Address
SalaryNEWTON COUNTY, GEORGIA
Classification Specification
FIRE CHIEF (2621)
FLSA: Exempt
Purpose of Classification:
The purpose of this classification is to plan, direct and oversee all fire operations, administrative functions, and staff
of the department.
Essential Functions:
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude
them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties
may be required and assigned.
Manages, directs, and evaluates assigned staff: approves/processes employee concerns and problems and counsels
or disciplines as appropriate; assists with or completes employee performance appraisals; directs work; acts as a
liaison between employees and management; and trains staff in operations, policies, and procedures.
Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work: prioritizes and schedules work activities in order to meet objectives;
oversees the development of employee work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and control; reviews and/or
approves timesheets; ensures that subordinates have the proper resources needed to complete the assigned work;
monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with
complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; and provides progress and activity reports to County
administrators and elected officials.
Manages and oversees, either personally or through subordinate supervisors, daily activities of the department:
delegates activities; disseminates information and special orders; instructs and directs subordinates on proper
procedures and protocols of the department; directs fire suppression and emergency medical services; directs and
oversees the development of training programs; directs and oversees the development of and ensures compliance
with standards for station and apparatus maintenance and care; directs and oversees purchasing of department
equipment and supplies; and updates County administrators and Board of Commissioners on department operations
and critical incidents/situations.
Develops and implements long- and short-term plans, goals, and objectives for the department: evaluates
performance and effectiveness of current fire and emergency medical services, programs, and systems in relation to
growing needs of the County; and identifies and implements needed changes, modifications and/or enhancements.
Newton County, Georgia Fire Chief
Develops, implements and updates policies and procedures for the department: formulates and develops work
methods and practices, policies, standard operating procedures, and training programs; monitors implementation of
rules and regulations; and updates policies and procedures as required.
Develops, defends, and implements department budget: determines budget allocations for staffing, equipment and
capital improvement needs; monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budget; and maintains
related documentation.
Confers with County administrators and elected officials to keep them informed on key issues and progress toward
objectives: exchanges information, reviews activities, resolves issues, and receives direction; and makes
recommendations to assist County administrators and elected official in decision making.
Directs department personnel functions: oversees the investigation of complaints against department personnel;
and issues and/or approves disciplinary actions, promotions, recruitment and selection.
Represents the department to County administrators and elected officials, other government agencies, and the
public, as needed: responds to complex questions, complaints, and requests for information; attends and participates
in various committees, hearings, official functions, Board of Commissioners meetings and other community
meetings; makes presentations and public speeches to BOC, civic and business associations, and schools; and meets
with influential persons within the community, such as developers, officials, citizens, and representatives of the press,
to resolve and/or respond to issues.
May serve as Incident Commander at emergency scenes: assesses and evaluates on scene conditions; manages
multi-agency activities at emergency scenes to provide direction, safety, and coordination of efforts and resources;
determines strategy and tactics; directs firefighting and/or rescue activities; and supervises fire communications
Ensures departmental compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and
procedures: ensures adherence to established safety procedures; monitors work environment and use of safety
equipment to ensure safety of employees and other individual; and initiates any actions necessary to correct
deviations or violations.
Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, policies and
procedures: maintains an awareness of new equipment, trends and advances in the profession; maintains
professional affiliations and required certifications; oversees and directs multi-jurisdictional training; and facilitates
and attends shift meetings, workshops and seminars as appropriate.
Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated
timeframes and per established procedures: prepares, completes, receives, reviews, processes, forwards or retains,
as appropriate, various forms, reports, correspondence, incident reports, training reports, vehicle maintenance
reports, invoices, purchase orders, test results, inspection and investigation reports, performance evaluations, and
other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and
maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.
Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet,
database, Internet, e-mail, or other software: and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to
complete essential functions.
Operates or uses various firefighting equipment, hand tools, and supplies in order to complete work assignments:
operates and maintains emergency vehicle and other tools and equipment as needed.
Communicates with County administrators and elected officials, other County employees, vendors, developers,
outside agencies, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work,
exchange information, or resolve problems.
© Archer Company
Newton County, Georgia Fire Chief
Additional Functions:
Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or a related field required; supplemented by seven years of
progressively responsible experience in multiple areas of department operations, such as firefighting, emergency
medical services, fire inspection and investigation, or fire training, to include lead or supervisory experience; or any
equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and
abilities for this job.
Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license. Must possess
and maintain the following additional certifications or licensures: Firefighter I and II; Emergency Medical Technician;
and Fire Officer I and II.
Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential
functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all County or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary
to function effectively in the position.
Performance Aptitudes:
Data Utilization: Requires the ability to synthesize and integrate data for predicting, anticipating, and planning for
future events impacting the organization. Includes determining strategic and tactical decisions at the highest
organizational levels of authority and responsibility.
Human Interaction: Requires the ability to function in a director capacity for a major organizational unit requiring
significant internal and external interaction.
Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control
the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize consulting and advisory data and information, as well as reference,
descriptive and/or design data and information as applicable.
Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform moderately complex algebraic and geometric operations;
ability to utilize principles of basic probability and statistical inference.
Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or synthesis functions; to deal with several
concrete and abstract variables; and to analyze major problems that require complex planning for interrelated activities
that can span one or several work units.
Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in critical and/or
unexpected situations involving high risk to the organization.
ADA Compliance:
Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve
some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve
© Archer Company
Newton County, Georgia Fire Chief
extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds,
and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental
conditions; incident command functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions typically
associated with firefighting.
Newton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County
will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective
and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
© Archer Company
