Job Summary
Manages and directs the operations of the fire department. Performs highly responsible managerial and administrative work involving the planning, organizing, and directing of all activities of the Fire Department. Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates fire suppression, fire prevention, rescue, and emergency medical programs necessary for the community’s protection.

Responsible for ensuring compliance with departmental policies, operating guidelines, and special instructions from the Fire Chief. Work is performed with broad latitude for interpretation and application of policies, rules, and regulations under the authority of the Fire Chief. Acts as the Fire Chief in his/her absence.

Job Responsibilities

• In coordination with Human Resources and in accordance with City policies and union contracts, implements and administers the Fire Department’s recruitment strategies for personnel.
• Plans, administers, and manages the Fire Department’s selection and promotion processes.
• Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates fire suppression, fire prevention, rescue, and emergency medical service programs necessary for the community’s protection.
• Ensures compliance with departmental policies, operating guidelines, and instructions from the Fire Chief.
• Utilizes the Chief’s Commission on Standards and Professional Practices to communicate leadership’s direction to all areas of the organization.
• Supervises directly, or through managers and subordinate supervisors, all department employees. Takes personal command of firefighting activities at major incidents or other catastrophic emergencies.
• Evaluates officers under immediate supervision and collaborates with counterparts in personnel evaluations through direct contact and project management.
• Integrates divisional tasks, activities, and projects into effective individual unit, division, and department plans and operations to achieve organizational goals.
• Manages and forecasts short- and long-range planning as assigned. Coordinates and participates in outside activities beneficial to the Fire Department (e.g., local and national fire chief’s organizations, fire prevention groups).
• Assists and advises the Fire Chief in budget formulation and implementation. Monitors and approves purchasing and expenditures.
• Directs the preparation and analysis of records and reports to ensure efficient operations and compliance with city and state reporting requirements.
• Oversees development of training programs for supervision and continued professional development of personnel.
• Meets with other municipal, county, state, or federal agencies and/or businesses to address fire service issues.
• Cooperates with city officials, including the Mayor and Police Chief, on fire safety and related matters.
• Addresses civic clubs and other community groups regarding fire prevention, firefighting, and emergency medical services to promote public understanding.
• Responds to fires and other emergencies as needed, making high-level strategic and tactical decisions, directing firefighting and rescue operations, and overseeing fire investigation activities.
• May be required to respond to high-profile incidents involving anticipated media or government interest.
• Assumes all duties, functions, responsibilities, and authority of the Fire Chief in his/her absence.
• Performs other duties as directed or required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Required

• Current State of Florida Firefighter and EMT Certification.
• Fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in the fire service, including five (5) years in a supervisory capacity.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

Preferred

• Fire Officer III Certification preferred.
• Fire Instructor III Certification preferred.
• Completion of LEAD Crestview program preferred.

Skills

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern fire department administration.
• Ability to produce senior-level work products involving complex subject matter, multi-option situations, limited guidance, and the need for programmatic creativity.
• Advanced knowledge of principles, practices, procedures, equipment, and apparatus used in modern fire and municipal services.
• Knowledge of local government organization, administration, and human resource management.
• Knowledge of ordinances and statutes affecting department operations and its mission within the City of Crestview.
• Ability to plan, implement, and direct programs and operations, including employee training and development, fire suppression, prevention, and emergency medical services.
• Ability to function effectively in group processes and understand consensus development.
• Ability to express ideas clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with civic and official groups, the public, and subordinate personnel.
• Strong decision-making skills under pressure.

Physical Requirements

• Must successfully complete and pass the City of Crestview Life Scan occupational physical.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods, and maintain mobility to respond immediately to emergency incidents.
• Ability to run, climb, crawl, crouch, bend, stoop, reach, twist, and lift up to 160 lbs. while wearing approximately 50 lbs. of equipment.
• Exposure to fire, smoke, bodily fluids, noise, hazardous materials, dangerous animals, emergency driving hazards, traffic control hazards, and natural/man-made disasters.
• Exposure to extreme temperatures and adverse weather conditions.
• Adequate eye-hand coordination to use technical equipment.
• Ability to work at heights up to 100 feet above grade and in confined spaces.
• Ability to operate city vehicles.