Assistant Chief - Operations

PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION

The purpose of this classification is to manage, direct, and plan the daily operations of the Operations Division to include performing complex emergency service and administrative work at a senior command level with responsibility for a broad range of administrative and technical activities and related work as required. Work is performed under the broad supervision of the Deputy Fire Chief on a schedule as assigned by the Fire Chief.

NOTE:

This is an exempt/salary position. The individual in this classification will work primarily Monday to Friday but his/her schedule could have days off during the week and be required to work weekends in order to fulfill the needs of the department. This position can expect to rotate or be transferred to other divisions as deemed necessary by the Fire Chief.

• OPEN UNTIL FILLED

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Manages, directs, and evaluates assigned staff; develops and oversees employee work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and control; compiles and reviews timesheets; approves/processes employee concerns and problems and counsels or disciplines as appropriate; assists with or completes employee performance appraisals; directs work. Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; prioritizes and schedules work activities to meet objectives; ensures that subordinates have the proper resources needed to complete the assigned work; monitors the status of work on progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; provides progress and activity reports to management; determines division needs to provide efficient and effective response to activities; assists with revisions of procedure/policy manuals as appropriate. Conducts statistical and operational analysis and develops recommendations for assigned division budget; studies incident trends, community needs, and departmental and County administrative goals and objectives; formulates and develops work methods and practices, policies, procedures, training programs, and general orders; implements and enforces departmental rules and regulations. Consults with command officers, supervisory personnel, other public safety agencies and other officials to gather/exchange information, review operations/activities, review/resolve problems, receive advice/direction, and provide recommendations. Ensures departmental compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; adheres to established safety procedures; monitors work environment and use of safety equipment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals; initiates any action necessary to correct deviation and/or violations; investigates complaints against department personnel. Assists in establishing priorities for anticipated departmental requirements for each fiscal year; assists in managing the preparation and submittal of annual budget information; recommends budget revisions as appropriate; administer approved budget and monitors operational expenditures for fiscal compliance. Performs incident command functions at fire and emergency scenes; investigates and responds to calls involving fire, hazardous materials, natural and man-made disasters, aircraft emergencies, evacuation and/or sheltering, rescue, and other critical incidents; assumes incident command of fire/emergency scenes until relieved by commanding officer; assesses and evaluates on-scene conditions; determines strategy and tactics; provides direction and coordination of manpower and resources; directs firefighting and/or rescue activities; ensures utilization of proper methods to suppress/control fires and preserve evidence; supervises fire communications. Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; maintains an awareness of new equipment, procedures, trends, and advances in the profession; participates in and conducts physical fitness training, training drills, and other continuing education activities; maintains training documentation for station employees; coordinates and participates in multi-jurisdictional training; attends shift meetings, workshops, and seminars as appropriate. Serves as department representative as assigned: responds to questions, complaints, and requests for information from citizens, the business community, elected officials, officers, employees, outside agencies, and various other individuals; attends and participates in various committees' hearings, official functions, Board meetings, and other community meetings; makes presentations and public speeches to civic groups and schools. Performs other administrative functions associated with department operations; develops business plans and key performance indicators; develops and monitors recruitment and promotion strategies; reviews and approves or denies fire permits and inspection documents; directs fleet maintenance and logistics; manages other special projects and duties as assigned. Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation, including financial and budget documents, time sheets, inspection reports, incident reports, disciplinary forms, and employee grievance forms; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation including performance appraisals, quarterly and annual reports, statistical analyses, and executive briefs; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records. Operates or uses a variety of equipment to complete work assignments; operates and maintains a command vehicle, communication equipment, medical equipment, and other power or motorized equipment; operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions. Communicates with supervisor, subordinates, other employees, law enforcement, other public safety agencies, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review the status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems. Coordinates division programs and activities with those of other divisions, departments, and agencies as appropriate; receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints, and requests for assistance regarding areas of responsibility from citizens, other government agencies, other departments, and other fire divisions; performs general administrative/clerical work as required, including, but not limited to, preparing reports and correspondence, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, reviewing mail and literature, attending and/or conducting meetings, etc.

DIVISION SPECIFIC ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Responds to emergency incidents, makes assessment and, if necessary, assumes command. Directs emergency operations as appropriate or assists other commanders on scene using established incident command procedures as necessary. Responds to major incidents and/or multiple alarm fires in both a participative and evaluative capacity. Serves as Operational Commander with direct supervision of Battalion Chiefs and other personnel in directing the response and activities of multiple fire companies throughout the Department. Coordinates manpower and technical resources to provide 24-hour fire suppression and emergency medical services making life and safety decisions. Ensures adequate emergency response capabilities/coverage within the Department's boundaries at all times. Supervises and develops the scheduling and coordination of shift staffing levels, changes, and activities. Responsible for ensuring proper staffing levels per staffing policies. Supervises assigned Battalion Chiefs and subordinate staff in their duties as directed. Ensures the readiness of Department personnel and equipment. Ensures necessary safety procedures are in place and followed by all personnel. Ensures Department operations consistency.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Coordinates/performs a variety of general maintenance tasks, including cleaning offices, painting structures, washing vehicles, repairing computers, making minor electrical and plumbing repairs, repairing equipment and furniture, changing air conditioning filters, adding toner to copier and facsimile machine, and changing ink cartridges in printers.

Runs errands; delivers supplies. Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree in Fire Administration or related-field from an accredited university; five years of progressive supervisory experience in firefighting and investigation; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid Class F Georgia driver's license. Must possess and maintain the following certifications:

• State of Georgia Firefighter
• National Professional Qualifications Firefighter 2
• National Professional Qualifications Fire Officer 2
• National Incident Management System (NIMS 400)
• National Fire Academy Command and Control of Initial Operations
• National Fire Academy Command and Control Decision Making at Multi
• Alarm Incidents
• Incident Safety Officer

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master's Degree in Fire Executive Leadership or related field from an accredited university.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Executive management skills. Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the performance of duties. Strong analytical & problem-solving skills. Project management skills that meet projected deadline, budget, and results. Comprehensive knowledge and application of practices, regulations, methods, and equipment used in command, fire suppression and EMS according to NFPA, local, state, and federal regulations. Major emergency incident command and operations and apparatus (i.e. extrication equipment, and self-contained breathing apparatus) Values diversity within the Department and has a strong commitment to promoting an inclusive work environment. Maintain managerial control under stressful conditions. Work cooperatively with superiors, subordinates, and peers. Continue to learn new management methods to improve effectiveness and efficiency. Develop plans and programs to improve Department service delivery. Exercise a high degree of self-discipline. Perform a broad range of supervisory responsibility over others. Lead, motivate, train, coordinate and delegate; organize multiple, changing responsibilities. Establish and maintain effective work relationships. Analyze data, create plans, prepare technical and administrative reports, develop/manage budgets. Prioritize and organize work to meet goals and objectives within acceptable time frames. Approach problem-solving as an innovative process. Write, communicate and report in descriptive detail. Implement new technology as it becomes available. Ability to self-manage while managing both assigned and unexpected projects.

PERFORMANCE APTITUDES

Data Utilization :

Requires the ability to determine, calculate, tabulate, or summarize data/information. Includes performing subsequent actions in relation to these computational operations.

Human Interaction :

Requires the ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in coordinating activities of a project, program, or designated area of responsibility.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization :

Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude :

Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude :

Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions; may include ability to compute discount, interest, and ratios; may include ability to calculate surface areas, volumes, weights, and measures.

Functional Reasoning :

Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.

Situational Reasoning :

Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.