SUSQUEHANNA TOWNSHIP ASSISTANT CHIEF 84 - FIRE-RESCUE JOB DESCRIPTION
Position:
Assistant Chief 84
Department:
Fire-Rescue Services Reports:
Township Fire Chief Status:
Full-Time Union Status:
Non-Union Salary:
$82,000- $85,000 Position Summary The Assistant Chief 84 (AC84) serves as an operational member of Susquehanna Township Fire-Rescue Services and responds to emergency incidents as a chief officer, apparatus driver/operator, or in another assigned capacity. AC84 is responsible for supporting staffing coordination and personnel tracking and for maintaining the operational readiness, reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance of Township fire apparatus and emergency response vehicles. The position serves as the primary coordinator for fleet maintenance and repair activities and works closely with the Township Fire Chief and Company Chiefs to keep apparatus ready for emergency response. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Fire Department Operations
- Identify staffing needs and track part-time firefighter positions to maximize operational coverage within FLSA and budgetary requirements.
- Communicate with Township and regional fire chiefs regarding staffing and apparatus needs.
- Respond to emergency incidents as a chief officer, apparatus driver/operator, or in another assigned position, as needed.
- Participate in department drills, training programs, and operational-readiness activities at the direction of the Township Fire Chief.
- Coordinate apparatus inspections, equipment testing, and station-maintenance activities.
- Support emergency operations during large-scale incidents, special events, and emergency deployments within a unified command structure.
- Remain familiar with department standard operating procedures, response plans, and operational guidelines and update those standards as warranted.
- Assist the Township Fire Chief with public-safety education programs.
- Assist with the development of budget information and emergency procurement needs.
- In the absence of the Township Fire Chief, ensure that line-of-duty injuries and accidents are reported completely and promptly to Township Administration.
- Serve on the Township's emergency medical services operation at a minimum of the staffer level, or higher, as required. Fleet Maintenance and Readiness
- Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive preventive-maintenance program for fire apparatus, staff vehicles, trailers, generators, pumps, and related equipment.
- Ensure routine inspections and testing of fire apparatus and emergency equipment to maintain operational readiness.
- Coordinate and schedule maintenance, service, inspections, warranty work, and repairs with the Township Fire Chief, Company Chiefs, and Public Works.
- Maintain accurate service records, maintenance logs, inspection reports, warranty documentation, and repair histories for all fleet assets.
- Monitor apparatus performance and identify trends involving reliability, efficiency, and operational deficiencies.
- Provide written and verbal reports regarding fleet condition, deficiencies, and recommended corrective actions.
- Research and recommend equipment upgrades, replacement schedules, and cost-effective maintenance solutions.
- Coordinate specialized services with outside vendors, dealerships, and Township repair facilities.
- Ensure compliance with applicable NFPA standards, Pennsylvania regulations, manufacturer specifications, and Township policies.
- Provide recommendations regarding fleet operations, maintenance priorities, apparatus replacement schedules, and budget planning. Mechanical Duties
- Within the limits of the employee's training, diagnose, repair, and maintain diesel engines, small engines, pumps, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, aerial devices, braking systems, and vehicle drivetrains.
- Recognize professional or technical limitations and coordinate needed work with the Public Works Department or an appropriate outside repair facility.
- Perform routine maintenance, including lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacement, and preventive servicing.
- Conduct emergency field repairs when necessary to restore apparatus to service.
- Operate diagnostic equipment and maintenance tools needed for apparatus repair and troubleshooting.
- Perform work within other Township departments when required by emergency or operational needs.
- Perform all duties in accordance with established safety standards, Township policies, and applicable federal and state regulations; properly use required personal protective equipment; and promptly report unsafe conditions or incidents.
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned to support Fire-Rescue Services and Township operations.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications Education, Experience, Licenses, and Certifications Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in this job description.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- At least four years of experience as a firefighter and three years of experience as an apparatus driver; minimum age of 25.
- NFPA Firefighter II certification.
NFPA 1002
Driver/Operator - Pumper certification.
NFPA 1002
Driver/Operator - Aerial Apparatus certification.
- NFPA Fire Officer I certification.
- Current Hazardous Materials Operations certification.
- Current CPR/AED certification.
- Demonstrated experience with pump calculations and equations.
- Valid Pennsylvania driver's license.
- Ability to satisfy and maintain Township criminal-background requirements.
- Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class A, within one year of hire.
- IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800 certifications.
- Ability to obtain and maintain any licenses or certifications required by the Township. Preferred Qualifications
- NFPA Fire Officer II certification or higher.
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.
- ASE certifications or equivalent mechanical certifications.
- Experience maintaining fire apparatus and emergency vehicles.
- ICS-300 certification.
- Experience with hydraulic, electrical, and aerial apparatus systems. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Thorough knowledge of fire apparatus construction, operation, and maintenance.
- General knowledge of diesel engines, small engines, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and emergency-vehicle components.
- Ability to develop and manage preventive-maintenance schedules.
- Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.
- Ability to prepare clear maintenance reports and recommendations.
- Ability to communicate effectively with fire-service members, leadership, vendors, and Township officials.
- Ability to perform physically demanding tasks in emergency-response and maintenance environments.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound judgment during emergency and routine operations. Work Schedule and Emergency Response
- The standard work schedule is forty (40) hours per week. The schedule may be adjusted based on the operational needs of Township Fire-Rescue Services.
- Evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required as operational needs dictate.
- The position is subject to emergency call-back for apparatus failures, emergency field repairs, major incidents, and weather events.
- The employee must be available to respond to fire and rescue incidents outside normal working hours when requested.
Supervision and Essential-Employee Designation The position works under the general direction of the Township Fire Chief and coordinates daily fleet-maintenance activities with Company Chiefs and Company officers. The employee may work within other Township departments at the direction of the Township Manager, Public Safety Director, or Township Fire Chief. Employees in this classification are designated as emergency/essential employees of the Township and may be required to work overtime or respond to emergency operational needs. Physical Requirements
- Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment physical consistent with applicable NFPA requirements.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull equipment weighing up to 75 pounds with assistance.
- Ability to work in confined spaces, elevated work areas, and adverse weather conditions.
- Ability to perform duties require bending, climbing, kneeling, crawling, prolonged standing, and repetitive movement.
- Ability to meet the physical requirements established for active firefighters within the department, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The Township is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and federal law, reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position. Disclaimer This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary.
Pay:
From $82,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Application Question(s): NFPA Firefighter I & II Certification Current Hazardous Materials Operations Certification
NFPA 1002
Driver/Operator Pumper Certification
NFPA 1002
Driver/Operator Aerial Apparatus Certification Experience:
Fire Fighter:
4 years (Preferred)
Apparatus Driver:
3 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
EMT Certification (Required) ICS-300 Certification (Required) ASE Certification or Equivalent Mechanical Certification (Required)
Work Location:
In person