The County of Volusia is seeking a Fire Division Chief who is performance-driven and sets the bar for performance through their behaviors and actions; one who has a high degree of integrity and who is team and customer service focused. This position is located in Volusia County, FL, and will be responsible for the day-to-day operations both administrative and technical, overseeing management and daily operations within branches or activities of the Fire Rescue Division which includes the monitoring of standards for performance consistent with the Division’s goals and objectives. Incumbent ensures the overall operational efficiency of the division and interacts with other agencies to ensure good communication and community relations. Incumbent must be able to perform critical decision-making and able to exercise independent judgment and initiative.
The incumbent works under the general direction of the Fire Chief and within standard operating procedures and responds to emergency incidents as required by division policy and performs related duties, as required.
(NOTE: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.)
- Serves as the direct supervisor of Special Risk member(s) whose duties include on-the-scene fighting of fire, fire prevention, or firefighter training.
- Assumes the assigned responsibilities and duties in the absence of the Deputy Fire Chief.
- Leads rescue operations during aircraft emergencies, coordinating with other airport departments and external agencies.
- Works with ARFF Command staff, develop programs and standard operating procedures to ensure best practices and to maintain standards.
- Ensures compliance with Part 139 ARFF requirements in accordance with FSS Certification Standards and other federal, state and local laws.
- Ensures compliance with Part 139.321, Handling and Storage of Hazardous Materials and NFPA publications.
- Designs, conducts, and/or assists with emergency workshops and exercises to train staff and local emergency response personnel.
- Assist in updating appropriate sections of the Airport Certification Manual (ACM), with an emphasis on the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP).
- Maintains list of certified firefighters/staff personnel to work at the airport.
- May plan, organize, and direct specific fire and rescue operations with respect to equipment, apparatus, and personnel.
- Assists with and coordinates Fire Rescue/ARFFF matters with various team leaders.
- Assists in the development of long-range fire protection and suppression programs.
- Assists with the Accreditation process to include developing, documenting, and analyzing program outcomes.
- Assists in the determination of future station location and or current station relocations.
- Assists in the preparation of Fire Rescue’s ARFF annual budget document.
- Assists with administration of budget in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Assists in preparation and continuous review of long-range capital budget.
- Assists in the preparation and analysis of records and reports to secure efficient operations and to meet Fire Rescue demands.
- May assume command and direct operations of an airport fire scene or other emergency situation from a subordinate officer; including natural disaster scenes, hazardous materials incidents, technical rescue operations, or aircraft emergency scenes.
- Makes recommendations and/or formulates and submits drafts of General Directives, Standard Operating Guidelines, etc. for the purpose of establishing and/or clarifying policy and procedure, which is applicable to bargaining unit employees.
- Ensures that all personnel under his/her command comply with Federal, State and local regulations, and that the terms of collective bargaining agreements are complied with, and all the Division standards are met.
- Makes recommendations and provides input for proposals to be submitted for inclusion in the collective bargaining process.
- Responsible for the effective operation, quality of service and morale of all and personnel assigned to their command.
- Assists in the preparation for the conduct of collective bargaining negotiations.
- Assists in the selection process of new employees.
- Assists in the promotional process of existing employees.
- Makes recommendations, or initiate, as appropriate, actions to reprimand, suspend, demote, promote and transfer division personnel.
- Evaluates employee performance and completes written employee performance forms.
- Counsels employees on a regular basis.
- Makes recommendations on the retention or rejection of probationary personnel under his/her supervision.
- Approves leave and overtime compensation for subordinates under his/her supervision.
- Recommends and administers disciplinary action when appropriate and/or when other non-punitive corrective measures are ineffective.
- Reviews and maintains records and reports regarding personnel, alarms, supplies, and other matters relating to ARFF and VCFR .
- Ensures compliance with State and Federal regulations as an Advanced Life Support (ALS) agency.
- May be assigned as a Category or Criterion Manager for Accreditation.
- May provide recommendations for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training and programs, including up-to-date infectious control and post-exposure controls.
- May track and maintain all medical supplies and equipment.
- May screen medical reports for compliance with medical protocols and quality care.
- Assists with coordinating and delivering training programs for ARFF and/or Volusia County Fire Rescue (VCFR) personnel and other VCFR educational partners to influence statewide training curriculum.
- May research industry trends and determine if they fit the needs and capabilities of ARFF and VCFR.
- May be required to coordinate facilities maintenance.
- May work shift work or may be assigned to an administrative schedule (Monday-Friday). If assigned to an administrative schedule, may be assigned after-hours/on-call duties and responsibilities.
- Recommends and develops problem-solving systems for cost efficiencies.
- Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.
- Responds to emergency situations.
- Must adhere to Federal, State, County, and Local ordinances.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- May be assigned to other county locations based upon operational needs.
Minimum of fourteen (14) years of experience in a career Fire Rescue department with four (4) of those years at the rank of Battalion Chief or higher.
OR
Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field and ten (10) years of experience in a career Fire Rescue department, with four (4) of those years at the rank of Battalion Chief or higher.
OR
Associate’s degree in Fire Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field and twelve (12) years of experience in a career Fire Rescue department, with four (4) of those years at the rank of Battalion Chief or higher rank.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license at time of hire.
Must possess a valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire and maintain thereafter.
Must successfully pass medical physical examination including drug screening and physical ability test.
The candidate will have completed the forty (40) hours of required Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) course covering the concepts of the current published edition of International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting or equivalent. This position is responsible for maintaining the airport's compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations Part 139.315, FAR Part 139.317, Part 139.319, Part 139.321, and Part 139.325.
The preferred candidate, having met the requirements, will have or must obtain the Airport Fire Officer (A.F.O.) professional designation through the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). In addition, they will have the S-215 and S-330, or L984 certification.
Note: State of Florida Paramedic Certification, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and formal infectious control training may be required.REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Must attach to the application, posses and maintain:
- State of Florida Certificate of Compliance from the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.
- State of Florida EMT license or Florida Paramedic license.
- State of Florida Fire Officer II certification.
- State of Florida Fire Officer III certifications within two (2) years of appointment.
- State of Florida Instructor I.
- ICS-400 (G400) within one (1) year of appointment.
- Completion of an approved Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) in accordance with the Florida Statutes.
Note: It is this organization's policy that individuals hired into special risk positions may not use any form of tobacco at any time, whether on or off duty, as a condition of employment. Candidates must be nicotine/cotinine-free by the time of pre-employment physical/drug exam, including nicotine-containing products used in tobacco replacement therapies. Employees assigned to this position are subject to random alcohol, drug and tobacco screening.
Note: This position is mission essential and must be available for on call duty during emergency situations/activations.
Note: Must not be excluded from participating as a health care provider in insurance programs including, but not limited to, Medicare and Medicaid prior to and during employment at the County of Volusia.
- Knowledge of modern firefighting principles and practices involved in instructing and training members of a fire unit.
- Knowledge of Fire Prevention codes.
- Knowledge of emergency medical services and emergency management principles and programs.
- Knowledge of contents of Merit Rules and Collective bargaining agreements and ability to ensure fair and equitable compliance with the terms of these documents.
- Ability to apply knowledge to specific training problems.
- Ability to lead personnel effectively and maintain discipline.
- Ability to supervise the work of and motivate subordinate personnel in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
- Ability to maintain accurate records, utilize resources efficiently and prepare clear reports.
- Ability to write and speak effectively.
- Ability to understand the Fire Rescue fund structures and budget development process.
- Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing to groups and individuals.
- Ability to respond to emergency situations.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Ability to work under stressful conditions.
- Ability to interact effectively with others.
- Must be able to relocate to other county locations based upon operational needs.
SUPERVISION:REPORTS TO: Deputy Fire Chief
SUPERVISES: Three (3) Fire Lieutenants and three (3) Firefighters
ADA REQUIREMENTS:Mental Demands: Must be able to read and comprehend professional manuals, journals and periodicals; safety rules and instructions; applicable codes and ordinances. Must be able to perform general mathematical functions including basic math, geometry, and shop math. Must be able to write business letters, summaries and reports. Must be able to clearly explain and discuss ideas. Must be able to speak clearly to layman on theory, principles and methods of discipline.
Physical Demands: Physical Demands: Heavy to very heavy work. Must be able to see (color, depth perception), Visual acuity (depth perception and peripheral vision) necessary to operate a motorized vehicle. Finger dexterity. Ability to peripheral vision, hear, talk, smell; lift and carry, pull, push, and/or drag 165 pounds; stand, climb, crouch, balance, handle, grasp, finger dexterity, walk, crawl, kneel, reach.
Environmental Demands: Both inside and outside work. Exposure to hazardous situations; extremes in temperature (hot and cold); changes in temperature; contact with water; humidity; noise or vibration; fumes (may be toxic in nature); odors; dust; poor ventilation.
Volusia County is a drug-free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.