CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

 

JOB TITLE:	Fire Chief	POSITION NUMBER(S):	1280
DEPARTMENT:	Fire	GRADE:	604
DIVISION:		FLSA STATUS:	Exempt
SECTION/UNIT:		UNION ELIGIBLE:	No
REPORTS TO:	City Manager	EEO CATEGORY:	Officials and Administrators
		EPAS JOB FAMILY:	II

 

 

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.  It is intended to identify the essential functions and minimum qualifications of this job.  The incumbent(s) may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign job-related responsibilities and tasks to this job at any time.  Certain functions are understood to be essential; these include, but are not limited to, attendance, getting along with others, working a full shift, and dealing with and working under stress.  Any essential function of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).  Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.

 

JOB OBJECTIVE:  Plans and directs activities related to fire suppression, fire prevention, and emergency medical response within the City.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

 

1.         Develops long-range plans for meeting fire suppression needs of the City; provides technical information regarding fire suppression requirements for use in consideration of annexation and development issues.

 

2.         Ensures that the City fire insurance rating is maintained by reviewing the minimum requirements established by rating services and recommending methods, equipment, staffing, and station placement to meet those standards.

 

3.         Reviews standards set by government agencies and fire insurance organizations to determine the need for new and enhanced training programs for firefighters; reviews training programs developed by Fire Department trainers to ensure compliance with standards.

 

4.         Reviews proposed changes in the City codes and ordinances related to fire prevention to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.

 

5.         Reviews tentative budget figures prepared by the Fire Department staff to ensure compliance with budget guidelines; recommends budget for capital improvements, including new stations and major equipment purchases.

 

6.         Develops plans and minimum training requirements for special Fire Department units such as bomb squad, hazardous materials team, urban search and rescue unit and emergency medical response; reviews applications, interviews, and selects members of special response units.

 

7.         Responds to the scene of all second alarm fires, fires involving fatalities, and emergencies which may require evacuation to direct activities of Fire Department personnel.

 

8.         Orders evacuation of areas affected by hazardous material spills and other emergencies as required; confers with other emergency response agencies to develop emergency response plans.

 

9.         Attends meetings and confers with employees of designated departments and agencies regarding annexation and development plans affecting Fire Department operations.

 

10.       Develops policies and procedures for the inspection of fire scenes and inspections for fire prevention; reports cases of suspected arson, bombings and bomb threats, and other unusual emergencies to the appropriate local, state, and federal agency as required by law and regulations.

 

11.       Reviews complaints from citizens regarding Fire Department operations; reviews reports of Departmental administrative hearings related to complaints and violations of regulations to determine appropriate action.

 

12.       Presents information regarding Fire Department operations to civic groups and other organizations; assigns presentations regarding specific Fire Department activities to the Departmental personnel specializing in those activities.

 

13.       Provides information regarding Fire Department operations and responses to specific emergencies as requested by members of the media.

 

14.       Performs the duties of Firefighter, Fire Apparatus Engineer, Fire Captain, and Battalion Chief as required.

 

15.       Operates a microcomputer with spreadsheet and word processing software.

 

16.       Operates a City pool automobile in the performance of essential job functions.

 

 

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

1.         Performs other related duties as required.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  Assistant Fire Chiefs and other assigned personnel.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

 

Knowledge of fire suppression and prevention methods and practices.

 

Knowledge of the characteristics of various classes and types of fires.

 

Knowledge of the physical and chemical reactions of various building materials and commonly used chemicals to fire.

 

Knowledge of fire fighting and safety equipment.

 

Knowledge of budgeting processes.

 

Knowledge of computer fundamentals and business software, including spreadsheet and word processing software.

 

Skill in the operation of a microcomputer utilizing spreadsheet and word processing software.

 

Skill in the operation of an automatic transmission automobile.

 

Ability to develop long-range plans for meeting fire suppression needs.

 

Ability to develop policies and procedures for operation of the Fire Department.

 

Ability to read and interpret laws and regulations relating to fire suppression and prevention.

 

Ability to read and interpret insurance rating organization regulations and minimum standards.

 

Ability to supervise the activities of managerial and clerical employees.

 

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

 

These knowledge, skills, and abilities are usually, although not always, acquired through completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Technology, Public Administration, or a related area, and four (4) years of experience in fire suppression and prevention at a supervisory or administrative level.  Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

 

Must possess a valid Arkansas Class D (Non-Commercial Vehicle) Driver’s License before employment and maintain licensure for the duration of employment in this position.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

 

The physical activities marked below are representative of those that will be required on a regular basis  to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

	YES	NO
work involves lifting, pushing, pulling or carrying 40 pounds or more	ü
work involves the operation of earth-moving equipment or commercial motor vehicles		ü
work involves the operation of non-commercial motor vehicles	ü
work involves the operation of tools such as axes, shovels, sling blades	ü
work involves the operation of motorized equipment such as chain saws, power saws, jackhammers, lawn mowers, tractors	ü
work involves stooping, bending, twisting, or reaching out in unusual positions	ü
work involves climbing or running	ü
works above ground or floor level, such as on stools or ladders	ü
works in a relatively high average degree of temperature over a long period of time	ü
work involves considerable physical exertion of the whole body over a long period of time	ü
work requires near vision (20 inches or less)	ü
work requires distance vision (20 feet or more)	ü
work involves detection of color differences	ü
work involves determination of the correct location of a sound, such as footsteps	ü
work involves hearing and understanding conversation or sounds	ü

 

 

created:      October 2001

analyst        RLC