Fire and Rescue Chief (Open Until Filled)
- GENERAL DESCRIPTION
- Application Information: To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume with salary history and salary requirements, and five (5) professional references. Additionally, there are 8 supplemental questions that must be answered and included with your application.This posting will remain open until filled. The first initial screening of applicants will begin on February 1, 2021. Salary is negotiable from low to mid $100,000.Summary Statement of Duties: Plans, directs, coordinates and oversees the activities of the fire and rescue department, a multi mission agency, with responsibility for the protection of lives and property from fire, natural or man-made disasters, and for the provision of emergency preparedness as well as pre-hospital emergency services on a County-wide basis; does related work as required.An employee in this class performs highly responsible supervisory, administrative, managerial and professional work directing the activities of the fire and rescue department with operations and services that are provided 24 hours a day/365 days a year. The department personnel consist of career staff as well as volunteers. Under the general supervision of the County Administrator, an employee in this class develops rules, policies, and procedures for the administration and operation of a comprehensive fire and rescue program. Additionally, the Chief supervises and coordinates the activities of senior staff to ensure proper implementation of the program. The Chief assists the County Administrator in the development of policies and confers on a variety of issues and concerns pertaining to the operation and management of the County government. This position also prepares and administers the department budget and monitors expenditures. Functions under the administration of the Chief include fire operations, emergency medical services, emergency management, fire prevention, training, technical services, and planning and research. This position requires extensive knowledge of the methods and principles involved in the operation of a combination career and volunteer fire and rescue department.
- ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Develops, coordinates and implements a comprehensive program for the Fire and Rescue Department in a manner which will be in the best interest of the citizens.
- Supervises and coordinates the activities of senior staff to insure proper implementation of the program.
- Utilizes data to support operational decision making.
- Establishes long-range and short-range goals and supervises both short-range and long-range implementation of plans after general approval by the County Administrator.
- Prepares annual budget proposals and monitors expenditures of departmental funds.
- Plans department operations including the acquisition and location of fire/rescue stations, equipment, and personnel resources; monitors day-to-day departmental activities, reviews trends, anticipates future needs, evaluates current service levels, and makes adjustments as needed;
- Maintains records and prepares reports.
- Directs fire inspection, investigation, and fire prevention programs. (Fire Marshal)
- Supervises training programs for salaried and volunteer fire and rescue personnel.
- Appears before the news media and public, as appropriate, to explain emergency response operations or activities.
- Cooperatively receives and resolves complaints; attends public meetings to explain activities and functions of the fire and rescue department.
- Maintains excellent working relationships with departmental staff, volunteers and community representatives;
- Works collaboratively with local and regional public safety partners to ensure a comprehensive approach to public safety.
- Maintains liaison with state and federal emergency response agencies to ensure intergovernmental emergency planning, response and recovery coordination.
- Attends seminars, conferences, workshops, classes, lectures, etc., to enhance and maintain knowledge of trends and developments in the field of public safety; keeps involved in various regional projects, often assuming a leadership role in those projects.
- Must adhere to all applicable Roanoke County and Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department policies and procedures.
- REQUIREMENTS/PREFERENCES
- EducationRequired: Bachelor's degree in public administration, fire science, emergency management, emergency medical services, or a related field.ExperienceRequired: Six (6) to nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience including at least five (5) years of management responsibility in municipal or county fire and rescue services. Must have extensive knowledge and experience in managing emergency incidents; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.Certifications/LicensesRequired: Valid Virginia driver's license with good driving record.Preferred: National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer program graduationKnowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Comprehensive knowledge of modern fire and emergency services management techniques
- Extensive knowledge of fire suppression, fire investigation, fire prevention, emergency medical services and emergency planning and management
- Extensive knowledge of laws and regulations controlling fire/emergency services
- Proven top-level management and administrative skills and the demonstrated ability to lead, direct and manage the activities of a large number of fire and emergency services personnel, both career and volunteer
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with County officials, other governmental officials, the public and employees
- Resourcefulness and sound judgment in emergencies
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrated integrity and tact
Additional RequirementsSubject to complete criminal history background and Child Protective Services search with acceptable results. May be subject to DMV driving record review as required by amount of work related driving, specified by support responsibilities. Must be able to perform the job as described in the Physical and Environmental Demands section of this job description.Supervisory RequirementsManages a large full time, part time and volunteer staff - OTHER INFORMATION
Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefit package that includes:
• Progressive Flexible Leave Plan with cash-in option
• Eleven paid holidays
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Health, Vision and Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Medical and Dependent Care
• Virginia Retirement System - Membership in VRS is automatic upon hire into a covered position. County contributes and employees pay their membership contribution.
• Deferred Compensation Plan with County Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Credit Union Membership
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01Instructions: To complete your application, please answer the 8 questions below. If you need additional space, an attachment can be added to your application.02Why does this specific job opportunity appeal to you? Why are you applying at this point in your career?03Leading the County's overall response to the COVID-19 Pandemic has been a primary duty of the Fire Chief. Please describe the role that you have and are playing in the COVID-19 response in your current position.04Please describe your Rescue/EMS background. What personal experience do you have in this arena as a practitioner? What experience do you have in leading this function?05What do you believe is your most significant professional accomplishment in your current role? What challenges did you have to overcome to accomplish your goal?06Please describe your direct experience in applying for grant funding (state and federal) for Fire and Rescue equipment, programs, staff, etc. What do you believe is the most important factor in being a successful grant applicant?07Please describe steps you have taken in a specific circumstance in your career to communicate directly with staff who report to you but who do not report to the same facility as you on a daily basis. How did you craft your message(s), what medium did you use, and how did you receive feedback?08What is the most difficult presentation that you have made to an elected body? What made the situation difficult, how did you prepare, what was the outcome and what did you learn?09We anticipate many qualified applicants, why should we interview you?
Required Question