Details
 

07/22/2019

Assistant Chief of Operations

West Chester Fire Department

Job Title:
Assistant Fire Chief - Operations Department: Fire & EMS
Reports to: Fire Chief

Pay Classification:
Salary, Exempt: not part of a collective bargaining unit. Summary: Under the general guidance and direction of the Fire Chief, exercises leadership, authority and discretion in overseeing Fire Operations, Hazardous Materials, Specialized Technical Rescue Forces, and Loss Prevention and Operations Bureaus; manages the vehicle and equipment maintenance program of the department; and as directed by the Fire Chief through specific assignments and instructions regarding department policies, programs and objectives; maintains a high standard of discipline and efficiency within their command.

Supervision Exercised:
Assists the Fire Chief in supervision of all Fire Department employees; Clerical staff, Loss Prevention and Special Operations.

Education/Work Experience:
• Associate’s Degree in Fire Science, Business Administration or related field
• Preferred in a related field including but not limited to: fire protection engineering, public administration, fire management, fire science, or emergency management in Fire Protection Engineering, Public Administration, Fire Management, Fire Science, Emergency Management or a closely related field,
• Fire investigator, fire plans examiner and technical rescue experience and the completion of the Ohio Fire Executive Program (OFE) or Executive Fire Officer Program (EFO) preferred.
• Minimum qualifications include an associate’s degree in Fire Science, Business Administration or closely related field
• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible full-time Fire/EMS service experience, with five (5) or more years of permanent assignment as a command officer (i.e. Captain / Shift Officer or above)
• Firefighter Level II
• Fire Officer I & II
• EMT-Paramedic
• Fire Life Safety Inspector
• Hazardous Materials Technician
• A valid Operator’s License Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
• Able to communicate using the English language
• Able to hear, understand and implement verbal instructions and commands
• Able to read and comprehend written instructions, training and directives
• Strength in interpersonal skills, leadership, employee motivation
• Proven high degree of personal and professional integrity
• Strong organizational, management and communication skills
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups and/or boards of directors

Attendance:
Fire Department office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; however, meetings may be required in the evenings and on weekends. The Assistant Fire Chief’s functions are performed primarily with the office setting; however, on occasion the Assistant Chief may be required to work varied, irregular hours outside the office to investigate significant requests, complaints or developing situations and to attend meetings at other locations.

I. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES including the following:
• Requires goal setting, problem solving activities and liaison duties between the community, education institutions and day-to-day operations of the entire department. • Plans, implements, reviews and evaluates policies and procedures regarding the operations of the Fire Department in incident command, fireground tactics, and fire suppression methods.
• Plans, implements, reviews and evaluates policies and procedures regarding the operations of Specialized Technical Rescue Forces within the department.
• Plans, implements, reviews and evaluates policies and procedures regarding the Hazardous Material operations of the department.
• Plans, implements, reviews and evaluates policies and procedures regarding the Loss Prevention and Operations Bureaus, including building plan reviews, inspections, and enforcement of fire codes and Public Education/Information within the community. • Oversees the Fire Operations and Hazardous Materials and the Specialized Technical Rescue forces within the department.
• Oversees Hazardous Materials and the Specialized Technical Rescue Forces within the department.
• Supervises the Loss Prevention and Operations Bureau and Public Education/Information section.
• Oversees the vehicle and equipment maintenance program of the department.
• Supervises department operations on emergency scenes in the absence of another Chief Officer.
• Serves as a liaison between the community, educational institutions and day to day operations of the entire department; requiring goal setting and problem solving.
• Assists in the development, implementation and updating of all Standard Operating Procedures and Policies relating to the department, and ensures their compliancy.
• Assigns personnel and equipment to duties and uses as the service requires; evaluates the need for and recommend the purchase of new equipment and supplies. • Meets with elected and appointed officials, other Fire/EMS officials, community and business representatives, County and State officials, and the public on Department activities as specified by the Fire Chief.
• Handles grievances; maintains departmental discipline, conduct and general behavior of assigned personnel; documents and files actions taken in the handling of problems or concerns relating to department matters and advises the Fire Chief on such matters.
• Attends and participates in trainings reference to fire, hazardous materials, medical care and related subjects. Assists in the instruction and monitoring of personnel during drill.
• Maintains records, correspondence and prepares reports. Assists the Fire Chief with budgets and departmental activities.
• Attends scheduled Departmental Staff meetings to discuss projects, policies, regulations, problems and needs within or between divisions, companies and programs.
• Maintains effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the general public.
• Carries out duties in conformance with Federal, State, County and Township laws and ordinances.
• Represents the department at all times with pride; displays a professional image and attitude when dealing with the public.
• Maintains state certificates as required
• Performs other duties as needed and assigned Peripheral Duties:
• When on emergency scenes, assumes Command and sets-up the Incident Command System (ICS) if no Assistant Chief Administration or Fire Chief is present. Coordinates operations, determines severity and resources needed until relieved by another Chief Officer.
• Assists with the duties of the Assistant Fire Chief Administration as needed.
• Assists in the development and oversees the delivery of public education and awareness programs within the Bureau of Fire and Life Safety.
• Operates radio and other communication equipment. Communicates effectively with emergency personnel, citizens and public officials.

II. TEAMWORK AND PARTICIPATION
• Creates ideas that improve production, organizational performance, or result in cost or time savings for the department
• Becomes actively involved in decisions affecting work detail
• Communicates in a positive and respectful manner with customers
• Demonstrates flexibility and cooperative attitude when faced with change
• Follows West Chester Township policies and procedures
• Promotes and implements Township mission statement and core values when performing duties
• Performs other duties as needed and assigned

III. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Self-contained breathing apparatus, protective clothing, radios, phones, pagers, personal computers, and other related fire and medical equipment/apparatus.

IV. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. The physical demands of the job are varied. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear; sit for long periods of time, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. Occasionally the employee is required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Employee must be able to remain physically and mentally alert during prolonged periods of intense, sustained physical activity in difficult environments, including extreme heat and cold; detect the presence of fire and/or smoke using the senses of vision, smell or touch. The job demands an ability to perform under the situational stress of conditions at emergency incidents and under the constant stress of managerial responsibility. Must be able to make spontaneous, consistent, reasoned judgments concerning life and property. The position requires a temperament compatible with leadership. The Assistant Chief of Operations must accept responsibility, persuade and motivate employees and the public, and make judgments and decisions. The job demands a high level of mental functioning. Must be able to apply principles of logic and science to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

V. WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The duties of this job are performed inside a climate-controlled office setting. Work is performed primarily in office, vehicles, and outdoor settings; in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, both day and night. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. Individual is exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, and chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in office settings and loud at emergency scenes. At times will be required to work on rooftops, at extreme heights, in confined spaces, below ground and around hazardous materials; be exposed to blood or bodily fluids and required to perform treatment on citizens who may have infectious or communicable diseases; drive and operate emergency apparatus in inclement weather conditions.

VI. SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants must submit resume and job application. References are checked. Selection is based on the most qualified applicant determined by one or more in-person interviews, applicable testing and may include psychometric testing, polygraph and a background investigation. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. If applicant meets all requirements and characteristics as indicated in the job description, hiring may be contingent upon successful completion of drug and alcohol test and a driving record test pursuant to Township policy.

Please submit completed application, letter of interest, and resume, along with copies of certifications of degrees and/or diplomas from colleges and professional institutions; to West Chester Township, Human Resources Office, 9113 Cincinnati Dayton Road, West Chester OH 45069.

Deadline for submitting applications is Friday August 23rd, 2019 at 4:00 p.m.  Position open until filled.  West Chester Township is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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