CLASS SPECIFICATION

DIVISION CHIEF, MCFRS VOLUNTEER SERVICES

DEFINITION OF CLASS:

This is senior management level work directing the daily operations of the Division of Volunteer Services and performing administrative duties as part of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service management team. The employee reports to the Fire Chief and has operational authority over fire, rescue, and emergency medical services activities of the Fire and Rescue Service, including the local fire and rescue departments, as assigned by the Fire Chief. This position serves in the Integrated Emergency Command structure at a level equivalent to the authority of the Chief of the Division of Fire and Rescue Operations. The employee in this non-merit position is appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council. The employee in this class serves as the highest ranking volunteer officer in the County and coordinates the operations and administration of volunteer personnel and local fire and rescue departments. The employee is responsible for promoting the integration of the activities of volunteer and career firefighters and rescuers, and promoting volunteer recruitment and retention. In addition, the employee is responsible for assisting local fire and rescue departments in training, risk management, apparatus use and maintenance, budget preparation and formulating departmental policy and recommendations to the Chief, and monitoring legislative and regulatory actions involving volunteer activities and informing affected groups.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

Implements and assists in developing organizational objectives as determined by the Fire Chief.
Develops plans and methods to promote the integration of activities of volunteer and career firefighter rescuers.
Develops and implements plans to promote the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighter rescuers and provides additional opportunities for people to volunteer through a mobile volunteer personnel corps.
Provides assistance to local fire and rescue departments in the areas of training, risk management, apparatus use and maintenance, budget preparation and formulating department policy and recommendations to the Fire Chief and Fire and Rescue Commission.
Monitors legislative and regulatory actions that affect volunteer firefighting activities and keeps the Fire Chief and the authorized volunteer representative apprised of new developments.
Develops plans and objectives to maintain or improve level of operational services provided by volunteer fire and rescue personnel.
Oversees resolution of employee and citizen complaints.
Provides information and assistance to the Fire Chief, other County agencies, the public, local fire and rescue department volunteer corporations and officials of other jurisdictions.
Communicates regularly with the Executive Director of the authorized volunteer representative.
Performs related duties as required by the Fire Chief.

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: Extensive experience in fire and rescue services, including two (2) years as a Montgomery County volunteer chief, deputy chief, or assistant chief, or any combination thereof.
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 develop and maintain technical reports and records.
Ability to attend meetings and perform work assignments at locations outside the office.

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

Class Established: July 1998
Revised: February 2005