FIRE CHIEF - City of Fountain Valley, CA : Job Details

Salary : $212,664.08 - $258,494.52 Annually

Location : Fountain Valley, CA

Job Type : At will

Job Number : 2025-02

Department : Fire

Opening Date : 01 / 02 / 2025

Description

CLASS DEFINITION :

Perform highly responsible supervisory and administrative work in the planning, directing, managing, and organizing of all activities in the Fire Department; oversee the fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical aid, hazardous materials management, disaster preparedness programs; and perform other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS :

This classification is the Department Director responsible for performing highly sensitive supervisory and administrative duties. This classification is at-will and serves at the pleasure of the City Manager.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED :

Receive general direction from the City Manager and exercise direct and functional supervision over all Fire Department personnel.

Job Overview

• Assume full management responsibility for all Fire Department services and activities including fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical aid, hazardous materials management and disaster preparedness programs; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
• Manage the development and implementation of short-term and long-term Fire Department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; implement City goals; establish, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels and allocate resources accordingly.
• Establish departmental policies, procedures, and regulations including those pertaining to firefighting, fire prevention and emergency medical services within the limitations of laws, regulations, and policies.
• Manage the development and administration of the Fire Department budget; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; direct the monitoring of approval of expenditures; and direct the preparation of and implementation of budgetary adjustments as necessary.
• Review, interpret, and enforce City, County, State, Federal codes and regulations regarding fire protection, prevention, emergency medical aid, hazardous materials management, building services, and protection.
• Plan, direct, and coordinate, directly or through subordinate level managers or supervisors, the Fire Department's work plan; meet with management staff to identify and resolve problems; assign projects and areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate Fire Department personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; and administer the discipline process.
• Coordinate Fire Department activities with those of other departments, outside agencies, and organizations; provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager and City Council; and prepare and present staff reports and other correspondence.
• Serve as representative of the Fire Department to interdepartmental, community, and outside agencies.
• Operate a computer and a variety of software including Outlook, Word, and Excel.

OTHER JOB-RELATED DUTIES :

• Oversee and direct departmental office operations; maintain appropriate records and files; coordinate workflow; prepare reports, agenda items, letters, and other correspondence.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of records, reports, and other documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualification Guidelines

EDUCATION :

A Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Public or Business Administration, or a related field is required. A Master's degree is highly desirable.

EXPERIENCE :

Eight years of increasingly responsible experience in an agency providing a full range of urban fire protection services including three years of management and administrative responsibility in a comprehensive fire services program

REQUIRED LICENSE / CERTIFICATION :

• A valid California Class C Driver's License.
• California State Board of Fire Services Chief Officer Certification is highly desirable.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT :

• Must be able to work flexible and extended hours to accommodate the City's needs.
• The City's Conflict of Interest Code requires that the Fire Chief file financial disclosure statements in accordance with state and local laws.

KNOWLEDGE OF :

• Principles, practices, procedures, equipment, and apparatus used in modern firefighting and in the protection of life and property from fire.
• Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations pertaining to fire prevention, disaster preparedness, hazardous materials, inspections and emergency medical services.
• Advanced principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of effective supervision, training, and evaluation.
• Business English, grammar, punctuation, spelling, arithmetic, vocabulary, composition and proper format.

REQUISITE ABILITIES / SKILLS :

• Direct and coordinate a multi-disciplinary staff in fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical aid, hazardous materials management and disaster preparedness programs.
• Provide leadership and vision to a diverse work force and lead and command effectively in emergency situations.
• Develop, implement, and administer goals, objectives, and practices for Fire Department programs and services.
• Allocate limited resources on a cost effective and cost beneficial basis.
• Select qualified candidates for hire; effectively train and evaluate employees; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies as needed; and administer the discipline process as needed.
• Interpret and apply Federal, State, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations including the Firefighter Bill of Rights..
• Assess needs, develop project scope and timelines, follow through on project tasks and milestones and ensure projects are completed on time, within budget and with the designated specifications.
• Identify and respond to community and City Council issues, concerns, and needs.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets.
• Stay abreast of new trends, innovations, standards, and guidelines in all facets of fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency preparedness and emergency medical services.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, City officials, other departments, the Association, citizens, customers, and representatives from other cities and agencies.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, anticipate consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Maintain the confidentiality of information encountered in the course of work.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Must possess a strong customer service orientation and be a team player.
• Operate a computer and a variety of software including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Plan effectively, prioritize assignments, and meet deadlines.

PHYSICAL TASKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS :

Work is primarily performed in an office environment requiring prolonged sitting or standing; walking, kneeling, crouching, squatting, stooping, and bending; inputting data into a computer terminal; exposure to computer glare, vibrations, and pitch; lifting, carrying, and moving objects totaling approximately 25 pounds in weight; and have mobility, vision, hearing, and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed. May be exposed to dust, chemicals, solvents, grease / oil, fumes, electrical and mechanical hazards, vehicular traffic, vibration, and noise. Employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data; use math and mathematical reasoning; analyze and solve problems; learn and apply new information; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks; meet intensive and changing deadlines and interact with City staff, customers, vendors, contractors, and the public.

NOTE :

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required.

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT DESIGNATION :

Exempt.

Recruitment Information

QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS RECRUITMENT SHOULD BE SENT TO

CLASSIFICATION HISTORY :

Created : 5 / 2010

Updated : 8 / 15 / 2012

Please for a list of MOU's and City benefits.