Job Summary:
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Fire Chief to lead our firefighting team. Under the direction of the City Administrator, the Fire Chief provides oversight of all departmental functions including personnel management, administration, fire inspection and investigation, health and safety awareness, and emergency services delivery and operations.
Major Responsibilities
Leadership and Direction
· Embrace, promote, and model the City’s Vision and Values.
· Participate as a member and representative of the City's Leadership Team.
· Provides leadership and technical and administrative direction to the programs, activities, and staff of the department, including supervision and personnel management.
· Facilitates problem solving within the department and encourages a high degree of communication between employees and supervisors.
· Meets with elected and appointed officials, other Fire/EMS officials, community and business representatives on all aspects of the Department's activities.
· Develops and implements programs that educate and build partnerships with the public.
· Works with elected officials, City Administration, staff, and other agencies to develop long-range plans for meeting the community’s fire and emergency medical service needs.
· Responds to multiple alarm fires as needed assuming command, or when assigned as duty officer.
· Responsible for the development of SOPs, SOGs, and pre-fire planning.
· May perform duties as the City’s Fire Marshal and Fire Investigator.
Supervisory Responsibilities
· Supervises Department Officers in the operation of emergency services.
· Develops the department’s budget including capital, operational, equipment, and personnel costs.
· Ensures the financial well-being of the department by establishing cost-controlling measures and monitoring all fiscal operations of the department.
· Projects and procures revenues and funding for the work of the department, including development and management of fees and charges and accessing federal and state funding sources.
· Responsible for developing the fire code, fire prevention ordinances, and building construction fire code compliance.
· Supervises the inspection of buildings and other properties for fire hazards and enforces fire prevention ordinances and fire code compliance.
· Responsible for the operation of departmental in-service training activities.
· Supervises the preparation of, and submits monthly reports to the Mayor, City Administrator, and appropriate City Council Committees regarding the Department's activities.
· Supervises department reporting and scheduling software.
Personnel Management
· Responsible for overall supervision of personnel.
· Oversees the department’s training.
· Assists with the handling of grievances from career and on-call paid personnel.
· Participates in labor relations through contract negotiation and grievance resolution.
· Assists with department hiring process.
Other Duties
· Attends conferences and meetings to keep abreast of current trends in the field.
· Represent the City of Lynden and its Fire Department in a variety of local, county, state and other meetings.
· Maintains effective working relationships with other emergency services providers in Whatcom County.
· Serves as a member of various employee committees.
· Participates in annual Life Safety inspections, conducts new construction inspections, and assists with new commercial and remodel plan examination.
· Performs the duties of command personnel as needed and fulfills obligations during duty days or duty weeks.
· Manages the City Emergency Response Plan.
Education & Experience
Qualified candidates will have an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science, Public Administratio,n or a closely related field, a minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in the fire service at least three (3) years of full-time administrative experience in an upper-level position in a public safety agency. For full qualifications and special requirements, please refer to the job description.
The City of Lynden offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes; medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, deferred compensation plans and an employee assistance program.
Benefit Information for this position can be found here: https://www.lyndenwa.org/
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $128,572.00 - $167,757.00 per year
Benefits:
- 457(b)
- Bereavement leave
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Uniform allowance
- Vision insurance
Ability to Relocate:
- Lynden, WA 98264: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person