Deputy Fire Chief

City of Hattiesburg Fire Department – Deputy Chief Purpose of Position The primary responsibility of the Deputy Fire Chief is to assist the Fire Chief with coordination and supervision of many the daily operations of the Hattiesburg Fire Department. Major Duties and Responsibilities Assist in managing Fire Department services and activities: Help manage the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area. Aide in Establishing, within city policy, appropriate service and staffing levels. Allocate resources accordingly. Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures. Assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships. Identify opportunities for improvement. Assist with implementation of changes. Make recommendations and to collaborate with the Fire Chief to improve the overall operation of the department. Help develop and manage the Fire Department budget: Assist in forecasting funds needed for staffing and equipment. Monitor expenditures. Help with the preparation and implementation of budgetary adjustments as necessary. Hold and attend meetings: Assist with disciplinary procedures, hearings, and appeals. Attend bi-weekly directors meetings city council meetings, work sessions, and monthly civil service meetings in the Fire Chief’s absence. Represent the department at civic functions as needed. Sit on emergency management council in the Chief’s absence. Facilitate monthly staff meetings. Review daily logs, activity reports, and statistics. Prepare reports regarding departmental activities, programs, and projects. Delegate work to appropriate staff Review work progress with staff regularly Plan for future programs and activities with staff Maintain fire station and equipment: Oversee the development of specifications toward equipment, uniforms, etc. Assure that all ladder, pump, hose, and hydrant tests are conducted annually. Track all equipment, building, grounds, and apparatus maintenance. Monitor house inspections and pre-fire plans. Ensure fire stations and equipment are clean and maintained; Check hydrants. Oversee, review, and approve all purchase acquisitions: Assist with personnel orders, leave requests, payroll, and other administrative functions. Delegate administrative functions as appropriate Coordinate / assist with establishing requirements for Fire Department facilities. Monitor / aide with facilities construction Review records about activities and programs Supervise other facts of departmental operations: Supervise and oversee fire prevention and training divisions. Oversee all testing procedures from entry level and promotions. Assure policies and procedures are adhered to. Supervise and oversee multiple divisions. Work with the public: Process complaints from public and from personnel Do public relations work Promote fire safety. Perform other duties as needed: Job Context The Deputy Chief is a full-time, permanent position in the Fire Department. The immediate supervisor for this position is Fire Chief. This person assists with supervising one hundred thirty-eight full-time employees. The Deputy Chief completes performance appraisals and assists with disciplinary decisions for the full-time employees. The Deputy Chief works regular hours most of the time, with some flexibility required. This position works nights whenever necessary and frequently works more than the regularly scheduled hours. The person in this position does not do shift work and is always on call. 90% of the work is indoors while the remaining 10% of the work is outdoors. The position has accountability for budgetary, fiscal, safety, and legal issues related to the work for which this position is responsible. There is exposure to chemicals and/or hazardous materials only in emergency situations. A person in this position must hold a driver’s license, must have graduated from Mississippi Fire Academy (1001-1002 state certified), 1041 and 1021 certified, have a high school diploma or a GED. A bachelor’s degree in health, fire service, or equivalent experience is preferred. The stress level for the Deputy Chief is very high during emergency situations, but in normal situations is usually only moderately high. To qualify for this job you must currently work for the Hattiesburg Fire Department. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge: Modern and complex principles and practices of program development and administration. Fire safety and behavior Proper utilization and maintenance requirements of fire apparatus, equipment, tools, devices, and facilities. Fire suppression Technical and administrative aspects of fire suppression and prevention and emergency medical services. Medical (CPR training) Rescue techniques Operational and maintenance procedures and uses of modern firefighting apparatus and equipment. Office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers, and related software. Geography of the city and the surrounding area Firefighting and medical theory Principles and practices of fire suppression and rescue Procedures and practices of fire inspection and code enforcement Procedures and practices of resource management programs Procedures and practices of fire safety education and water supply Rules, regulations, and operational procedures of the Fire Department Emergency communication system procedures and operations Fire Department timekeeping policies, techniques, and procedures Hazardous materials and public protection procedures Street locations Local, state, and Federal Ordinances/laws Fire truck operations Tools and equipment OSHA standards and regulations concerning employee safety. Federal and state statutes concerning employee safety. Mathematical skills, including addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication. General functions and operations of municipal government Skills and Abilities: Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties. Effectively deal with personal danger Make sound decisions under pressure. Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the department. Operate all equipment on the fire truck. Capable of emergency response Disaster management Drive and operate all fire department vehicles. Work as a team member with other employees Recommend and implement goals and objectives and practices for providing effective and efficient fire and life safety services. Prepare and administer budgets and prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports. Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals. Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques. Make decisions within specified time restraints. Communicate effectively with residents, elected officials, other City employees, etc., both oral and written Maintain confidentiality. Work autonomously when needed. Manage multiple tasks simultaneously with frequent interruptions. Deal with others in a professional manner. Maintain professional composure in heated situations. Follow departmental and City policies and procedures.