Fire Chief

Job Description

Performs complex professional work providing effective leadership in directing, planning, overseeing and coordinating a combination Fire Department to ensure adequate response to fire suppression and prevention needs of the community, and serving as the Emergency Management Director, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work involves setting policies and goals under the direction of the City Manager. Departmental supervision is exercised over all personnel within the department.
To see more details, please click on the link: Fire Chief Brochure

Duties/Responsibilities

• Responds to major fire emergencies, evaluates needs and resources, organizes emergency scene through directing the placement of personnel and equipment, and assumes command of fire scene when appropriate.
• Ensures that the Department is properly staffed, organized, equipped and trained to deal effectively with fire emergencies and other assigned incidents.
• Oversees fire prevention programs along with procedures for enforcement of fire code and state statute requirements.
• Maintains communication links with Fire Department personnel and other City employees.
• Recommends and provides justification for major equipment acquisitions through the capital improvement program.
• Drafts, formulates and submits budget recommendations and purchases for the City Manager.
• Oversees departmental training functions to ensure effective firefighting and prevention program by: determining personnel training needs and providing training to meet those needs; evaluating the effectiveness of training programs; developing, instituting, and delegating authority for training programs; maintaining attendance records and establishing a training schedule for departmental members.
• Develops and maintains the city's emergency plan. Functions as emergency manager during declared emergencies or as directed by the city manager.
• Supervises all fire department personnel including paid-on-call firefighters and full time officers by: freely sharing information needed so that employees can make decisions to do their job; actively involving employees in the decision making process; helping employees acquire the materials and equipment they need to do their jobs; communicating goals and objectives so that employees know what is expected of them; encouraging employees to develop their talents and participate in training opportunities; and recognizing accomplishments in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties and assumes responsibilities as apparent or assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: (expected to have to enter job)

• Bachelor's degree with coursework in fire service management, emergency services management, or related field AND extensive experience in firefighting with at least five years as a Chief Officer/fire management experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Work effectively with both paid-on-call and career personnel.
• Minnesota State Firefighter II certification.
• Minnesota State certified Emergency Medical Technician.
• Hazardous Materials Operations certified.
• Blue Card Incident Command Training Certification.
• A commitment to and belief in the organization's shared values.

• Master's degree in fire science, fire administration, or a related field.
• Possess more than 6 years fire service supervisory experience with a similar sized combination department and at least 5 consecutive years of continually more responsible positions.
• Executive Fire Officer Certification and/ or Chief Fire Officer Certification
• Commitment to the philosophy of fire prevention.
• Ability to respond to Minnetonka city limits within 15 minutes.
• Evidence of continuing education and fire certifications.
• Successful record of collaborative team building with other city departments and other neighboring cities.

Additional Information

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• Comprehensive knowledge City and department policies and procedures
• Comprehensive knowledge of Federal, State, and local codes and ordinances relating to fire and emergency management
• Advanced knowledge of modern firefighting
• comprehensive knowledge of the total scope of the fire service, including training, investigating, prevention, and emergency management; comprehensive knowledge of equipment and technologies as they relate to emergency services
• Thorough knowledge of modern management practices
• Thorough knowledge of motivational factors concerning paid-on-call firefighters
• Thorough knowledge of Relief Association issues and practices

• Advanced skill in firefighting and emergency operations
• Interpersonal relationships
• Incident command
• Consensus building
• Budget development
• Long-range planning

• Manage and direct large scale emergency operations
• Build consensus among a diverse group
• Work effectively with both paid-on-call and career personnel
• Encourage employees to develop their talents and participate in training opportunities
• Operate and use office equipment
• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, subordinates, supervisors, other departments and agencies, public officials, and the general public
• Use Microsoft Office Suite and position specific software applications

• Please note this timeline is subject to change.

Visit our Benefits page for more information.