FIRE DEPUTY CHIEF

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is second level supervisory field-based operations or staff-based administrative work directing the daily operations, administration and training functions of the department. An employee in this class directs the activities of one-third of the City's firefighting operations on a rotating shift or directs a staff or support unit. One position in this class serves as Fire Marshal with responsibility for directing the City's fire investigation program. Work requires physical effort. Dangers inherent in the work can be only partially controlled through preventive measures. Work is performed under the direction of a higher level fire officer.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

Responds to all multiple fires, fires that have reportedly resulted in injury or death, or fires and other emergencies of an unusual nature; commands all firefighting operations on fireground until relieved by a higher level fire officer; directs firefighting, rescue, and evacuation operations; determines the need for additional apparatus and firefighting personnel; orders additional alarms as required.

Determines when fire is under control; orders demobilization of fire apparatus and firefighting personnel from fireground when appropriate; determines when firegrounds are secured; confers with battalion chiefs and other fire officers to critique firefighting practices and operations performed during fire; reviews subordinate fire officers' reports on multiple alarms and other large fires.

Tours the division; conducts inspections of the division’s facilities, apparatus, and personnel; discusses the proper administration of fire companies with battalion chiefs and other companies officers; reviews daily quota sheets for staffing status of all companies; details firefighters and fire officers to achieve proper levels of staffing of all units; attends departmental conferences pertaining to administration or firefighting operations directives; discusses directives with battalion and company officers; reviews and forwards recommendations for awards or disciplinary actions; presents commendations to firefighting personnel.

Reviews fire, false alarm, accident, injury, and other various reports; recommends measures to modify and improve firefighting procedures; serves on committees that study and recommend techniques to improve firefighting operations or fire administration.

Plans, assigns, reviews, and evaluates the work of a staff of fire personnel engaged in investigating fires of a mysterious and undetermined origin; establishes investigative procedures; assigns priorities to cases; participates in the investigation of the most difficult or complex cases; reviews investigation reports to determine the presence of arson; confers with law enforcement personnel to effect the apprehension and conviction of arsonists.

Interprets the provisions of the fire code; particularly as it applies to the storage and use of inflammable and hazardous chemicals; determines whether plans, variances, and specifications adhere to the fire code; recommends changes in the fire code.

Prepares reports for budgetary purposes and makes recommendations.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the current principles, practices and techniques for controlling and extinguishing the various types and classes of fires

• codes, regulations, City ordinances and operational procedures, directives and safety practices pertaining to firefighting and fire prevention

• current principles, practices and techniques of fire prevention

• the city's water system as it relates to fire protection

• management principles and practices as pertains to directing firefighting operational and personnel

• administrative practices and office management techniques

• fire investigation methods and techniques for detecting the commission of arson

• the appropriate laws of evidence and arrest pertaining to the commission of arson

• the fire codes and regulations, laws, and ordinances as it pertains to fire services

· City budget practices and procedures

ABILITY TO:

• plan, organize, direct and coordinate the firefighting, administrative, and fire prevention activities for one-half of the City's firefighting operations

• quickly appraise firefighting situations and direct the operations of a number of fire companies effectively under shifting emergency conditions

• establish and maintain effective working relationships with fire personnel and the general public

• supervise the preparation and maintenance of records and reports

• communicate information and instructions clearly and effectively

• use computer software and applications which includes Microsoft Office

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 06/2021.)

EXPERIENCE:

Two years of experience as a Fire Battalion Chief.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

Class Established 1/53

Spec. Revision 10/84

Latest Spec. Revision: CSC – 5/21

Ad. Board – 6/21