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for physically active work. Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of 125 pounds at least one hundred feet.
DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, technical, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of date, people, or things.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange technical and administrative information related to firefighting. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to staff.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires ability to read a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures related to firefighting. Requires the ability to write reports and essays with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques related to firefighting; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to the position of Fire Chief.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information to superior officers and elected officials; to explain procedures and policies; and to follow verbal and written instructions, guidelines and objectives.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; determine percentages; determine time and weight; and utilize statistical inference.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape visually with office equipment and firefighting equipment.
MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using automated office equipment and firefighting equipment.
MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, firefighting and office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have above average levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
VISUAL COLOR DISCRIMINATION: Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people (i.e. staff, management, general public and elected officials) beyond giving and receiving instructions such as interpreting departmental policies and procedures. Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress when confronted with emergency situations, such as motor vehicle accidents, fires, etc.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words.) (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear.)
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Knowledge of Job: Has extensive knowledge of the policies, procedures, and methods of the Department and firefighting practices as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Fire Chief. Has extensive knowledge of modern fire suppression and emergency medical principles, practices, and equipment. Has extensive knowledge of the geography of the District and is able to deliver complex oral and written instructions to subordinates. Is able to maintain good physical conditioning in order to perform strength and agility tasks. Is able to develop and administer operations and staff plans and objectives for the expedience and effectiveness of specific duties of the department. Is able to develop and implement long-term goals for the department as necessary in the promotion of effectiveness and efficiency. Knows how to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, computer operations, equipment needs and policies, etc. as they pertain to departmental operations and activities. Has the ability to perform duties necessary to promote the safety and welfare of the general public. Is able to react quickly and calmly in dangerous and emergency situations. Is able to use independent judgement and discretion as necessary in the performance of routine and non-routine activities. Has the ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information. Is able to use independent judgment in a wide array of circumstances from routine tasks to extremely critical situations. Has the ability to work in stressful, high-risk conditions.
Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts with all departments and divisions, co-workers and the general public.
Quantity of Work: Performs described "Essential Functions" and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets standards and expectations of the organization.
Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and for meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Remains accountable to assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.
Attendance: Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to polices and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to the fire board with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.
Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion or work with minimum of supervision and instruction.
Judgment: Exercises analytical judgement in area of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.
Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with District/department policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between Volunteer staff persons and Paid staff persons.
Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with Fire Board and staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all department employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the public so as to maintain good will toward the department and to project a good department image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the department. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the department. Interacts effectively with the, staff, elected officials, and the general public.
Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements or work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.
Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the department and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.
Planning: Plans, directs and uses information effectively in order to enhance activities and production of the department. Knows and understands the expectations of the Rolla Rural Fire Protection Board regarding the activities of the department and works to see that these expectations are met. Designs and formulates ways, means, and timing to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and the Board. Within constraints of Board policy, formulates appropriate strategy and tactics for achieving departmental and Board objectives. Effectively and efficiently organizes, arranges and allocates manpower, financial and other designated resources to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and the Board.
Organizing: Organizes work and that of subordinate staff well. Ensures that staff members know what results are expected of them and that they are regularly and appropriately informed of all department matters affecting them and/or of concern to them.
Staffing: Works with the department staff, and upper management where appropriate, to select and recommend employment of personnel for the department who are qualified both technically and philosophically to meet the needs of the department. Personally directs the development and training of department personnel ensuring that they are properly inducted, oriented and trained.
Leading: Provides a work environment which encourages clear and open communications. Have a clear and comprehensive understanding of the principles of effective leadership and how such principles are to be applied. Provides adequate feedback to staff so they know whether their performance levels are satisfactory. Commends and rewards employees for outstanding performance yet does not hesitate to take disciplinary action when necessary. Exercises enthusiasm in influencing and guiding others toward the achievement of the Fire Districts goals and objectives.
Controlling: Provides a work environment which is orderly and controlled. Coordinates, audits, and controls manpower and financial resources efficiently and effectively. Coordinates, audits, and controls the utilization of materials and equipment efficiently and effectively. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of Districts standards, methods, and procedures.
Delegating: Assigns duties to staff as necessary and/or appropriate to meet department goals, enhance staff abilities, build confidence on the job and assists staff members in personal growth. Has confidence in staff to meet new or additional expectations.
Decision Making: Uses discretion and judgment in developing and implementing courses of action affecting the department. When a particular policy, procedure or strategy does not foster the desired result, moves decisively and explicitly to develop and implement alternatives.
Creativity: Regularly seeks new improved methodologies, policies and procedures for enhancing the effectiveness of department. Employs imagination and creativity in the application of duties an responsibilities. Is not adverse to change.
Human Relations: Strives to develop and maintain good rapport with all staff members. Listens to and considers their suggestions and complaints and responds appropriately. Maintains the respect and loyalty of staff.
Policy Implementation: Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of Board policies regarding the department and District function. Adheres to those policies in the discharge of duties and responsibilities and ensures the same from subordinate staff.
Policy Formulation: Keeps abreast of changes in operating philosophies and policies of the Fire Board and continually reviews department policies to ensure that any changes in Fire Board philosophy or practice are appropriately incorporated. Also understands the relationship between the operating policies and practices and department morale and performance. Works to see that established policies enhance the same.
CURRENT JOB OPENINGS: FULL TIME FIRE CHIEF (SEE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION BELOW)
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