Division Fire Chief

City of Watsonville•Watsonville, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general direction, the Division Fire Chief assists in planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing the functions of the City’s Fire Department. The role manages and supervises the Operations Division, may serve as an Incident Commander or on an Incident Command Team during emergencies and disasters, coordinates activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies, serves as acting Fire Chief in the Fire Chief’s absence, and provides complex administrative support to the Fire Chief. This management-level position is a member of the Fire Department management team. The Division Chief leads projects and programs involving fire personnel, City employees, and outside agencies, and actively participates in the department’s emergency response mission. The position is represented by the Fire Management bargaining group and has a 12-month probationary period. The selected candidate must complete a medical examination and Department of Justice Livescan fingerprinting before appointment. The position works primarily in an office setting, with travel to meetings and emergency scenes, and may involve extended hours, evenings, weekends, standby duty, and emergency responses outside normal working hours. Employees may work in hazardous conditions and wear protective apparel and self-contained breathing apparatus.

Requirements

Equivalent to an Associate’s degree from an accredited institution in fire science, public administration, or a related field.
Successful completion of a state-certified fire academy and other required certification courses.
Seven years of increasingly responsible fire service experience, including five years of supervisory or administrative experience at a level comparable to Fire Captain with the City of Watsonville.
Valid California Class C driver’s license and a safe driving record.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, Public Safety First Aid and CPR certificates within six months.
Meet the minimum medical requirements defined in NFPA Standard 1582; demonstrate the required strength, endurance, and agility; and maintain physical fitness according to Departmental Standards.
Sign a non-tobacco-use agreement.
May be required to complete applicable task-book items before assignment to active duty.
Knowledge of fire department administration and operations, fire suppression, investigation and prevention, firefighting apparatus and equipment, incident command, hazardous materials, EMS/Paramedic procedures, rescue operations, multi-casualty incidents, and wildland fires.
Knowledge of supervision, training, performance evaluation, municipal budgeting, record keeping, report preparation, and office procedures and software.
Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and assist in managing a large and diverse department; supervise, train, and evaluate staff; and implement fire suppression and prevention functions.
Ability to interpret and apply fire codes, regulations, and federal, state, and local laws and standards relating to fire and life safety, training, prevention, investigation, and emergency operations.
Ability to prepare written and oral reports, make presentations, prepare budget estimates, and control expenditures.
Ability to perform assigned lead roles on the City’s response team, understand Incident Command System principles, and act decisively under stressful conditions.
Ability to represent the Fire Department professionally and ethically, manage multiple tasks, respond appropriately to negative feedback, and establish effective working relationships.
Ability to drive Fire Department vehicles, communicate clearly using radios, wear self-contained breathing apparatus and firefighting gear weighing 50–60 pounds, hear alarms and sirens, and maintain good physical condition.
Ability to work long hours in inclement weather and hazardous situations, including during emergency and disaster response.
Ability to meet the position’s physical and sensory demands, including mobility, lifting and carrying light to moderate weights, operating specialized vehicles and equipment, and normal-range vision and hearing with or without correction.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor’s degree is highly desirable.
Three or more years of experience working as a Battalion Chief is highly desirable.
Bilingual English/Spanish oral skills are highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist in managing Fire Department services and activities.
Manage the day-to-day operations of the Operations Division, including daily staffing and policies for specifications, testing, and maintenance.
Provide and implement communications systems and technologies, including radios, paging, mobile data computers, telephones, alarm configuration and reporting, and wireless systems.
Manage internal logistics, including fire equipment, fleet, communications programs, equipment orders, purchase tracking, and logistical support.
Monitor, report on, and oversee maintenance compliance; coordinate facility maintenance, repairs, remodeling, expansion, or construction.
Track and maintain performance data, including response times, public education contacts, and target-hazard pre-incident planning.
Develop and implement Operations Division goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and priorities; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
Evaluate service delivery methods and recommend appropriate service and staffing levels within departmental policy.
Direct and review staff work plans; assign work and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures; meet with staff to address problems.
Participate in staff selection; coordinate training and development; prepare performance appraisals and recommendations concerning discipline, compensation, promotions, and related employment actions.
Participate in preparing and administering the division’s annual budget, forecast resource needs, monitor and approve expenditures, and recommend adjustments.
Analyze data, research methods, and communicate findings related to projects, programs, and assignments.
Interact with the public, Fire Department personnel, and City employees to solve problems and implement programs and projects.
Implement orders, regulations, ordinances, and laws relating to the Fire Department’s mission.
Ensure proper maintenance and operation of department equipment and apparatus; review and prepare activity reports.
Participate in boards, commissions, and committees; represent the Fire Department at community events, meetings, and EOC activations; prepare and present reports and correspondence.
Coordinate activities with other divisions, agencies, and organizations; attend professional meetings and stay informed about developments in fire suppression and prevention.
Respond to major-alarm emergencies; command personnel and resources as Duty Chief or ICS overhead, serve on the Incident Command Team, and provide incident-command coverage as needed.
Provide leadership during disaster response and, when requested, serve in a management role in the City’s Emergency Operations Center.
Serve on or deploy to Operational Emergency Services incidents at the Fire Chief’s discretion.
Serve as acting Fire Chief in the Fire Chief’s absence and perform related duties as required.