Title:
Fire Chief

Job Purpose:
Under general administrative direction from the City Manager, the Fire Chief performs a variety of technical, administrative, supervisory, and operational duties in planning, organizing, directing, and implementing fire prevention, suppression, emergency preparedness, and code enforcement to prevent or minimize the loss of life and property from fire and rescue conditions.

In addition to the administrative responsibilities enumerated herein, the Fire Chief is required to actively respond to and command emergency incidents — including, but not specifically limited to any structure fires, vehicle extractions, rescues, hazardous materials incidents, and other emergencies — at any hour, including nights, weekends, and holidays. At any time, the Fire Chief is unavailable, response coverage shall be arranged with other qualified command staff, provided such coverage meets department response standards. The Chief is the top supervisory position in the Department, in addition to performing hands-on fire and rescue duties.

Classification:
Overtime Exempt (Salary)

Compensation:
See Salary and Compensation Plan for Non-Elected Offices & Employees of the City

Reports to:
City Manager and City Commission

Supervisory Responsibilities:
The Fire Chief shall act as the direct supervisor for all full-time, part-time, and any volunteer/contracted individuals providing firefighting services to the Fulton fire department.

Required Education, Experience & Certifications:
1. High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate.

2. Three (3) years demonstrated experience in fire suppression and rescue.

3. Three (3) years demonstrated management or high-level administrative experience.

4. Must possess and maintain a valid vehicle operator's license.

5. Possess, or demonstrate the ability to obtain and maintain, Kentucky Level 400 Certification through the Kentucky Fire Commission.

6. Must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening.

7. Must be able to meet the physical and response-time demands of 24/7/365 emergency call-back, including reliably reaching the scene of an incident or the fire station within the department's required response window at all hours.

Preferred Education, Experience & Certifications:
1. Bachelor’s degree in fire science, fire administration, fire protection engineering, emergency management or a related field.
2. KY Fire Instructor Certification
3. KY EMS Licensure or the ability to obtain.
4. Commercial Driver’s License (not required)
NOTE: Any combination of demonstrated experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities will be considered.

Essential Functions:
1. Assume full management responsibility for all Fire Department services and activities in accordance with all applicable laws and standards, including engineering and maintenance operations; recommend and administer policies and procedures. This includes fire suppression, vehicle extraction & light rescue, low-angle rescue, fire public education, code enforcement, fire safety & pre-planning inspections, and hazardous materials awareness response.

2. Manage the development and implementation of the Fire Department's goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area; establish, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; allocate resources accordingly.

3. Manage Building and Fire Code Enforcement to enhance the health, safety and sustainability of the community.

4. Represent the Fire Department to other City departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explain, and justify Fire Department programs, policies, and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive, significant, and controversial issues/complaints.

5. Train, motivate, and evaluate Fire Department and Code Enforcement full-time staff and volunteers; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; recommend discipline and termination measures according to City policy.

6. Administer the Fire Department budget; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; direct the monitoring of and approve purchase orders per City policy; direct the preparation and request budgetary adjustments as necessary.

7. Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; direct the implementation of changes

8. Responsible for enforcement of the National Fire Protection Association Code and the Kentucky Standards of Safety (Fire Prevention Code), as promulgated in 815 KAR 10:060 by the Commissioner of the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction.

9. Maintain all firefighter qualifications and abilities as required by the Kentucky Fire Commission.

10. Remain competent and active in all phases of firefighting, including equipment operation, first aid, correct ingress and egress, and all other firefighting practices.
11. . Communicate clearly and comprehend communication from others, in person or by two-way radio.

12. Maintain confidentiality, including information protected under the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA).

13. Establish policies and procedures to provide the highest possible degree of fire control and prevention with the personnel and equipment available.

14. Periodically inspect the fire station to ensure adherence to department rules and regulations regarding firefighting readiness.

15. Respond in person to incidents at any hour, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and direct on-scene command activities; when the Chief is unavailable, arrange for coverage of this responsibility with another qualified command staff member.
16. Respond to alarms and direct activities at the scene of emergencies, as required; inspect property for fire dangers and damage.

17. Oversee all firefighting operations and fire prevention procedures, including but not limited to disaster relief and prevention, hazardous materials, flooding and flood damage prevention, and safety and risk management.

18. Coordinate Mutual Aid Agreements with local fire departments.

19. Ensure apparatus is always in good working order.

20. Maintain and implement city disaster preparedness plans.

21. Supervise the development and enforcement of regulatory ordinances and codes regarding fire prevention and community safety.

22. Provide guidance to department officers in the planning and implementation of operations, programs, training, and personnel management.
23. . Enter smoke-filled or burning structures to search for and remove victims from danger.

24. Provide on-scene senior-level guidance during major fires, natural disasters, and domestic incidents in the City, regardless of day or time of occurrence.

25. Use public speaking opportunities to ensure the general public is aware of the capabilities and limitations of the fire department.

26. Check and approve adequate water supply and pressure for firefighting in cooperation with other agencies.

27. Supervise the installation, testing, maintenance, and repair of firefighting equipment and apparatus.

28. Oversee investigations of fires to determine origin and cause, including suspected arson.

29. Facilitate arrests, through the Fulton Police Department, associated with fire investigations, and testify in court.

30. Serve as the Department's primary on-call command officer, maintaining availability to respond to structure fires, rescues, hazardous materials incidents, and other emergencies outside normal business hours. Coordinate with other qualified command staff to establish and maintain after-hours coverage schedules, ensuring continuous command availability when the Chief is off-duty, on leave, or otherwise unavailable.

31. Perform related duties as assigned.

Non-essential Functions:

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of fire management, including the characteristics, behavior, and ecology of fire; methodologies, strategies, and equipment used in prescribed fires; fire detection, prevention, and suppression strategies; and integration of fire with natural resource management.

2. Knowledge of planning, coordination, and execution of business functions, resource allocation, and public services delivery.

3. Knowledge and ability to perform computations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division correctly.

4. Thorough and conscientious about attending to detail when performing work.

5. Ability to identify and take steps to prevent potential situations that could result in unpleasant confrontations. Manages and resolves conflicts and disagreements in a positive and constructive manner to minimize negative impact.

6. Ability to grasp the essence of new information; master new technical and business knowledge; recognize own strengths and weaknesses; pursue self-development; seek feedback from others and opportunities to master new knowledge. Able to adjust rapidly to new situations warranting attention and resolution.

7. Knowledge of various types of contracts, techniques for contracting or procurement, and contract negotiation and administration.

8. Works with citizens and customers (any individuals who use or receive the services or products the department produces, including the public, individuals who work in the City, and other agencies or organizations outside the City) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; committed to providing quality products and services.

9. Ability to exercise good judgment by making sound and well-informed decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; makes effective and timely decisions, even when data is limited or solutions produce unpleasant consequences; proactive and achievement-oriented.

10. Ability to maintain high standards of ethical conduct and understand the impact of violating these standards on the City, self, and others; chooses an ethical course of action; trustworthy.

11. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs, feelings, and capabilities of different people in different situations; tactful, compassionate, and sensitive, and treats others with respect.

12. Ability to be sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, and other individual differences in the workforce; manages workforce diversity.

13. Knowledge of computers, mobile devices, and operating systems and their applications.

14. Knowledge of the Fire Department's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work and operate effectively within the department.

15. Ability to understand and interpret written material, including technical materials, rules, regulations, instructions, reports, charts, graphs, or tables; applies what is learned from written material to specific situations.

16. Demonstrates belief in own abilities and ideas; self-motivated and results-oriented; recognizes own strengths and weaknesses; seeks feedback from others and opportunities for self-learning and development.

17. Ability to create and sustain a departmental culture that permits others to provide the quality of service essential to high performance. Enables others to acquire the tools and support they need to perform well. Demonstrates a commitment to public service.

18. Uses efficient and cost-effective approaches to integrate technology into the workplace and improve effectiveness.

19. Extensive knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the various apparatus and specialized equipment used in firefighting activities, together with the ability to supervise their effective use.

20. Thorough knowledge of the locations of streets, fire hydrants, fire wells, and similar water sources in the municipal area.

21. Considerable knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, departmental standard operating procedures, and regulations.

22. Skill in the operation of tools and equipment typically used in fire and rescue operations.

23. Ability to successfully recruit, select, train, and supervise Fire Department personnel.

24. Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally.

25. Ability to effectively give and receive verbal and written instructions.

26. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, supervisors, and the public.

27. Ability to work effectively and efficiently in high-stress and conflict situations.

28. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices involved in instructing and training firefighters, both in theory and in practical application.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible schedule
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan
Vision insurance

Education:

High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

Firefighters: 3 years (Required)

Willingness to travel:

25% (Required)

Work Location: In person

City of Fulton

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