ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF

CLASS DESCRIPTION

General Responsibilities:

This is responsible managerial and administrative work in directing the development and implementation of major fire service programs both directly and through subordinate Fire Division Chiefs. Under the direction of the Fire Chief, employees must exercise considerable judgment and discretion in the planning, development and implementation of departmental programs and services and assigned. This work involves considerable emphasis on long-term planning and the integration and coordination of departmental and inter-departmental programs and services.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities:

Plan and implement major fire service programs, both directly and through subordinate Fire Division Chiefs. Provide high level expertise in a variety of senior management capacities. Perform work of considerable import and sensitivity within the department e.g., in directing fire operations, staffing/personnel programs, training and support services.

Participate in and/or lead the development of departmental policies, procedures and standards. Define, communicate, interpret and evaluate implementation criteria.

Work to enhance the overall operations and functions of the department. Provide for the coordination and integration of departmental programs, resources and services. Represent the Fire Department and departmental interests in a wide variety of inter-departmental and inter-agency initiatives and activities, as assigned.

Provide leadership in long-range planning efforts. Develop comprehensive strategies necessary to meet departmental goals and objectives, as directed.

Provide leadership in fire management team efforts. Work to develop and support team work at all levels within the department; and to foster labor-management cooperation. Assume a direct leadership role in effectively planning and managing the staffing requirements of the department and maintaining an effective employee relations program, within the context of available resources.

Develop systems and approaches to define and meet community fire service and emergency medical service needs. Provide leadership and oversight in the implementation of major fire service and emergency medical service programs; and to continuously evaluate and improve services where possible.

Perform related work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledges, Skills and Abilities:

All knowledges, skills and abilities required of a Fire Division Chief with the City of Madison; and:

Thorough knowledge of related program management principles, practices and techniques including considerable skill in planning, organizing and administering delegated programs, services and activities. Thorough knowledge of related staff management principles and practices including labor relations. Ability to plan and manage the effective utilization of departmental resources. Ability to lead and/or participate in long-term planning efforts. Ability to represent departmental interests in a wide variety of inter-agency contexts. Ability to plan, develop, administer and evaluate departmental programs. Ability to effectively lead and participate in diverse committee efforts inherent in the department's overall management. Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment. Ability to serve the community in a caring, sensitive manner, and to demonstrate patience and tolerance. Ability to adhere to professional standards incorporating honesty and integrity. Ability to exercise considerable judgment in the development, interpretation/application of departmental work rules, standards, policies and procedures. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to speak before groups. Ability to effectively manage diverse emergency incidents, necessitating the ability to effectively and quickly process visual and auditory data.

Note: The physical demands of an Assistant Fire Chief are limited to: visual and auditory acuity; ambulatory ability and physical strength and dexterity inherent in assessing incident parameters/conditions in a field command capacity (under adverse working conditions).

Training and Experience:

Two years of fire service management experience comparable to that gained as a Fire Division Chief with the City of Madison. Such experience would normally be gained after graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor=s degree in fire management, public administration or a related field. Other combinations of training and/or experience which can be demonstrated to result in the possession of the knowledges, skills and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position will also be considered.

Necessary Special Qualifications:

Possession of a current driver's license. Licensure as an Emergency Medical Technician and certification as a Hazardous Material Technician.