Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
DEFINITION
Direct, manage, supervise, and coordinate the activities of an assigned division within the Fire Department; plan, organize, and direct major programs and initiatives; supervise the day-to-day operations of a modern full-service fire department; manage personnel, resources, and budgets; develop and implement policies and procedures; participate in strategic planning and organizational development; provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Fire Chief; and assume command of the Department in the absence of the Fire Chief.
JOB CLASSIFICATION
Exempt, Safety Sensitive.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives administrative direction from the Fire Chief.
Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, uniformed, and clerical staff.
PRIMARY DUTIES--The following are examples of primary duties assigned to positions in this classification. Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
1. Direct and coordinate the activities of an assigned division; oversee day-to-day operations; plan and lead major programs and initiatives; and ensure resources and priorities are aligned to meet department objectives
2. Supervise department members; provide coaching, mentoring, and leadership development; evaluate performance; ensure required certifications are maintained; and administer corrective action and discipline as appropriate.
3. Participate in department administration including development of strategic goals, operational plans, policies, and procedures; support long-range planning and organizational development initiatives.
4. Develop, review, implement, and evaluate departmental policies, standard operating guidelines, and procedures.
5. Prepare, review, and approve reports and documentation related to incidents, EMS operations, training, inspections, and investigations, including matters requiring formal review; respond to and resolve sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints both orally and in writing.
6. Oversee the preparation and administration of division budgets; coordinate with finance staff; monitor expenditures and recommend adjustments as necessary.
7. Conduct organizational, operational, and performance studies; evaluate service delivery methods, staffing, and deployment; recommend improvements.
8. Represent the Department at meetings with City Council, City Administration, community organizations, media, and other governmental or regulatory agencies; prepare and present reports and recommendations.
9. Attend professional meetings and training to remain current on fire service trends, standards, and innovations.
10. Respond to significant incidents as needed; function with Incident Command Structure (ICS) in a command or support role; and support coordination, continuity of operations, and after-action review.
11. Serve as Fire Chief when assigned.
When assigned as Deputy Chief of Administration:
1. Oversee department-wide budget development and administration, including forecasting staffing, equipment, materials, and capital needs.
2. Coordinate development, application, implementation, and compliance of local, state, and federal grants.
3. Oversee special projects and capital improvements, including fire station design and construction; coordinate with consultants, architects, and contractors.
4. Manage records retention, storage, and archiving systems in accordance with applicable requirements.
5. Review and approve apparatus and equipment specifications; oversee purchasing processes and contract management; monitor vendor performance and lifecycle considerations; and ensure applicable testing, maintenance, and training requirements are met.
6. Oversee administration functions of Fire Prevention, including program planning, development, inspection program administration, ordinance and code support, and public education initiatives.
7. Facilitate and manage mutual aid and automatic aid agreements, including coordination, documentation, and periodic review.
8. Oversee cost recovery programs and other assigned administrative contracts.
When assigned as Deputy Chief of Operations:
1. Oversee emergency response operations and ensure consistent application of operational policies across shifts.
2. Develop and coordinate emergency preparedness and operational readiness programs in collaboration with City, County, regional, and partner agencies.
3. Oversee emergency medical services operations; ensure compliance with applicable laws and licensing requirements; coordinate EMS billing oversight.
4. Monitor staffing levels, unit availability and apparatus readiness; coordinate fleet and facility maintenance; conduct utilization analysis and recommend resource allocation adjustments.
5. Oversee recruitment, testing, training, safety, and professional development programs; ensure compliance with departmental training standards and regulatory requirements, including ICS and emergency management protocols
6. Oversee dispatch and communications policies and procedures.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Operational characteristics of modern fire suppression, prevention, EMS, and emergency management programs.
Fire prevention theory, principles, and practices.
Principles and practices of providing emergency response.
Emergency response and incident command systems.
Apparatus and equipment capabilities and maintenance standards.
Organization and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational issues.
Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
Program development and public administration practices.
Principles of budget preparation and financial oversight.
Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Training methods and instructional techniques.
Ability to:
Oversee and participate in the management of a comprehensive Fire Department division.
Supervise and evaluate personnel under routine and emergency conditions.
Oversee, direct and coordinate the work of lower-level staff.
Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff; supervise subordinates under normal and emergency conditions.
Develop and implement effective training programs.
Participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives and procedures.
Develop and implement strategic initiatives.
Prepare and administer complex budgets.
Analyze operational issues and implement effective solutions.
Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Speak, read, write, and comprehend the English language at a level necessary to accomplish job requirements.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Assume command authority during major incidents.
Maintain operational competency sufficient to safely participate in emergency response activities.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Minimum Requirements:
Experience:
Five (5) years of increasingly responsible fire suppression, prevention and EMS experience including two (2) years of supervisory experience at the rank of Battalion Chief within the Operations Division.
Education:
Associates degree in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Public Administration, business or a related field.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
License or Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado driver's license.
Fire Officer I (Fire Officer III preferred).
Hazardous Materials Operations, ICS-300 (ICS-400 preferred).
Possession of, or ability to obtain, the City of Grand Junction Leadership Track certification within two (2) years of appointment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
Office environment; exposure to computer screens.
Emergency firefighting environment.
Physical Conditions:
The job is characterized by:
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
The following physical activities are very or extremely important in accomplishing the job’s purpose and are performed on a daily basis:
Primary functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time; directing activities in a major emergency situation; operating motorized equipment and vehicles.