CLASS SPECIFICATION

CHIEF, DIVISION OF FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES

DEFINITION OF CLASS:

This is senior management level work directing the daily operations of fire and rescue activities of the Division. The employee reports to the Fire Administrator and has full operational and administrative authority over fire and rescue activities of the Division. This position serves in the Integrated Emergency Command structure at a level equivalent to the authority of the fire and rescue chief of a local fire and rescue department. The employee in this non-merit position is appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council. The employee in this class is responsible for directing fire suppression and emergency medical services activities along with local fire and rescue departments and for fire prevention, fire and rescue, and emergency medical services training, emergency planning, and communications between emergency fire and rescue services personnel. The incumbent of this position also promotes the integration of activities of volunteer and career firefighters and rescuers.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)

Develops plans and objectives to maintain or improve the level of operational services.
Directs the day-to-day activities of all staff responsible for fire suppression and emergency medical services, fire prevention, emergency medical services training, emergency planning, and communications between emergency fire and rescue services personnel.
Carries out and assures compliance with established rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Develops and updates codes, regulations, rules, policies and procedures as necessary for the efficient and effective operation and administration of the Division and to ensure attainment of departmental goals and objectives.
Evaluates performance of staff and operations on a regular basis to determine where improvements may be made in services provided.
Initiates, reviews and approves personnel actions, including disciplinary actions, as required.
Assures that employees receive adequate and appropriate training.
Evaluates performance and counsels employees on ways to improve performance.
Oversees resolution of employee and citizen complaints.
Provides information and assistance to the Fire Administrator, other County agencies, the public, independent volunteer corporations and officials of other jurisdictions.

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: Extensive experience in fire and rescue services, two (2) years of which were in a management level capacity.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of fire laws, codes, rules and regulations.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern fire and rescue services including equipment and instructional techniques.
Skill in negotiating agreements which accommodate conflicting interests and viewpoints.
Skill in oral and written communication sufficient to develop justifications of actions planned.
Ability to supervise, motivate, instruct and evaluate subordinates.
Ability to plan, direct, coordinate and evaluate major fire and rescue operational and/or support services and programs.
Ability to develop and maintain technical reports and records.

MEDICAL PROTOCOL: Core I Exam* (*Successful completion of most recent physical examination and drug screen as required.)

Class Established: July, 1998