Fire Chief

POSITION DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE

Fire Chief

POSITION SUMMARY

The Fire Chief is the chief executive and administrative officer of the City of Conneaut Fire & Rescue Department. The Fire Chief is an unclassified, full-time position responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and operation of a full-service fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue, and emergency response organization which has served the City professionally since 1913. The Fire Chief exercises full command authority over department operations, personnel, training, budgeting, emergency response, and regulatory compliance, and serves as the City's principal advisor on fire protection, emergency medical services, life safety, and emergency preparedness.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Department Leadership & Administration

• Directs, manages, and supervises all operations and personnel of the Conneaut Fire & Rescue Department.
• Establishes departmental policies, procedures, rules, and operational guidelines consistent with City policy and applicable laws.
• Exercises command authority at emergency incidents and may delegate operational authority as appropriate to the Assistant Chief and shift captains.
• Evaluates departmental performance and implements improvements to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and safety. Fire Suppression & Emergency Response
• Oversees fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue operations, hazardous materials response, and disaster response.
• Ensures readiness and proper staffing of apparatus, equipment, and facilities.
• Develops and maintains emergency response plans and standard operating procedures.
• Coordinates mutual aid agreements and regional emergency response activities. Personnel Management
• With guidance and from the Assistant Chief, recruits, appoints, trains, disciplines, and evaluates department personnel in accordance with City policy and applicable labor agreements.
• Promotes firefighter health, safety, and wellness programs with a strong focus on mental health and well-being.
• Oversees labor relations and works collaboratively with the IAFF Local (Conneaut Firefighters Local 651)
• Ensures compliance with civil service requirements where applicable to classified personnel. Training & Professional Standards
• Establishes and oversees training programs to ensure compliance with Ohio Fire Code, NFPA, FEMA, EMS standards, and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Ensures department personnel maintain required certifications and continuing education.
• Promotes professional development and leadership training within the department. Budget & Resource Management
• Prepares and administers the Fire Department's operating and capital budgets.
• Delegates and oversees procurement, maintenance, and replacement of apparatus, equipment, and facilities.
• Identifies funding opportunities, including grants and regional partnerships in collaboration with staff.
• Ensures responsible stewardship of departmental resources. Fire Prevention & Life Safety
• Oversees fire prevention, inspection, code enforcement, and public education programs as assigned by policy.
• Coordinates fire investigation activities in cooperation with law enforcement and state agencies.
• Promotes community risk reduction initiatives. Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
• Ensures compliance with Ohio Revised Code, Ohio Fire Code, EMS regulations, OSHA standards, and applicable federal requirements.
• Oversees departmental safety programs and risk management practices.
• Coordinates inspections, audits, and reporting requirements. Emergency Management & Intergovernmental Coordination
• Participates in emergency management planning and disaster preparedness with regional partners.
• Serves as the City's representative to county, regional, state, and federal emergency response agencies.
• Coordinates with police, public service, and other departments during emergency incidents. Public & Executive Relations
• Advises the City Manager and City Council on fire protection, EMS, and emergency response matters.
• Prepares reports, recommendations, and presentations.
• Serves as a visible and professional representative of the Fire Department to the public. Other Duties
• Performs other duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position as assigned by the City Manager. Succession Planning & Leadership Development
• Establishes and maintains a formal succession planning program to ensure continuity of leadership, operational readiness, and institutional knowledge within the Conneaut Fire Department.
• Identifies critical positions and competencies necessary for effective department operations and emergency response, with particular emphasis on part-time and water rescue operations promulgation.
• Develops training, mentoring, and professional development opportunities to prepare qualified personnel for future supervisory, command, and executive roles.
• Encourages cross-training and knowledge transfer to support operational resilience and continuity of services.
• Collaborates with the City Manager, Finance Director and Human Resources to plan for anticipated retirements, vacancies, and organizational transitions.
• Recommends interim command structures and emergency delegation of authority to ensure uninterrupted department leadership during absences or vacancies.
• Supports long-term workforce planning consistent with City goals, budgetary considerations, and applicable labor agreements.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Minimum 10 Years Fire/EMS Experience with documented supervisory experience at the shift commander level or higher.
• Minimum 5 Years (preferred) performing Fire/EMS instruction at a fire department or joint vocational school or community college.

Required Certifications:

Firefighter II, EMT-B or Paramedic; Fire Safety Inspector, Fire and Emergency Service Instructor, Valid Ohio Driver's License. Other Certifications (Recommended but not needed for consideration): Live Fire Instructor, Ohio Fire Executive (OFE) Certification, Fire Officer I and

II, FEMA IS-100

(ICS-100), FEMA

IS-200, FEMA G-300, FEMA IS-700, FEMA

I5-800.A, HazMat/WMD/PPE Awareness & Operations Certification; Active participation in a training schedule of advanced firefighting or any equivalent combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of modern fire suppression, EMS, and rescue operations.
• Knowledge of Ohio fire, EMS, and emergency management laws and standards.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to command emergency incidents under stressful conditions.
• Ability to manage personnel, budgets, and complex operations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with elected officials, staff, mutual aid partners, and the public. Work Environment & Physical Requirements
• Combination of administrative office work and active emergency response.
• Subject to emergency call-out, after-hours work, and exposure to hazardous conditions.
• Must meet physical requirements necessary to perform essential fire service functions. Compensation
• Salary and benefits established by Ordinance of City Council.
• Position serves at the pleasure of the City Manager.