DEFINITIONTo plan, direct, and review the activities and operations of the fire agency, including fire suppression, fire prevention and education, hazardous material response, and emergency medical services; to coordinate assigned activities with other city departments and divisions and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

1. Receives administration direction from the City Manager.
2. Exercises direct supervision over management, technical, and clerical staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Essential duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Assume full management responsibility for all fire agency services and activities, including fire suppression, fire prevention and education; hazardous materials management, and emergency medical services; recommend and administer policies and procedures; oversee all firefighting activities within the city and emergency service district number 4.
2. Manage the development and implementation of fire agency goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area; establish, within city policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; allocate resources accordingly.
3. Coordinate agency activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations; assist with developing plans for emergency management operations; provide staff assistance to the City Manager; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
4. 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.
5. Select, train, motivate, and evaluate personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
6. Plan, direct, and coordinate, through subordinate level managers, the fire agency’s work plan; meet with management staff to identify and resolve problems, assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures.
7. Manage and participate in the development and administration of the fire agency budget; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; direct the monitoring of and approve expenditures; direct the preparation of and implement budgetary adjustments as necessary.
8. Respond to fire alarms and personally direct fire suppression activities as necessary.
9. Direct and participate in the research of alternative approaches to fire suppression, hazardous material handling, and emergency programs.
10. Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
11. Represent the fire agency to other city departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explain, justify, and defend agency programs, policies, and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive, significant, and controversial issues.
12. Participate with a variety of boards and committees; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of fire services, hazardous material management, and emergency medical services.
13. Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

The qualifications of the fire chief are set by the city manager and city council.

1. Experience and Training GuidelinesAny combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
   
   1. ExperienceTen years of career firefighting experience with a municipal fire department, including officer level command and supervisory experience.
   2. EducationEquivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade, and a bachelor’s degree supplemented by specialized training in fire science or a related field.
2. License or Certificate
   
   1. Possession of an appropriate valid Texas Class B driver’s license.
   2. Possession of certification as an Advanced Firefighter and Intermediate Instructor’s Certification by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
   3. Possession of a minimum of a certification of EMT-Basic by the Texas Department of Health.