Fire Chief - Savannah Fire Department
City of Savannah -Human Resources
Full-time
On-site
Savannah
$153,582 - $222,694 USD yearly
Fire Chief
- Essential Job Functions
- About the Organization, Department, and Position:
The Savannah Fire Department (SFD), steeped in history like the community it serves, was established in 1759 and was one of the first fully mechanized departments in the nation. With an ISO Class 1 rating, the fire department has received accreditation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, along with National Association of State Boating Law Accreditation for the marine program.
Savannah Fire Department, an "All Hazards" career department, has changed its stance to be more proactive by focusing on community risk reduction. Savannah Fire Department (SFD) is committed to identifying and prioritizing local risks, followed by an integrated and strategic investment of resources to reduce the occurrence and impact of emergencies. Emergency Planning focuses on city-wide emergency management preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery operations during our community's high-risk events.
Operating with a $42M+ budget, SFD provides services over a 108 square mile territory for the City of Savannah. With eight direct reports – Deputy Fire Chief, three Assistant Chiefs, Chief of Staff, EM Director, PIO, and an Executive Assistant. The Fire Chief is responsible for overseeing all fire department operations, including fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention, disaster preparedness, and administrative functions. The SFD provides fire suppression/prevention, specialized rescue and emergency medical care, hazardous materials incident response, technical rescue, code enforcement, fire investigation, and public fire safety education to the citizens of Savannah. With a team of 361 uniformed and civilian personnel, the department’s mission is accomplished through the deployment of 16 strategically located fire stations which house 16 engines and 6 truck companies, 2 heavy rescue units, a marine division staffed with the following: 50’ All Hazards Fire Storm vessel, 28’ metal craft vessel, mix of inflatable and john boats for inland flooding, water rescue and dive, along with a Technical Rescue Team, Regional Hazardous material team and mobile rehab support unit. The Fire Department maintains mutual aid agreements with departments in the region.
Key Position Priorities: Execute the Savannah Fire Department’s Strategic Plan and GPS with priority given to the goals of improving department equipment and facilities, revising employee professional development plans, and working with others to enhance employee benefits and compensation to aid recruitment and retention.
Assess service delivery and response times and implement proven strategies to address concerns efficiently and effectively while also overseeing the planning of two additional fire stations to meet the service delivery needs of the community.
Prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in the department through targeted efforts that help ensure diversity in the hiring process and inclusion throughout daily interactions.
Modernize the department with current standard operating guidelines and procedures while also embracing technology and continuously seeking methods to improve service delivery using new technologies, new methods, and best practices. - Minimum Qualifications
Requires a minimum of 10 years of progressive fire safety experience, as well as progressively responsible experience at the rank of Battalion Chief or higher is required. Also requires a Bachelor's Degree in Business or Fire Administration, with ten (10) years of Fire Services Management experience; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Savannah expects a leader with an operational understanding and direct experience in fire suppression, special operations, technical rescue, hazmat, training, logistics, fire prevention, emergency management, accreditation, community risk reduction, administration, and all other aspects of service delivery. Graduation from the Executive Fire Officer Program is preferred, as well as the designation of Chief Fire Officer through the Center for Public Safety.
The Successful Candidate is: effective in navigating the unique and complex culture of a governing body and will prioritize establishing trusting relationships with Savannah’s City Council while also advocating for the SFD and ensuring the needs of the community are met;
adept in evaluating and implementing changes to staffing, compensation, and equipment to improve quality, consistency, and transparency across operations while making well-informed policy decisions regarding staffing levels in consideration of the impact of insurance ratings;
has a track record in creating camaraderie and common values across stations and shifts;
a principled leader who values accountability while holding realistic and fair expectations of self and others with the demonstrated ability to supervise the work of skilled, semiskilled or unskilled workers on a large scale over a wide area;
an effective listener who seeks input from relevant parties, realistically assesses plans and consistently communicates;
an excellent and effective communicator, including one on one, small groups and public speaking, who confidently and persuasively engages community members and groups, staff, and Council;
is a strategic problem solver who seeks information from multiple sources, communicates ideas and decisions effectively, and evaluates results;
expertly uses data and metrics to propose solutions and make decisions;
eliminates silos and seeks commonality across functions intradepartmentally and works effectively interdepartmentally to build relationships in service to public safety goals;
Is skilled at engaging collaboratively and diplomatically with a variety of stakeholders, including the local IAFF, fire department staff, City leadership and employees, community members and groups, other fire departments and regional, state and federal authorities in order to leverage department opportunities, manage challenges, and maximize resources such as training, equipment, mutual aid, etc.;
held multiple assignments across functional areas such as suppression, prevention, and administration, leading to a rich understanding of breadth and depth of roles that fire fighters assume;
demonstrates knowledge and familiarity with the CPSE accreditation process and all areas of fire and rescue, suppression, operations, and prevention as well as technology supporting these functions; and,
is skilled in budget development and management, policy development and application, effective personnel management, and development.
Background investigation, including supervised drug screen, post offer/pre-employment medical screen; and verification of education, certifications, and licenses required prior to employment.- Additional Information
- Salary and Benefits: The hiring range for the position is $153,582.00–$222,694.00, depending on qualifications and experience. The City offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement options, and relocation expenses, which can be found here.