JOB SUMMARY

The Fire Chief is responsible for the planning, direction, and coordination of all fire suppression and emergency medical services activities for the City, including supervision of career and part-time personnel, management of the department's budget, facilities and equipment, and development of departmental policy recommendations to the City Manager. The Fire Chief serves as a member of the City's Executive Team and represents the department before City Council and the public.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Plans, assigns, and directs all activities of the department. Develops goals, objectives, and performance measures for the department. Prepares and administers the department's annual operating and capital budgets. Makes managerial, technical, and operational recommendations to the City Manager. Prepares and presents administrative, technical, and financial reports to the City Manager and City Council. Oversees emergency medical services operations, including ambulance staffing, response performance, and service level improvement. Maintains the department's working relationship with the EMS Medical Director and ensures compliance with clinical protocols and medical oversight requirements. Oversees the department's EMS billing and collections vendor relationship and monitors related contract performance. Plans and directs training programs for career and part-time personnel. Recruits, develops, and retains qualified department personnel, including succession planning for key positions. Establishes, enforces, and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal rules and regulations governing fire and EMS operations. Responsible for the maintenance and readiness of facilities, apparatus, and equipment. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with area fire departments, allied agencies, and mutual aid partners. Oversees coordination between the Fire Department and the Fire Marshal's office, including official records, public information, and procurement. Monitors and reports on department performance and service levels using available operational data. Functions as a member of the command staff during emergency incidents, declared emergencies, and other significant events requiring activation of the Incident Command System (ICS/NIMS). Responds to and/or oversees responses to citizen, employee, and media inquiries, complaints, and concerns related to departmental issues.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Regularly works in an outdoor environment subject to extreme temperatures, inclement weather, and intermittent exposure to dust, fumes, smoke, and high noise levels.

May be required to stand, walk, kneel, stoop, climb, bend, and work in awkward positions for prolonged periods.

May be required to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move equipment and objects consistent with the essential functions of emergency response duties.

Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including responding to emergency scenes, wearing required personal protective equipment, and operating in an emergency environment.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, CERTIFICATES, AND/OR LICENSE

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in fire science, public administration, emergency management, or a related field is required. A Master's Degree, Executive Fire Officer (EFO), or Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation is desirable.

Minimum of ten years of fire service experience, including at least five years in a command-level position (Battalion Chief, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, or Chief) in a career or combination fire department.

Must be certified, or eligible for certification, as Structure Fire Protection Personnel by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP). Head of Department - Suppression certification is desirable.

Paramedic certification preferred. At minimum, must hold current EMT certification and demonstrate strong working knowledge of EMS operations.

Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS

Thorough knowledge of modern municipal fire and EMS administration, operations, and management practices, including budgeting and personnel management in a combination (career and part-time) department.

Working knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, codes, and ordinances governing fire and EMS activities.

Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a diverse workforce, exercise sound judgment under pressure, and build effective working relationships with staff, city departments, Council, and the community.

Strong analytical ability, including the ability to use operational and performance data to inform decisions and reporting.

Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the demonstrated ability to prepare and present comprehensive reports to City Council and other public bodies.