JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for planning, directing, and reviewing the activities and operations of the Big Spring Fire and EMS departments, which have a combined total of approximately seventy (70) employees.  The Fire Chief coordinates assigned activities with the City Manager, Police Chief, other city departments and outside agencies in order to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager.   

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor's degree (or higher) in Fire Administration, Fire Science, Public Administration, or other closely related field is required and a minimum of six (6) years of practical fire administration experience or other management experience is required.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the department in order to direct and coordinate work within the department.
• Possession of a valid Class B driver’s license issued by the State of Texas.
• Ability to meet current requirements set forth by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection to be certified as the department head.
• Certified as a Master Firefighter by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
• Certified as an EMT Paramedic certification by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• Must reside in Howard County, Texas.

MAJOR DUTIES, FUNCTIONS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following.  Other related duties may be assigned.

• Ensures that all Fire and EMS employees comply with the Code of Conduct for both the City of Big Spring and the Big Spring Fire Department.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates functions of the department including the provision of fire and emergency medical services, fire prevention, fire suppression, handling hazardous materials, and rescue and support services.
• Develops short-term and long-range plans for the department; develops and implements organizational goals, objectives, policies, procedures, programs, controls, assignments, and evaluations. 
• Monitors compliance with State Civil Service requirements, including advising the Civil Service Commission on fire personnel matters within its jurisdiction and conferring with departmental staff, employees, the Civil Service Director, and City Attorney on personnel related issues.
• Supervises and directs personnel and provides timely, accurate, and thorough performance evaluations.
• Initiates internal investigations when appropriate and directs corrective action as needed.
• Directs the operation of the department toward the achievement of established objectives; oversees education and training of department personnel and evaluates overall operation of the department.
• Assumes management responsibility for all fire department services and activities, including fire training, prevention, and suppression, as well as emergency medical services.
• Develops the annual departmental budget and monitors expenditures during the budget year.
• Coordinates with the City Manager regarding department recommendations, programs, and policies; prepares status reports as requested.
• Communicates plans, policies and procedures to employees, the City Council, and the public; makes presentations as required.
• Analyzes overall department operations to develop recommendations for changes in policies and procedures.
• Assists with planning and development of emergency management policies for special events and activities.
• Coordinates emergency operations with other emergency service providers.
• Responds to major emergencies to evaluate operations and assume command, if necessary.
• Assigns personnel and equipment to stations.
• Advises and assists senior personnel with managerial and personnel issues.
• Advises the City Manager and City Council on fire protection policies and potential threats to the community.
• Keeps the City manager informed of key needs, issues, and support requirements.
• Develops policy regarding departmental interaction with media representatives.
• Works with a variety of boards and commission, including attending and participating in professional groups and committees and staying abreast of new trends and innovations in fire science, emergency management and medical fields.
• Works with outside agencies and other departments to explain Fire Department programs, policies, and activities and to negotiate and resolve sensitive issues.
• Attends civic, professional, service and community group meetings at schools, churches, and other places of public gatherings to explain the activities and functions of the fire department and to establish and maintain favorable public relations.
• Maintains regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• On call twenty-four (24) hours a day to respond to large fires and/or other emergencies.
• Serves as the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Big Spring.
• Works with the Texas Department of Emergency Management on local, area and statewide emergencies.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of fire prevention and suppression standards, practices, strategies, and tactics.
• Knowledge of emergency and disaster management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of standard fire prevention codes, National Fire Protection Association standards, Texas Department of Health and other federal, state, and local laws, and city, department and safety policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of public personnel and financial management principles and methods.
• Knowledge of emergency medical principles and applications.
• Knowledge of handling hazardous materials.
• Knowledge of Insurance Service Office (ISO) grading schedules.
• Knowledge of State Civil Service laws.
• Skill in management and supervision under both routine and emergency situations.
• Skill in planning, analysis, decision making, and problem solving.
• Skill in the operation and use of fire equipment and apparatus.
• Skill in the use of communications equipment.
• Skill in master planning, pre-fire planning, and hazard identification.
• Skill in modern office procedure, methods, and equipment, including computers and related software and equipment.
• Skill in public and interpersonal relations.
• Skill in negotiating and resolving difficult or sensitive complaints or concerns from departmental personnel or external sources.
• Skill in responding to requests and inquiries from the general public.
• Skill in oral and written communication.