Assistant Fire Chief

City of Hendersonville•Hendersonville, NC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for performing difficult professional, technical and management work assisting the Fire Chief with planning, directing and coordinating the operational activities of the City’s Fire Department. An employee in this class provides leadership, guidance, administrative, supervisory and managerial direction assistance for the City’s Fire Department. Work includes assisting with organizing and directing all fire tactical operations, emergency response to non-fire related calls, and. Work involves considerable public contact to provide information, answer questions, resolve complaints, and provide public education. Work is performed under the general direction of the Deputy Fire Chief and is evaluated on the basis of attainment of individual and department goals and objectives, periodic conferences, activity reports, feedback from employees, other fire agencies, and public support.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in fire science, business administration or related field; and five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience in a municipal fire department; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Possession of a valid Class B driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle.
IFSAC or Pro-Board certifications: Firefighter Level II
IFSAC or Pro-Board certifications: Certification at Hazmat Operations Level
IFSAC or Pro-Board certifications: Emergency Vehicle Driver Certification
IFSAC or Pro-Board certifications: Driver Operator Pumps
IFSAC or Pro-Board certifications: Driver Operator Aerials
IFSAC or Pro-Board certifications: Fire Instructor Level II
IFSAC or Pro-Board certifications: Fire Officer Level III
NC Fire Inspector Level I
NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 and 800
NC Emergency Medical Technician EMT-Basic (or National Registry)
NHTSA Child Passenger Safety Certified Technician
Knowledge of the principles and practices in municipal fire management and administration.
Knowledge of fire suppression techniques and prevention practices.
Knowledge of modern fire investigative and inspection processes including extensive knowledge of state and national fire codes.
Knowledge of the principals and practices of personnel management sufficient to build teamwork and obtain positive results.
Knowledge of the principals and operational practices of fire department organizational planning and budgeting.
Knowledge of fire codes, building construction and fire investigations.
Knowledge of the City’s geography and location of streets, schools, businesses and other structures.
Ability to plan, organize, and administer a large fire department budget.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, fire personnel, and elected officials.
Ability to make presentations to the news media, civic groups, school groups, and other organizations to promote citizen cooperation and understanding with fire service programs.
Ability to manage and direct subordinates sufficient to build teamwork and administer personnel policies equitably.
Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently both verbally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other City and County officials, employees and the general public.
Ability to prepare and administer an annual operating and capital budget.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree
Executive Fire Officer
Chief Fire Officer Designation
Fire & Life Safety Educator Level I

Responsibilities

Responds to fires, fire alarms, medical emergencies, rescues, hazardous material situations and any major incident; acts as incident commander and directs multiple companies and both mutual and automatic aid departments.
Reviews incident reports, complaints, investigation reports and related operational reports to determine adherence of operation personnel to departmental standard operational guidelines; investigates complaints on department personnel and administrative matters and take appropriate action as required.
Determines fire and rescue training and other specialized training needs; develops appropriate programs and conducts necessary training for multiple shifts; maintains training records to enable monitoring of training status; provides necessary training to ensure work proficiency and to ensure that qualification and call certifications are current. Training programs include, but are not limited to, fire safety, suppression, hazardous materials, technical rescue operations, emergency preparedness and emergency medical practice. Oversees required recertification of certificates including EMT, Child Passenger Safety Seat, and any other required recertification.
Assists in the development and implementation of short, mid and long-range plans for the City’s fire and rescue services; prepares a variety of ordinances and information for approval and implementation by the Fire Chief, City Council and City Manager; attends and participates in meetings, conferences and makes presentations when necessary and required; assists with development and maintains the fire department strategic plan.
Oversees and maintains a specialized inventory of firefighting equipment, gear, supplies for apparatus and fire station including all EMS hard and soft supplies.
Assists in the preparation of department’s budget; submits to City officials for review; implements and assists in the management of the approved fiscal year budget.
Appears before public and news media, as appropriate, to explain emergency response operations or activities; promotes and maintains positive community relations.
Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen complaints and inquiries.
Remains abreast of changes in laws, ordinances and policies; ensures changes are communicated and documented for future reference.
Develops a succession plan for department officers; assists firefighters with career planning; conducts and supervises fire and emergency pre-plans.
Attends training classes to remain current in knowledge of related codes, laws and policies and to improve personal competence and instructional ability.
Conducts studies and reports on anticipated needs for new and expanded fire facilities and more efficient utilization of existing facilities.
Evaluates fire insurance rating with a view towards the fullest possible implementation to achieve improved fire classification for the City.
Works with local educational institutions to coordinate and develop fire service-related programs and courses.
Performs other related job duties as assigned.