Deputy Fire Chief of Community Risk Reduction

Deputy Fire Chief of Community Risk Reduction The City of Alexandria is in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. About one-quarter of the City's square miles have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Deputy Chief position. An Overview The Deputy Chief of Community Risk Reduction assists the Assistant Fire Chief or Fire Chief in overall division operations for the Fire Department and is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating programs and services. Responsible for a division, the Deputy Chief will determine operational methodologies, commit resources, and develop effective strategies to support the direction and mission. This position may serve as a liaison between the Department and other jurisdictions, committees, and outside agencies; providing highly responsible and complex administrative support; as well as representing the Department in the absence of the Assistant Fire Chief. Work will be evaluated by an Assistant Fire Chief or Fire Chief. The Opportunity

• Oversee a major division or functional area of the Fire Department including personnel management, development of plans and objectives for improving the level of operations, support services, and ensuring compliance within established rules, regulations, codes, policies and procedures.

Coordinates and supports new initiatives and evaluates current policy and procedures with the Assistant Fire Chief. Monitors and ensures Federal, State and City-wide reporting requirements are being met.

• Manages the department's Fire Marshal's Office for fire investigations and reducing the community's risk through inspections for compliance with fire codes, issuance of fire prevention and other fire code permits, and community education and fire prevention
• Performs the duties and responsibilities as the Fire Marshall and Fire Code Official of the department.
• Ensures the City Code reflects currency with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code; duties of the fire official, fire marshal, assistant fire marshal, deputy fire marshals, and inspectors are relevant; and specific City fire code provisions and changes in the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code are relevant.

Oversee the revenue generated from fire prevention permit and fire protection systems retesting fees in the fire operating budget.

• Ensures City-wide service delivery of prompt, effective and professional emergency services through proper scheduling and staffing of personnel, and by proper allocation of related resources.

Responds to major fire, emergency medical service, rescue incidents, and other emergency service calls; operates in an incident command structure (may assume command and generals staff positions as needed).Serves as a staff duty officer on a rotational basis. Serves as department representative in the emergency operations center (as needed).

• Procures and maintains facilities, offices, supplies, equipment, and apparatus that supports the division. This includes conducting and/or overseeing inspections of assets, resources, and vehicles for operational readiness. Develops the training and needs assessments for their assigned division.
• Communicates performance expectations, evaluates performance in a timely manner. Provides feedback and guidance to employees by recommending training and education, administering corrective action, coaching, and counseling team members .Addresses employee personal/performance issues, conflict management, and participates in the grievance process.
• Assists in the development, administration and monitoring of the division budget including providing background information and data interpretation.

Prepares and reviews forms, reports, schedules and other administrative documents in order to brief Assistant Fire Chief(s) or the Fire Chief routinely on division matters. Coordinates and communicates with fellow division leadership on matters related to, but not limited to, accidents, injuries, loss or damage to property, etc.

• Keeps abreast of new developments and public safety changes related to departmental operations. Coordinates training and educational opportunities to keep staff current with latest management, leadership, and technological advances. Evaluates and manages training and development programs, policies, and initiatives.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

What You Should Bring We're looking for a proven professional leader with energy, vision, desire, and passion to help lead our department. The position requires strong division management performing a wide range of complex duties involving strategic development, communication, and partnership. This includes providing leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion as a major component in fire department professional development, training, and administrative and operational activities. About the Department "Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other" The Alexandria Fire Department provides fire, emergency medical services, and special operations such as technical rescue, hazardous materials and marine response operations with additional capabilities including fire prevention, inspections, protection, and investigation to a 15 square mile city. The Alexandria Fire Department employs more than 350 personnel, which include firefighters, paramedics, fire prevention staff and administrative support. A network of ten stations protects 15 square miles. Among the department's specialized teams are the Northern Virginia Regional Hazardous Materials Team, Technical Rescue, Marine Operations, and the Special Operations Team. The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is also a city-wide function within the Alexandria Fire Department. Candidates for this class must have HS Diploma, GED or equivalent; 30 credits at an accredited college or university and have completed all certification requirements listed in this section. Must successfully complete a criminal background check, pass a drug test and pass an

NFPA 1582

medical physical. Must have two years of experience at the level of battalion chief or greater in a local or municipal fire/emergency services department of comparable or greater size than Alexandria, including demonstrated executive-level competence (command, operations, planning, logistics or administration); or an equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Employees must possess a valid driver's license issued by the state of their residence. Other Certifications and/or Requirements by

Specialty/Division Area:

Community Risk Reduction Must have two years of supervisory experience in fire inspections and investigations in a state, local, or municipal organization comparable or greater size than Alexandria Must be able to obtain and maintain the following certifications: NFPA 1031, Fire Inspector (VDFP or ability to obtain reciprocity) NFPA 1033, Fire Investigator (VDFP or ability of obtain reciprocity) Environmental Investigations from the Virginia Fire Marshal Academy is preferred Basic Law Enforcement for Fire Marshals for the Virginia Fire Marshal Academy or other law enforcement officer certification that satisfies the police powers training requirement to determine equivalency by the Department of Fire Programs in cooperation with the Department of Criminal Justice Services. Core Module and Advanced Official Module from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development within 180 days of appointment. Fire Official certification from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development within 1 year of appointment. Environmental Investigations from the Virginia Fire Marshal Academy. Any other background investigations as required.