Fire-EMS Chief/District Manager

FIRE-EMS CHIEF / DISTRICT MANAGERI. Job Description:Summary The Fire-EMS Chief is the Chief Executive Officer and District Manager. The position is an Executive-level, highly responsible managerial, professional, administrative, and technical position involving responsibility for the direction of all employees and activities of the District. The Fire-EMS Chief provides strategic leadership and overall administration of the District, exercising responsibility for planning, organizing, directing and coordinating this emergency service organization (ESO). The Fire-EMS Chief is specifically concerned with preventing and minimizing the loss of life and property by fire, accident, medical emergency, or other natural or man-made emergency incident.The Fire-EMS Chief exercises oversight, direction, management, and leadership of all agency operations, divisions, departments, contracted services, administrative services, fire operations, fire prevention, training, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).The Fire-EMS Chief reports directly to the District Board of Commissioners and is responsible for implementing Board policies, managing District resources, and ensuring the efficient and cost-effective delivery of services to the community. The Fire-EMS Chief is senior in rank and responsible for the fulfillment of all duties and authority commensurate with assigned responsibilities.II. Essential Functions and Responsibilities:Directs and oversees all aspects of District operations, including Fire, Rescue, and EMS emergency response, fire prevention, injury prevention, public education, training, and administration. Duties are carried out in accordance with accepted national and regional fire and EMS standards and recommended practices. Develops and implements District-wide strategic plans, policies, and procedures to ensure effective emergency response capabilities and administrative operations.Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with elected officials, other agency heads, neighboring jurisdictions, and community stakeholders.Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards (as adopted by local, state, or federal policy or law).Serves as a primary representative of the District. Displays professionalism and comportment at all times, specifically in all intergovernmental activities, in professional associations, and community relations.Represents the District to the general public and the media; writes articles, and makes speeches or presentations to promote awareness of the District's mission and functions.Handles public inquiries and complaints; answers and clarifies these or refers them to the appropriate informational sources.Oversees recruitment, promotion, discipline, and development of District personnel.Develops and maintains mutual aid agreements with surrounding jurisdictions.Participates in firefighting, EMS, rescue, public education, and prevention activities.May take command in a fire or other emergency situation. Makes decisions for the District as required by circumstances and need.Analyzes and evaluates reports and statistics to ascertain trends and patterns. Deploys personnel and resources to meet various community and organizational needs.Supervises and participates in the planning, development, and execution of training programs.Conducts internal staff meetings.Oversees District facility, vehicle, and equipment maintenance and the internal decision making on new or replacement District facilities, vehicles, and equipment. As necessary, presents information and justification for Board consideration.Required to wear District uniform and civilian clothes, as appropriate. Attends seminars, conferences, training courses, meetings, and keeps abreast of technological advances relating to fire suppression, technical rescue, emergency medical services, community risk reduction, and fire prevention activities.III. Knowledge, Skills, & Other Characteristics:Displays and exercises the utmost degree of integrity and ethical behavior. Expert knowledge of a modern and progressive ESO, including administration, fire services, rescue, EMS, and emergency management principles and practices.Comprehensive understanding of public administration and State of Florida Special District operations.Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Effectively and efficiently plan, assign, supervise, evaluate, and direct assigned personnel to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of services by the District and to promote positive employee relations and team unity.Ability to organize and direct firefighting and emergency medical services of broad scope and complexity.Ability to use considerable independent judgment and discretion in managing situations that may occur.Ability to apply analytical skills for all related activities and interpret data for decision making, effective decisions, recommendations, reports, etc. Is familiar with: Florida Statutes § 633, Fire Prevention and Control, and F.S. §§ 189 and 191 regulating special district operations, as well as other federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations relevant to District operations.Is familiar with the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC), and agency accreditation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.Monitors actions of other governmental agencies with respect to annexation of Key Largo Fire, Rescue and EMS District boundaries. Is familiar with annexation laws and negotiates interlocal agreements with other agencies for consideration by the Board of Commissioners.Is familiar with Florida Sunshine and public record laws.Assists in selecting and maintains liaison with the District's law and accounting firms. Recommends to the Board of Commissioners continuation of or changes in these outside professional resources.Coordinates with architects, builders, general contractors, and other providers of services to the District.The District does not have the same infrastructure as a municipality; therefore, the Fire-EMS Chief must be knowledgeable in such areas as legal, management information systems, personnel policy, insurance, retirement, Firefighter Bill of Rights, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), American with Disabilities Act (ADA), The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and other related fields.Advanced knowledge of:Fire suppression and prevention techniques and administrationEmergency medical services administrationHazardous materials operationsFire and EMS grants and grant programsPersonnel management and employee relationsBudget development and fiscal managementPublic safety technology and communications systemsEmergency management and disaster preparednessFire service law and liabilityStrategic planning and policy developmentIV. Strategic Leadership Responsibilities:Oversees the development, implementation, and management of the District strategic mission, vision, goals, and objectivesEstablishes performance standards and evaluation metricsReviews and approves operational policies and proceduresOversees major equipment and apparatus procurementDirects emergency operations during major incidentsCoordinates with other agencies, districts, and departmentsDevelops succession planning and leadership development programsPerforms a gap analysis to ensure District readiness and capabilitiesOversees grant applications and managementDirects public information and community relations programsManages District accreditation processesV. Administrative Responsibilities:Develops, manages, and reviews the preparation of the annual District budget, including staffing projections, organizational infrastructure and equipment needs. Presents a proposed annual budget to the Board of Fire Commissioners with justification for each request. Makes recommendations regarding capital project financing and investments of public funds.Ensures safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and repair of all District assets, whether leased, loaned, or owned by the District.Informs the Board of Commissioners of activities and operations, both through written monthly reports and intervening updates. Assures the preparation of the agenda for Board meetings, and requests input from Commissioners on agenda items.Oversees and ensures District compliance with budget and advertising requirements as detailed in the State of Florida Truth in Millage (TRIM) Act.Attends and participates in workshops, schools, seminars, conferences, committee meetings and public hearings related to fire, rescue, and EMS.Ensures compliance with District record keeping, bookkeeping, and reporting functions. Assists in facilitating the outside annual financial audit.Reviews and approves District expenditures up to the limit determined by a Board of Commissioners duly adopted resolution.Oversees personnel actions and disciplinary matters.Develops and maintains operational policies.Manages District contracts and agreements. Acts as the official business agent for the District. Signs contracts and reports on behalf of the District. Serves as, or appoints, the official custodian of the public records of the District, thus ensures all records are maintained available to the public in accordance with Florida Law.Ensures accurate record keeping and reporting.Prepares reports and provides information as required by governing authorities.Communicates and coordinates with members of the Florida Legislature and the Monroe County Board of County Commissions on issues that may affect the District.VI. Supervisory ControlsReports directly to the Key Largo Fire Rescue and EMS Board of CommissionersVII. Physical DemandsMust be able to meet the requirements of NFPA 1582 Chapter 6, Medical Evaluation of Candidates, which details, among other critical items, that the employee must be able to wear all assigned gear and effectively perform emergency scene duties when needed. When on an emergency scene, requires good vision, good hearing, ability to distinguish odors, ability to walk, run, drive vehicles, crawl, stoop, push, pull, jump, and use other emergency, firefighting, and EMS equipment as required. Must be able to climb ladders and stairs and perform and supervise various physical operations and inspections.VIII. Work EnvironmentA considerable amount of time is spent working inside Station facilities. Outside work may occasionally be performed in emergency conditions which may often involve extreme danger and exertion under stressful and hazardous conditions such as flames, smoke, hazardous materials, cramped conditions, charged or oxygen deficient atmospheres, downed power lines, in and among moving vehicles in varying inclement weather among others.During occasions of local emergencies, this position may be required to report to perform emergency, planning, coordination and control tasks which may result in extended work hours, as well as extended periods of time away from family members. Must be available for response to emergency scenes and to manage various situations during non-traditional work hours.IX. Required Minimum Qualifications:Education and Experience:Bachelor's Degree from a regionally accredited college or university in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, or closely related field.Minimum fifteen (15) years of progressive fire service experience with five (5) years documented at supervisory and managerial levels. A combination of experience and education may be considered to meet the minimum qualifications.Required Certifications:Florida Minimum Standards of Firefighting Certification Firefighter IIFlorida State Fire Officer CertificationFlorida State Certified Emergency Medical Technician or ParamedicCertified District Manager (CDM) from the Florida Association of Special Districts (must obtain within 3 years of appointment)Florida Forestry Certification in S130/S190 as a wildland firefighter (must obtain within one year of appointment)Must have completed: oICS-100 oICS-200 oICS-300 oICS-400 oICS-700 oICS-800Additional Requirements:Must have and maintain a valid FL State Driver's License within one year of appointmentMust be available to respond to significant events within a timely mannerMust participate in county-wide Emergency Management OperationsMust be a non-smoking/non-tobacco using person, both on and off the job, at the time of appointment to the position and maintain same non-smoking and non-use throughout the term of employmentMust successfully pass the District's medical/physical, drug screen, and background checks as a condition of appointment and employmentWithin one year of appointment, the Fire-EMS Chief must establish residency in Monroe County, Florida within 5 road miles of the DistrictPreferred Qualifications:Florida Certified ParamedicFlorida Fire Officer II certificationFlorida Fire Inspector I certificationMaster's Degree from a regionally accredited college or university in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, or closely related fieldExecutive Fire Officer (EFO) graduate from the National Fire AcademyChief Fire Officer (CFO) from the Center for Public Safety ExcellenceVII. Professional Development:Maintain membership in professional fire service organizationsParticipate in continuing education and professional developmentAttend conferences and seminars to stay current with fire service, EMS, and special district trendsEngage in networking with other fire service and EMS leadersPursue relevant advanced certifications and designationsNote: This job description is illustrative, and not all inclusive. Job duties and requirements may be modified as needed to match District and community needs. Reasonable accommodation considerations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.J-18808-Ljbffr