DEFINITIONTo assist in managing, directing, and coordinating the activities and operations of the fire agency including safety training and education, emergency medical services, fire suppression and rescue; to coordinate activities with other divisions and department; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Fire Chief.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

1. Receives administrative direction form the Fire Chief.
2. Exercises direct and indirect supervision over sworn, technical, and clerical staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

The fire chief assigns specific areas of responsibility for day-to-day operations. If necessary in a situation, the assistant chief is expected to be ready and capable of assuming the duties of chief.

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

1. Operational Examples
   
   1. Assist in developing, planning, and implementing goals and objectives for the fire agency; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
   2. Manage, direct, and organize assigned activities and operations including fire and emergency medical training and emergency medical services, fire suppression and rescue operations.
   3. Assist in directing and participating in the development of the fire agency’s work plan; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor works flow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
   4. Assist in preparing fire agency budget; participate in the forecast of funds needed forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement adjustments as necessary.
   5. Participate in recommending the appointment and promotion of personnel, provide or coordinate staff training, evaluate employee performance work with employees to correct deficiencies, implement discipline procedures, and recommend employee terminations.
   6. Respond to the major fire alarms and other emergencies and direct fire suppression activities as necessary.
   7. Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of fire services, fire suppression and emergency medical services.
   8. Participate in the research of alternative approaches to fire suppression, fire prevention, fire and life safety code compliance, and emergency medical service programs.
   9. Perform the duties of the fire chief in the absence of the fire chief as directed.
   10. Research and develop specifications for apparatus and equipment; obtain bids and quotations from vendors on agency supplies, equipment, and building repairs; recommend apparatus and equipment purchases.
   11. Supervise, coordinate, and standardize recruitment training program; administer physical agility testing and oral review board; assist in the direction of agency promotion procedures.
   12. Prepare various reports on fire agency operations and guidelines; maintain personnel records and other pertinent information.
   13. Perform public awareness programs to enhance agency public image.
   14. Participate in coordinating a comprehensive station-training program
   15. Provide assistance to other city departments and divisions as requested.
   16. Supervise, control, and direct the used of department property.
   17. Coordinate and standardize the operation and activities of the shifts.
   18. Perform related duties as assigned.
2. Training Duty Examples
   
   1. Standardize training methods and procedures, present training aids to expedite and enhance training process.
   2. Create and serve on various committees designed specifically for special projects.
   3. Supervise and coordinate training for and drilling of specialty teams, and shift instructors.
   4. Oversee the maintenance of all training activity records; prepare and submit various state and departmental reports.
   5. Supervise pumper tests.
   6. Develop, coordinate, and/or conduct safety-training programs for city employees, including driver safety training, hearing loss prevention, back injury prevention, and loss prevention/control programs.
   7. Assess training needs, and preview and schedule formal or informal training sessions; maintain records of training courses and sessions.
   8. Communicate with vendors regarding safety equipment purchases and needs; schedule vendor safety training sessions.
   9. Assist other departments and divisions with safety training issues and concerns; responds to questions and inquiries and recommend solutions as appropriate.
   10. Assist in developing specifications for various types of safety equipment; review and evaluate proposals and make appropriate recommendations.
   11. Prepare and submit mandated reports relating to hazardous chemicals; obtain information from other departments and divisions and maintain records of hazardous chemical usage; coordinate and/or conduct hazardous material identification response training.
   12. Conduct on-site inspections and observations to obtain information regarding work-related injuries and safety needs; evaluate needs for future safety training and related programs; develop and amend programs to accommodate safety training needs.
   13. Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Knowledge of:
   
   1. Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of modern fire and life safety, fire suppression and emergency medical service activities.
   2. Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a fire suppression and emergency medical service programs.
   3. Principles and practices of safety education.
   4. Federal and state requirements pertaining to safety, loss control, and related issues.
   5. Basic principles of loss control and risk exposures common to municipal operations.
   6. Principles, procedures, and concepts of accident prevention.
   7. Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers.
   8. Principles and procedures of record keeping.
   9. Safe work practices.
   10. Operation and use of a variety of audiovisual aids and equipment.
   11. Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs.
   12. Principles and practices of organization, administration, and personnel management.
   13. Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
   14. Rules, regulations, and operational procedures of the fire agency as related to modern firefighting activities.
   15. Proper utilization and maintenance requirements of fire apparatus, equipment, tools, devices, and facilities.
   16. Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
   17. Operation, maintenance and uses of firefighting apparatus and equipment.
   18. Principles and practices of research and report preparation.
   19. Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
2. Ability to:
   
   1. Plan, direct, and review assigned activities and services.
   2. Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction to assigned area of responsibility.
   3. Plan, prioritize, assign and direct the work of fire personnel.
   4. Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient fire and emergency medical services.
   5. Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
   6. Develop and administer sound policies.
   7. Prepare and administer a budget.
   8. Properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies.
   9. Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.
   10. Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
   11. Direct and coordinate the work of subordinates in emergency situations
   12. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
   13. Obtain specialized safety training.
   14. Select, supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
   15. Establish and maintain cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
   16. Instruct a variety of safety education and training programs.
   17. Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
   18. Plan and deliver effective oral presentations on safety practices.
   19. Maintain effective audiovisual discrimination and perception needed for:
       
       1. Making observations.
       2. Communicating with others.
       3. Reading and writing.
       4. Operating assigned equipment.
       5. Operating a motor vehicle.
   20. Maintain physical abilities appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:
       
       1. Running, walking, crouching, or crawling during emergency operations
       2. Climbing stairs/ladders.
       3. Transporting equipment and injured/deceased persons.
       4. Walking, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time.
       5. Lifting, dragging, carrying, pulling, or pushing heavy equipment.
       6. Performing life-saving and rescue procedures.
   21. Effectively deal with personal danger which may include exposure to:
       
       1. Hazards of emergency driving.
       2. Natural and man-made disasters.
       3. Hazards associated with high temperatures caused by fires and extreme cold.
       4. Dangers of working at extreme heights.
       5. Hazards associated with extreme and constant noise.
       6. Dangers associated with mechanical, electrical, or chemical fires.
       7. Hazardous materials, explosives, radiation, toxic waste, and toxic gases.
   22. Respond to requests and inquiries from city employees and the general public regarding safety and accident prevention within the city.
3. Experience and TrainingAny 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 paid firefighting experience with a city fire department including officer level command and supervisory experience.
   2. EducationEquivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade, associate’s degree, supplemented by specialized training in fire science or related field.
4. 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.