FIRE CHIEF

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is professional work entailing responsibility for administering the operations of the City Fire Department. The incumbent is responsible for planning, organizing and directing the fire prevention and firefighting activities of the Department. The work is performed under the advice of the Fire Commission. Wide latitude is permitted in administering the activities of the Department to maintain high standards of performance. Supervision is exercised over the work of subordinate personnel. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

Assumes command at the scene of fires and emergencies;

Plans, organizes and directs the firefighting and fire prevention activities of the department;

Directs individuals to correct fire code violations within a specified period of time;

Issues applications and permits for open burning;

Plans and prepares tentative budgets, allocates expenditures and disbursements, and recommends needed appropriations for the department;

Prepares and maintains a variety of operational, financial, statistical and personnel records and reports;

Assigns personnel to fire prevention and firefighting activities and prescribes tours of duty;

Conducts inspections to determine the efficiency of firefighting personnel;

Supervises and participates in the training of departmental personnel;

Promotes high morale and disciplines subordinate personnel as required;

Hires subordinate personnel with the approval of the Fire Commission;

Inspects physical facilities and equipment to assess maintenance and replacement needs of the department;

Speaks to various community groups regarding fire prevention and firefighting techniques;

Attends conferences to keep abreast of new developments in the field;

Supervises and participates in the public relations activities of the Fire Department;

Consults with the Fire Commission to formulate policy and explore areas of concern;

Consults with the County Fire/Emergency Management Coordinator to assist with planning, coordinating and implementing the mutual aid plan.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Comprehensive knowledge of fire prevention and firefighting principles, practices, terminology, equipment and safety precautions; thorough knowledge of the geography of the City; thorough knowledge of the provisions of the applicable fire prevention codes and ordinances to be enforced; good knowledge of the methods, materials and terminology of the building construction trade; good knowledge of the principles and practices of administrative supervision; working knowledge of governmental budgetary procedures; working knowledge of modern public relations techniques; ability to plan, organize and direct fire prevention and firefighting activities; ability to conduct inspections; ability to read and interpret plans and specifications; ability to prepare and maintain written records and reports; ability to meet the public and address groups effectively; ability to secure the cooperation of others; ability to promote high morale and maintain discipline; good powers of observation; initiative; sound professional judgment; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either:

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited of NYS registered two (2) year college or university with an associate degree in Fire Protection Technology or a similar field AND five (5) years of full-time paid or its part-time/volunteer firefighting equivalent in firefighting and fire prevention, twelve months of which must have been in a supervisory capacity: OR

B. Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and seven (7) years of full-time paid experience or its part-time/volunteer equivalent in firefighting and fire prevention, twelve months of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.