Division Chief
Date Adopted by City Manager
12/01/02
Comp. Code
7706
PSM
Exempt
Job Title
Division Chief
Definition
Under general direction of the Fire Chief, to plan, supervise, and coordinate the activities and personnel of a Fire Department Division or Bureau; to perform the role of Department Command/Duty Chief; to provide highly responsible and technical staff assistance; to provide leadership in accomplishing fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials response, fire prevention, training, and safety goals of the Department; and to serve as Acting Fire Chief in the absence of the Fire Chief.
Typical Duties
Command fire department resources on all types of emergencies, including the most complex fires, rescues, and hazardous materials incidents; research and recommend Department policy; plan, organize, schedule, and conduct fire training; develop specifications and assist in the procurement of emergency apparatus and equipment; assist in site selection and design of Fire Department facilities; research and assist in design of Department dispatch, communications, and computer systems; supervise the maintenance of departmental administrative, inspection, training, and safety records; conduct drills and inspections; coordinate specialized skills such as hazardous materials, aircraft rescue firefighting, rescue, emergency medical services, and critical incident stress; serve as Fire Department Health and Safety Officer; supervise and coordinate station duties and assignments; supervise and evaluate assigned staff; review building plans and supervise and participate in fire safety inspections; investigate fires to determine cause and origin; provide fire information and public safety education; supervise or perform fire code inspections, plan checks, environmental review, water system design, and pre-fire planning; supervise and coordinate volunteer personnel; coordinate Fire Department activities with other City, County, State, and Federal agencies; supervise Department personnel, procurement, budget, and accounting activities; coordinate the maintenance of Fire Department vehicles and facilities; serve as a peace officer if assigned; perform related assignments as necessary. This position may be subject to emergency recall during non-working hours.
Tools and Equipment Used
Various fire apparatus or command vehicles, fire pumps, personal protective equipment, hoses and other standard firefighting equipment, hazardous materials response, and rescue equipment, ladders, emergency medical equipment, radio, pager, personal computer, phone.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, sometimes on uneven surfaces; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl in confined spaces; and taste or smell.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 175 pounds or more with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjusts focus.
Work Environment
Work is performed primarily in an office, vehicles, and outdoor settings, in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, and during day and night. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. Individual is exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and oils, and combating hazardous materials emergencies.
The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in office settings and loud at an emergency scene.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of
Standards, principles, practices, and procedures of modern fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue, and hazardous materials response and organization; operation and maintenance of fire and rescue apparatus; geography, demographics, building types, water supply, and special hazards in the City of Chico; Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and codes pertaining to fire prevention, emergency services, and worker safety standards; methods and techniques of fire service training; operation and maintenance of fire and rescue apparatus and equipment; principles and practices of public administration including organization, fiscal affairs, and personnel management; and basic computer applications.
Ability to
Efficiently and effectively utilize personnel, equipment, and apparatus in routine and emergency situations; develop and implement training and fire safety and prevention programs; maintain and improve discipline and morale; receive respect and support of subordinates; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with other City staff, other agencies, the media, and the general public; be appointed a peace officer if required.
Experience
Seven years of full-time fire prevention, fire suppression, or fire training experience including at least two years experience performing duties similar to the Fire Captain or Battalion Chief positions with the City of Chico.
Education
A Bachelor’s Degree in fire administration, fire protection engineering, or a related field, supplemented by substantial professional education including all course work for State Board of Fire Services Chief Officer Certification.
Additional Requirements
Possession of a valid California Class A or B Driver License; current first aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certification per CCR 1797.182; certification at the Hazardous Materials First Responder-Operational level.