Fire Chief

GENERAL FUNCTIONS

Leads and supervises the Fire Department which has the duty and authority to provide fire protection services, emergency medical services and in general, comprehensive emergency management and prevention services for the City of Homer.

JOB FUNCTIONS AND MAJOR ACTIVITIES

1. Supervises and administers the operation of the Fire Department.
2. Supervises all paid and volunteer emergency service personnel including the selection, hire, training, promotion, assignment, performance, discipline and termination of volunteer personnel. Makes recommendations to the City Manager in hiring, promotion and termination of paid personnel.
3. Prepares and executes performance evaluations on paid personnel.
4. Responds to emergency service calls as appropriate and assumes command at major alarms as needed.
5. Plans and supervises the delivery of fire protection, rescue, emergency medical services, prevention programs, and related services.
6. Manages the City's emergency preparedness, response and recovery program as Director of Emergency Management.
7. Prepares and administers the Fire Department's operating and capital budgets.
8. Develops policies and procedures governing the activities of the Fire Department and Emergency Management.
9. Reviews, analyzes, and makes recommendations and proposals concerning planning, ordinances, policies, procedures, and projects as they relate to emergency services, emergency management, and fire and life safety throughout the city.
10. Supervises the maintenance of fire department records, reports, correspondence and other documents.
11. Supervises the maintenance of Fire Department apparatus, equipment and facilities.
12. Represents the Fire Department to city, borough, state and federal government officials, as well as private agencies and providers. Develops and coordinates mutual aid plans and cooperative agreements. Attends public and professional meetings to represent the fire department's interests and to keep abreast of current trends and developments.
13. Develops and participates in community relations programs to explain the activities and functions of the Fire Department.
14. Assists public with fire code compliance and cooperates with the State Fire Marshall in fire code enforcement.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Ten years' experience in emergency service leadership with an extensive knowledge of fire services, rescue services, and advanced life support emergency medical services with at least five years at the rank of Battalion Chief, equivalent, or higher. Certified as an IFSAC or Pro Board Firefighter II required. Fire Officer-I or II preferred. Baccalaureate degree in Business, Management, Fire Science, Public Administration or a similar field or equivalent. Graduation from the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program preferred. Certified in Methods of Instruction in either EMS or Fire with significant training experience. EMS field experience required (EMT II/III/or paramedic preferred). Extensive knowledge in the principles and practices of managing an organization providing fire service, emergency medical services and related emergency services. Extensive knowledge the laws, regulations, codes and standards applicable to emergency services. Experience working in combination (paid and volunteer) departments strongly preferred. Strong interpersonal skills required for training and working with volunteers required. Valid Driver License required.

DECISION MAKING RESPONSIBILITIES

Requires ability to exercise independent judgment in the performance of all aspects of duties. Develops policy and procedures at department level. Responsible for decisions which may involve possible loss of life or destruction of property. Activities are a major source of potential liability to the city. Has maximum budget authority at the department level.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY

Supervises all fire department employees and volunteers.

EXTERNAL VISIBILITY/CONTACT

High frequency contact with key city personnel. High frequency of attendance at public meetings. High frequency of contact with general public and government officials. Moderate frequency of contact with key service personnel.

WORKING CONDITIONS

High frequency of exposure to hazardous situations in performance of firefighter or EMT duties.  Must be able to bend, lift overhead, and work in confined spaces. Moderate exposure to adverse weather conditions. May be required to work at irregular hours, and on holidays. Regularly on-call for all emergency calls. Must be able to pass the physical exam and meet the physical ability requirements for a Firefighter I as defined in Homer Fire Department policy. Overtime exempt position.