Deputy Fire Chief

General Functions

Assists the Fire Chief with managing and supervising the fire and rescue services, including personnel, training, and operations.

Job Functions And Major Activities

• Supervises and directs all paid and volunteer emergency services personnel in the performance of their duties in fire and rescue services, including, but not limited to: structural fire suppression, marine firefighting, wildland fire suppression, airport fire protection, vehicle firefighting, extrication and disentanglement, rope rescue, hazardous materials response and operations, confined space rescue, fire cause investigation/determination and inspection.
• Makes recommendations in the hiring, promotion and termination of volunteer and career personnel.
• Makes recommendations to the Fire Chief in the development and implementation of standard operating guidelines, standards and recommendations for fire and rescue service practices.
• Manages the health and safety program for assigned personnel.
• Aids the Fire Chief with plan reviews and building and fire code recommendations.
• Aids the Fire Chief in preparation of the Fire Department budget.
• Responsible for the recruitment and retention of volunteer emergency service personnel.
• Develops and supervises the delivery of training programs for emergency service personnel.
• Responds to emergency service calls as needed and may assume command at major alarms.
• Responsible for the care, maintenance, cleanliness and readiness of all fire and rescue service fire department apparatus, equipment and facilities.
• Reviews fire service run reports for quality assurance and quality control, maintains records and reports of fire service activities NFIRS in accordance with generally accepted standards and applicable regulations or guidelines.
• Aids in the delivery of public education, injury prevention programs, and community outreach.
• Performs the duties of the Fire Chief in his/her absence.
• Performs other duties as required by the department or as prescribed by the Fire Chief.

Skills, Knowledge And Abilities

• Eight years' experience and extensive knowledge of emergency services, including fire and rescue services with at least three years at Captain or higher rank.
• Certified as an IFSAC or Pro Board Firefighter II, Certified in Methods of Instruction in Fire with demonstrated instructor competency, EMS experience required (EMT II/III/or paramedic preferred).
• Associates Degree in Fire Science, Business, Emergency Management or similar field, or equivalent in experience.
• Enrollment in or graduation from the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program preferred.
• Experience with combination (paid/volunteer) departments desired.
• Strong interpersonal skills required for training and working with volunteers.
• Decision Making Responsibilities Requires ability to exercise independent judgment in the performance of all aspects of duties. Develops procedures at the department level. Responsible for decisions which may involve possible loss of life or destruction of property. Activities are a major source of potential liability to the city.

Supervisory Authority

Supervises all paid and volunteer emergency service personnel assigned to assist in emergency service activities.

External Visibility/Contact

Moderate frequency of contact with key City personnel and frequency of presentations and attendance at public meetings. High frequency of contact with government officials, contact with key service personnel. High frequency of contact with general public.

Working Conditions

• High frequency of exposure to hazardous situations in the performance of firefighter and EMS duties.
• Be able to bend, lift overhead, and work in confined spaces.
• Must be able to meet the fire department's EMS and Firefighter Physical Abilities Test as defined in Homer Fire department policy.
• Must be able to pass the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) physical.
• Moderate exposure to adverse weather conditions.
• May be required to work irregular hours, holidays and overtime.
• On-call by pager/radio for emergency calls as required.