Fire Chief (Internal Only)

City of Loma Linda; Loma Linda (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Loma Linda seeks an experienced Fire Chief to lead the Fire Department’s suppression, prevention, and enforcement efforts. The Chief will oversee paid-call and full-time staff, shape public safety policies, and manage the department budget and community relations under city guidance.

Responsibilities include directing emergency response, coordinating contracts for public safety services, and liaising with the City Manager, City Council, and external agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level or higher degree related to public safety or administration.
• Experience leading a municipal fire department or equivalent.
• Strong leadership, budgeting, and policy development skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and direct fire suppression, prevention, and enforcement activities.
• Direct paid-call and full-time personnel at incidents and emergencies.
• Develop and administer department budget and public safety policies; liaison with City officials and the public.
• Represent the City in public safety matters and coordinate with external agencies.

Skills

Public safety leadership

Fire department management

Emergency command

Budgeting

Communication skills

Education

A.A./A.S. in Fire Science

B.S. in Public Administration

Six years fire service with supervisory experience

Job description

*** This is a promotional opportunity for current City of Loma Linda employees only ***

DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, directs, and coordinates the City's fire suppression, prevention, and parking enforcement activities; directs paid-call and full-time department personnel at the scene of fires and other disasters; implements policies and establishes procedures related to public safety functions; develops and administers the department budget; establishes and maintains liaison to the public; acts in the capacity of Assistant Director of Emergency Services; performs such other duties as may be assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

The Fire Chief leads the City's Fire Department, directing both full-time and paid-call personnel as Fire Chief.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Develops and implements public safety policies, rules, and regulations pertaining to fire suppression, prevention, emergency services, and related public safety services; ensures that policies are administered equitably.
2. Plans, directs, and coordinates the City's paid-call and full-time public safety personnel engaged in prevention and suppressing fires, saving lives and property, in the enforcement of fire ordinances, laws, and codes, and other public safety activities; directs firefighting operations during major alarms; plans, directs, and coordinates civil defense and disaster preparedness programs and activities; ensures that public safety activities are conducted in accordance with related ordinances, laws, codes, department policy, rules and procedures.
3. Prepares and administers the budget for the Fire department.
4. Advises, and otherwise provides assistance to the City Manager, City Council, and other City personnel, and the public regarding public safety related issues.
5. Conducts or directs the conduct of studies, preparation and presentation of reports, regarding public safety and related activities of the Fire department.
6. Participates in the development of and administers contracts for other public safety services, including law enforcement; provides liaison to contract service representatives; ensures that services are provided in accordance with contract provisions.
7. Selects Fire department employees; plans and organizes work; develops and establishes work methods and standards; conducts or directs staff training and development; reviews and evaluates employee performance; executes disciplinary action.
8. Represents the City, or delegates such authority, in relations with the community, advisory committees, local, state, and federal agencies, other public safety departments, and professional organizations.
9. Responds to calls when off duty.

Education and/or Experience

Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for satisfactory job performance. Example combinations include completion of an A.A. or A.S. curriculum in Fire Science, a B.S. in Public Administration, or equivalent; and six years experience in fire service, which included two years supervisory experience at the level of Captain or higher.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Extensive knowledge of modern municipal fire department administration and organization; methods, techniques, and equipment used in modern firefighting; laws affecting fire prevention; principles and practices of supervision. Considerable knowledge of the operating principles and practices involving law enforcement and prevention. Working knowledge of public safety services provided in the areas of animal control, building and safety, law enforcement, and traffic control. Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate department activities; assume command at emergencies and provide leadership; prepare and present reports; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; deal constructively with conflict and develop effective resolutions; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Special Requirements

Possession of or ability to obtain certification as a Fire Chief in the State of California.

Possession of or ability to obtain an appropriate California driver's license, and a satisfactory driving record.

The incumbent must pass a physical examination at the time of appointment; must be eligible for membership in the Public Employees' Retirement System as a safety member.

Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain Emergency Medical Technician certification.

Incumbents must refrain from smoking tobacco either on or off duty.

Working Conditions

Work may expose incumbents to toxic or otherwise irritating substances and/or chemicals; incumbents must be able to perform heavy manual labor and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.