Fire Chief

City of Fountain Valley | Fountain Valley, CA

Posted Date 1/02/2025
Description CLASS DEFINITION:
Perform highly responsible supervisory and administrative work in the planning, directing, managing, and organizing of all activities in the Fire Department; oversee the fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical aid, hazardous materials management, disaster preparedness programs; and perform other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This classification is the Department Director responsible for performing highly sensitive supervisory and administrative duties. This classification is at-will and serves at the pleasure of the City Manager.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Receive general direction from the City Manager and exercise direct and functional supervision over all Fire Department personnel.
  • Assume full management responsibility for all Fire Department services and activities including fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical aid, hazardous materials management and disaster preparedness programs; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
  • Manage the development and implementation of short-term and long-term Fire Department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; implement City goals; establish, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels and allocate resources accordingly.
  • Establish departmental policies, procedures, and regulations including those pertaining to firefighting, fire prevention and emergency medical services within the limitations of laws, regulations, and policies.
  • Manage the development and administration of the Fire Department budget; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; direct the monitoring of approval of expenditures; and direct the preparation of and implementation of budgetary adjustments as necessary.
  • Review, interpret, and enforce City, County, State, Federal codes and regulations regarding fire protection, prevention, emergency medical aid, hazardous materials management, building services, and protection.
  • Plan, direct, and coordinate, directly or through subordinate level managers or supervisors, the Fire Department's work plan; meet with management staff to identify and resolve problems; assign projects and areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures.
  • Select, train, motivate, and evaluate Fire Department personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; and administer the discipline process.
  • Coordinate Fire Department activities with those of other departments, outside agencies, and organizations; provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager and City Council; and prepare and present staff reports and other correspondence.
  • Serve as representative of the Fire Department to interdepartmental, community, and outside agencies.
  • Operate a computer and a variety of software including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
OTHER JOB-RELATED DUTIES:
  • Oversee and direct departmental office operations; maintain appropriate records and files; coordinate workflow; prepare reports, agenda items, letters, and other correspondence.
  • Prepare and maintain a variety of records, reports, and other documentation.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION:

A Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Public or Business Administration, or a related field is required. A Master's degree is highly desirable.

EXPERIENCE:

Eight years of increasingly responsible experience in an agency providing a full range of urban fire protection services including three years of management and administrative responsibility in a comprehensive fire services program

REQUIRED LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:
  • A valid California Class "C" Driver's License.
  • California State Board of Fire Services Chief Officer Certification is highly desirable.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
  • Must be able to work flexible and extended hours to accommodate the City's needs.
  • The City's Conflict of Interest Code requires that the Fire Chief file financial disclosure statements in accordance with state and local laws.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
  • Principles, practices, procedures, equipment, and apparatus used in modern firefighting and in the protection of life and property from fire.
  • Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations pertaining to fire prevention, disaster preparedness, hazardous materials, inspections and emergency medical services.
  • Advanced principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
  • Principles of effective supervision, training, and evaluation.
  • Business English, grammar, punctuation, spelling, arithmetic, vocabulary, composition and proper format.
REQUISITE ABILITIES/SKILLS:
  • Direct and coordinate a multi-disciplinary staff in fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical aid, hazardous materials management and disaster preparedness programs.
  • Provide leadership and vision to a diverse work force and lead and command effectively in emergency situations.
  • Develop, implement, and administer goals, objectives, and practices for Fire Department programs and services.
  • Allocate limited resources on a cost effective and cost beneficial basis.
  • Select qualified candidates for hire; effectively train and evaluate employees; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies as needed; and administer the discipline process as needed.
  • Interpret and apply Federal, State, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations including the Firefighter Bill of Rights..
  • Assess needs, develop project scope and timelines, follow through on project tasks and milestones and ensure projects are completed on time, within budget and with the designated specifications.
  • Identify and respond to community and City Council issues, concerns, and needs.
  • Prepare and administer large and complex budgets.
  • Stay abreast of new trends, innovations, standards, and guidelines in all facets of fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency preparedness and emergency medical services.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, City officials, other departments, the Association, citizens, customers, and representatives from other cities and agencies.
  • Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, anticipate consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
  • Maintain the confidentiality of information encountered in the course of work.
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Must possess a strong customer service orientation and be a team player.
  • Operate a computer and a variety of software including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
  • Plan effectively, prioritize assignments, and meet deadlines.
PHYSICAL TASKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Work is primarily performed in an office environment requiring prolonged sitting or standing; walking, kneeling, crouching, squatting, stooping, and bending; inputting data into a computer terminal; exposure to computer glare, vibrations, and pitch; lifting, carrying, and moving objects totaling approximately 25 pounds in weight; and have mobility, vision, hearing, and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed. May be exposed to dust, chemicals, solvents, grease/oil, fumes, electrical and mechanical hazards, vehicular traffic, vibration, and noise. Employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data; use math and mathematical reasoning; analyze and solve problems; learn and apply new information; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks; meet intensive and changing deadlines and interact with City staff, customers, vendors, contractors, and the public.

NOTE:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required.

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT DESIGNATION:
Exempt.QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS RECRUITMENT SHOULD BE SENT TO HR@FOUNTAINVALLEY.GOV.

CLASSIFICATION HISTORY:
Created: 5/2010
Updated: 8/15/2012
Salary212,664.08 - 258,494.52 Annual
Field
Fire and Rescue
FireRescue1
Chief

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