Effective: 3/1/2015 Revised: 4/14/2017 Approved: R.N. West, Fire Chief DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by fire department personnel in this class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. DEFINITION Under administrative direction, assists in the general management of the Fire Department through supervision and evaluation of various divisions. Primary responsibilities include conducting department administrative requirements, planning and managing activities related to: fire inspections, code enforcement, fire investigations, fire suppression, fire training, fire prevention, emergency preparedness, health and safety protocol and performing other related duties as assigned. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The is distinguished from other employee s in that an employee in this class is directly responsible for the supervision, management, evaluation and coordination of the overall activities of the shift personnel and daily activities within the Fire Department in the absence of the Fire Chief. The Deputy Chief is also responsible for representing the Department in matters of policy, rules, regulations and laws. The serves as the Acting Fire Chief as assigned. In addition, the serves as the primary Fire Inspector/ and Code Enforcement Officer. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Reports directly to and receives administrative direction from the Fire Chief. Exercises administrative and department operations direction over the career and volunteer department members as required. EXAMPLES OF PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES--Important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential duties and responsibilities: NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees in this classification may also be required to perform other related duties as assigned by the Fire Chief. 1) Responds to major alarms as necessary. Responds quickly and safely; effectively manages the mitigation of emergency incidents. 2) Manages the department s Records Management System (RMS) and completes monthly emergency and nonemergency activity reports, incident response reports, and data management as directive by the Fire Chief.
3) Manages activities related to the Insurance Services Rating (ISO). Ensures that all requirements related to the department s insurance rating are completed and documented accurately to properly insure the Office of State Fire Marshal requirements are satisfied. 4) Manages activities related to Fire Code Enforcement and Fire Education Programs. Conducts required fire inspections. Ensures that requirements related to the departments Fire Marshal Services are completed and documented accurately to properly insure the Office of State Fire Marshal requirements are satisfied. 5) Manages activities related to Volunteer Firefighter Services. Conducts volunteer coordination and acts as a liaison to satisfy the needs of volunteer firefighters. Conducts recruitment and retention activities and quality assurance programs. Responsible for new recruit applications and orientation procedures. 6) Assists with activities related to purchasing and invoicing and helps to manage the department s annual budget; Complete and administered within the established goals. 7) Manages activities and programs related to the departments Information Technology (IT) Systems. 8) Manages department activities and needs related to the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System. 9) Prepares and submits the required monthly NFIRS reports to the Office of State Fire Marshal. 10) Prepares memoranda, directives and a variety of technical reports and directives; documents are to be clear, concise, accurate and have no errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling. 11) Responds to complex requests for information and complaints. Responding to inquiries with customer service in mind. Information must be accurate and customer must be treated with respect and courtesy based on the fire department core values. 12) Serves as the Department Health and Safety Officer. Ensures that bi-monthly safety meetings are conducted. Further, ensures that all emergency and non-emergency department operations are conducted safely according to department policy, and that State and Federal safety standards are met. Develops and administers plans and procedures for firefighter fitness and wellness. 13) Assists in the development of the strategic planning processes, annual budgeting process, policy writing, and ensures application of goals, objectives and policies are complete. Ensures department policies are not open to interpretation and are uniformly adhered to throughout the organization. 14) Supervises and participates in investigating fires for cause and origin; Investigation documentation and reports are to be completed timely and accurately. 15) Administers and follows both the Town and Department rules and regulations; Maintains effective staff discipline, morale, and efficiency. 16) Attends and makes presentations at Staff, Town Council and professional association meetings; regular meeting attendance and effective communications are required. 17) Maintains open lines of communication and works effectively with staff and other Town departments. 18) Manages the assigned administrative activities of the department, consistently, and effectively. 19) Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Policies and procedures of the Town of Elizabethtown and the Fire Department. Management principles and practices necessary to plan, analyze, develop, and evaluate local and regional programs, administrative policies, organizational structures, and all-risk injury and life safety practices. Operation, maintenance and uses of modern firefighting apparatus and equipment. Operational characteristics, services and activities of comprehensive fire suppression and prevention programs and emergency medical services. Technical and administrative aspects of fire suppression, fire prevention and emergency medical services. Pertinent Federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations. Uniform Fire and Building Codes. Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and related software and equipment. Geography of Town and surrounding area. Specialized communications equipment. Building construction techniques and the consequence of each type on fire suppression and prevention activities. Safe work practices and procedures. English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Advanced principles and practices of budget preparation and administration. Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation. Business letter writing and report preparation. Ability to: Interact effectively with the public and town employees. Develop training programs and priorities; Develop lesson plans to train department members Instruct department personnel Maintain effective discipline and morale Develop and administer a comprehensive fire prevention program Interpret construction plans and specifications and develop and implement fire loss management policies and procedures Prepare accurate reports and keep accurate records Prepare short and long term strategic plans for the department Prepare and administer assigned portions of department budget. Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the Elizabethtown Fire Department.
Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations. Define problem areas; direct the collection, interpretation, and evaluation of data and development of sound solutions to technical and administrative fire/emergency management problems. Communicate effectively through oral presentations, written reports, and discussions with executive level staff, and other Federal, State, and local agencies, department, groups, and individuals. Work under stress and use good judgment in emergency situations. Deal tactfully and persuasively with others in controversial situations. Tactfully respond to requests and inquiries from the general public. Identify and respond to community and Town Council issues, concerns and needs. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including Town and other government officials, community groups, and the general public and media representatives. Develop, implement and administer goals, objectives and procedures for providing effective and efficient fire prevention, fire suppression and emergency medical services. Operate specialized emergency communications equipment. Safely operate department vehicles, apparatus and other emergency equipment. Prepare and administer a complex budget. Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of the department s goals. Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques. Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of supervisory, technical and clerical personnel; delegate authority and responsibility. Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff. Work irregular hours including weekends, holidays and extended hours in emergency, disaster or other situations influenced by workload or staffing difficulties. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Experience and Training Guidelines Any combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying; typical education would include a Bachelor's Degree, from a regionally accredited college or university, or equivalent college level courses in fire administration, suppression and fire prevention. Office of the State Fire Marshall certifications as a Fire Investigator, Fire Prevention Officer, Fire Instructor, and Chief Fire Officer is desirable. Typical experience would include ten years of progressive relevant experience in the fire service, including exposure to fire service administration activities, as well as all aspects of fire department operations, EMS, prevention, communications, training and disaster preparedness. A minimum of five years of supervisory experience.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: REQUIRED: NC Firefighter II NC EMT Basic (required before end of probationary period) NC Hazmat Level I NC Fire Inspector Level I NC Fire Officer Level I or educational equivalent Valid NC Driver s License PREFERED: Bachelor s Degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Public or Business Administration A.S. Degree in Fire Science, Public or Business Administration NC-Fire Inspector Level II, III (Level III required within three years of employment) NC Fire Officer Level II or educational equivalent NC-Fire Instructor Level I (Level I required before end of probationary period) NC Fire Life Safety Educator I, II, III (Level I required before end of probationary period) NC Driver/Operator (Pumps and Aerials required within two years of employment) NC-Fire/Arson Investigator or educational equivalent NFA Incident Safety Officer or educational equivalent WORKING CONDITIONS Environmental Conditions: Office/field environment; travel from site to site; work closely with others. Emergency firefighting environment; work at heights on scaffolding and ladders; work with water; travel from site to site; work closely with others and alone in extreme heat, cold, noise, and other hazardous conditions. Physical Conditions: Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods of time. Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: making observations communicating with others reading and writing assessing the situation at an incident scene operating assigned equipment
Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of: writing, reading and comprehending communicating orally reasoning/analyzing; making sound decisions evaluating financial data and information performing calculations demonstrating intellectual capabilities Effectively handle a work environment and conditions which involve: working closely with others exposure to computer screens managing fire suppression activities managing natural and man-made disasters. Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following: directing/participating in managing fire suppression activities running, walking, crouching or crawling during emergency operations moving equipment and injured/deceased persons climbing stairs/ladders walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time performing life-saving and rescue procedures