Fire Chief

FIRE CHIEF

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The employee in this position performs as the Commanding

Officer of the Fire Department and is responsible for the protection of life and property of the

citizens of the Town of Jonesborough. The Fire Chief shall be responsible for the protection of

lives and property as well as the day-to-day operation of the Fire Department. Work is subject

to the plans, policies, and procedures approved by the Public Safety Director. This employee is

under the direct supervision of the Public Safety Director/Operations Manager and the general

supervision of the Town Administrator.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

• Responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all activities of the Department.

• Responsible for the solicitation and interviewing of staff and for making staffing

• Develops, presents, and administers the annual operating budget for the fire department.

• Responsible for the review and authorization of all purchase requests.

• Analyzes the fire prevention and fire hazards of the Town.

• Develops and plans fire prevention and fire safety programs.

• Directs inspection of buildings for fire hazards as the Town Fire Inspector.

• Supervises, participates, and maintains coordination of the training of division members.

• Assumes command at fire scenes.

• Maintains time sheets for payroll.

• Plans, directs, assigns, supervises, and evaluates the work of full-time, part-time, and

• Maintains records in purchasing, fire reports, and daily activities.

• Maintains fire pre-plans.

• Exercises good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.

• Directs proper deployment of fire personnel and equipment at the scene of a fire in order to

• Determines the necessity of additional firefighters or equipment at the scene of a fire.

• Directs and maintains proper inspection and maintenance of all fire hydrants within the Town

• Directs and maintains all records regarding the ISO program.

• Attends meetings and public gatherings to explain Fire Department activities.

• Attends functions and obtains citizen support of fire projects.

• Conducts and prepares reports as required or directed.

• Develops long range plans for fire service in Town.

• Participates in the Washington County Volunteer Fire Chiefs Association.

• Performs related work as required.
  

FIRE CHIEF

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of the

principles and practices of equipment employed in modern firefighting, including knowledge of

hydraulics as related to firefighting; thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the

various types of apparatus and equipment used by the Department, and the ability to supervise

the effective use of such equipment and apparatus; thorough knowledge of fire-training practices

and techniques, rules and regulations of the Fire Department and Town, and controlling federal,

state, and local laws and ordinances; thorough knowledge of fire hazards and fire prevention

techniques; thorough knowledge of the use of fire records and their application to the solution

and evaluation of fire problems and in the effective planning of fire programs and assignments;

thorough knowledge of ISO regulations and the impact of the ISO rating on the Town’s residents

and businesses; ability to command the respect of officers and personnel, plan, assign, coordinate,

direct, supervise, and evaluate their work; ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies and

to direct the work of subordinates in emergency situations; ability to express ideas clearly and

concisely, both orally and in writing, to groups and/or individuals; ability to establish and

maintain effective working relationships with other Town employees, officials, and the public.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Completion of high school diploma or

approved GED certificate. BS degree in fire science, or related field preferred; or any equivalent

combination of training, education and experience; extensive experience in firefighting and fire

prevention work, supplemented by completion of approved training in fire department

administration and operation. Successful completion and certification of the State Firefighter II,

Fire Instructor I, and Fire Officer IV; Must be certified in CPR, Emergency Medical Responder,

and advanced vehicle extrication; Emergency Medical Technician preferred; Certification in Fire

Inspector I. Must possess a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Tennessee. (Any State

certifications not currently held, must be obtained within one year of employment.)

OTHER REQUISITES: From time to time the incumbent may be assigned special duties by a

superior or, on a temporary basis, may be asked to assist other employees occupying a different

position. Employees in this class may be required to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and

may be in an on-call status from time to time. This position description should not be construed

as an all-inclusive statement of every task required of this position, but as a fair representation of

the great majority of the work. Every effort will be made in advance to inform the incumbent of

the temporary additional assignments, which under no circumstances are intended to constitute a

demotion.

FIRE CHIEF

ADA REQUIREMENTS:

Physical Requirements: Task involves the regular, and at times sustained, performance of

heavier physical tasks such as; walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping,

working in confined spaces, and lifting or carrying moderately heavy (20-50 lbs.) items and

occasionally very heavy (100lbs. or over) items. May involve the complex operation of gasoline,

electric, or diesel-powered machinery or shop equipment requiring the manipulation of multiple

controls, fine adjustments or both. Must be able to push and/or pull heavy objects, climb ladders,

and possess the physical strength to carry an individual.

Environmental Requirements: Task may require infrequent, and at times sustained, exposure

to adverse environmental conditions such as cold, rain, snow, fumes, and chemical sprays.

Sensory Requirements: Task requires color perception and discrimination. Task requires sound

perception and discrimination. Task requires odor perception and discrimination. Task requires

depth perception and discrimination. Task requires texture perception and discrimination. Task

requires visual perception and discrimination. Task requires oral communications ability.

Reasonable Accommodations: Reasonable accommodation(s) if needed will be provided for

the employee to perform the required job with adequate strength, dexterity, coordination and

visual acuity and in a manner that does not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the

employee or others in the workplace.

Classification: 20

Exempt

January 22, 2024

FIRE CHIEF