Fire Chief

City of Rock Island•Rock Island, IL

About The Position

The Fire Chief performs highly responsible professional, administrative, and management work planning, organizing, and directing all activities of the Rock Island Fire Department. The role administers and coordinates fire services and establishes department policies, procedures, and regulations, including standards for firefighting, fire prevention, emergency rescue, and medical operations. The Fire Chief supervises department employees directly or through subordinate supervisors and may take personal command at major emergency incidents. Work is performed under the administrative direction of the City Manager, who reviews overall program effectiveness through conferences and reports. The position oversees fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency rescue, and advanced life support ambulance services; manages department budgets, purchasing, staffing, facilities, equipment, and apparatus; and directs reporting, personnel development, and community relations. Selected candidates must reside in Illinois or Iowa and maintain a 60-minute response time. A valid Class D Illinois driver’s license or equivalent license from the employee’s state of residence is required.

Requirements

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in fire science, public or business administration, or a related field, and thorough experience as a firefighter and as a command officer in fire and rescue operations and administration; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Thorough knowledge of modern fire department administration and fire science principles and practices.
Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, procedures, equipment, and apparatus used in modern firefighting and protection of life and property from fire.
Thorough knowledge of organization, administration, and personnel management principles.
Thorough knowledge of ordinances and statutes affecting department operations.
Ability to plan, implement, and direct programs, operations, and activities, including employee training and development and fire prevention and investigation activities.
Ability to express ideas clearly, orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with civic and official groups and the public, and to command and hold the respect and discipline of subordinates.
Valid Class D Illinois driver’s license or equivalent license from the employee’s state of residence.
Residency in Illinois or Iowa and maintenance of a 60-minute response time.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency rescue, and advanced life support ambulance services.
Supervise department employees directly or through subordinate supervisors, and take personal command at major emergency incidents when required.
Exercise purchasing and budgetary control and prepare the department’s annual operating budget.
Review and approve specifications for new equipment and apparatus, and determine personnel and facility requirements.
Direct the preparation and analysis of records and reports to support efficient operations, meet service demands, and respond to authorized information requests; submit reports to the City Manager.
Recommend changes to fire and related codes to reflect technological advances and modern fire and life-safety requirements.
Direct personnel training, utilization, and development programs; resolve disputes and grievances; discipline personnel; recommend personnel actions; and evaluate command personnel.
Maintain liaison with other City departments and address groups about firefighting, fire prevention, and rescue programs to promote public understanding.
Provide effective and efficient customer services and promote responsive community relations.
Perform related duties as assigned.