CHIEF OF FIRE, COMBINATION FIRE DEPARTMENT (BELGIUM COLD SPRINGS FIRE DISTRICT)

                                                                                                                                    41190

                                                                                                                                    Competitive

 DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves responsibility for supervising and melding the activities of Firefighters and EMS personnel working in a combination volunteer/paid fire department.  Under the general supervision of the Board of Fire Commissioners, an employee in this class plans, coordinates, and directs the overall operation of the fire department, including fire suppression, emergency medical service, fire prevention, public education, community outreach, and administrative and support services.  Supervision is exercised over paid and volunteer members of the department.  Performs related work as required.

 TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

• Responds to fire alarms and other emergencies as needed; directs personnel at scene of incidents.
• Conducts and oversees performance appraisals of career staff and volunteer assistant chiefs.
• Supervises career force of Firefighters, Emergency Medical Service personnel, Firehouse Caretakers, and volunteer members of the department.
• Assists with the development and implementation of in-service policies, public media, and work tasks.
• Assists the Fire District Commissioners and Treasurer in managing the annual fire district budget, including preparing budget estimates and controlling expenditures for all fire related district funds.
• Works with the District and Fire Department to develop and implement recruitment/retention programs.
• Attends district, department, county and state fire service meetings, workshops and conferences.
• Prepares written material for distribution to the staff and Board of Fire Commissioners.
• Develop and administer long range plans and objectives for the fire district.
• Administers board policies and procedures on a daily basis.
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FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Thorough knowledge of firefighting and emergency medical principles, practices and equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations of the fire department, fire district and fire laws under which it operates.
• Good knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.
• Good knowledge of management practices and negotiating skills.
• Good knowledge of training practices and techniques.
• Good knowledge of the principles of fire administration and the ability to apply these principles effectively.
• Ability to maintain productive discipline and high morale.
• Ability to work directly with the media, the public, and government officials.
• Ability to lead and give effective orders.
• Ability to adopt a quick, effective, and reasonable course of action in an emergency situation.
• Ability to prepare technical and administrative reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Ten (10) years of fire service experience, or its part-time equivalent, which must have included five (5) years of supervisory experience in a paid or combination fire department (paid/volunteer) at the chief or captain level.

AND 

In accordance with New York State Civil Service Law Section 58-a

• Possess National Certification as a Fire Officer 3, pursuant to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1021 Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications;
• Maintain fitness standards in compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR

1910.156 Fire Brigade Standard and any established by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ); and,

• The following education and experience may be substituted for NFPA 1021 Fire Officer 3 Certification, upon the approval of the State Fire Administrator:

                    a. NYS Supervisory Level I certification pursuant to 19 NYCRR 426.9 (i.e. NYS Fire Officer certification) and

10 or more years of service as fire chief in a civil service position; or

b. Possess National Certification as a Fire Officer 2, pursuant to NFPA 1021; and

• 10 or more years of progressive supervisory responsibility in the field of fire or emergency services and 60 college credits; or
• 5 or more years of progressive supervisory responsibility in the field of fire or emergency services and 120 college credits; or
• 4 or more years of service as fire chief, in a civil service position; or
• 4 or more years of service as a chief officer (Assistant Chief, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief) in a civil service position and completion of the National Fire Academy, Executive Fire Officer Program or the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Chief Fire Officer designation.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and a Basic New York State Firefighting Training Certificate at time of appointment.
• Candidates must obtain certification from the New York State Department of Health as an Emergency Medical Technician – Basic prior to successful completion of the probationary period for this position.

5/20/2022  Date of original composition