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Make a diﬀerence in the community you live in! As a Community Builder—an employee with the City of Gainesville— you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it’s a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.

Department:

GG_Fire Rescue: Office of the Fire Chief

Salary Range Minimum:

$118,855.98

Salary Range Maximum:

$182,741.06

Closing Date:

02/28/2025

Job Details:

This is highly responsible and complex executive level work planning and directing the activities of the City's fire department. The incumbent must be a team player, providing leadership and supporting the organization's vision while overseeing the administrative and operational functions of the fire department.The Fire Chief serves at the will of the City Manager and may be appointed or removed at will by the City Manager. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its emphasis on fire public safety and by its departmental managerial responsibility.

Job Description:

SUMMARY

This is highly responsible and complex executive level work planning and directing the activities of the City’s fire department. The incumbent must be a team player, providing leadership and supporting the organization’s vision while overseeing the administrative and operational functions of the fire department.

The Fire Chief serves at the will of the City Manager and may be appointed or removed at will by the City Manager. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its emphasis on fire public safety and by its departmental managerial responsibility.

EXAMPLES OF WORK*

*This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job. Performance of lower level duties may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Plans, directs, coordinates and administers all functions of municipal fire and EMS services and directs all fire department activities through supervision of subordinate personnel.

Assesses organizational and operational effectiveness of the department and coordinates with staff personnel to implement policies, procedures, programs and methods of operation to address the department’s service to the community.

Directs the management of fiscal and non-fiscal resources and preparation of the annual department budget.

Ensures that all fire and EMS legal mandates and requirements are met.

Develops and empowers employees, resolves conflict and promotes teamwork and communication among shifts, districts and other departments and agencies.

Directs the annual update of the Standards of Cover.

Ensures that departmental Center for Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) requirements are met. Serves on Accreditation team and directs the completion of annual Accreditation updates.

Ensures that departmental Insurance Services Office (ISO) requirements are met.

Directs the coordination of the City-wide Emergency Plan and the maintenance and updating of the department’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP).

Directs the coordination of emergency operations, including firefighting, disaster relief, hazardous materials control, extrications, major medical incidents, and other emergency situations.

Ensures the best emergency incident management plan or control systems are in place at all times.

Stays active in the community to ensure positive relationships are developed and maintained with community leaders.

Participates in the administration of collective bargaining agreements.

Responsible for personnel selection, promotion, discharge, and other appropriate actions.

Performs timely, fair and non-discriminatory evaluation of performance of employees under his/her supervision.

Initiates or institutes discipline of employees in accordance with applicable bargaining agreements and City policies.

Reviews employee personnel and performance problems. Receives and resolves employee complaints.

Directs fire prevention regulations and takes action to secure abatement of fire hazards.

Will be required to respond under emergency conditions.

Will be responsible for enforcing the drug policy, based on physical location and organizational structure.

Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Represents the Department on committees, at special meetings, and in public education and information programs as required.

May act in absence of supervisor.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in fire science, fire administration, fire protection engineering or related subject, is required, Master degree in fire science, fire administration, fire protection engineering or related subject is preferred

supplemented by appropriate technical training in Incident Command, Hazardous Materials, Emergency Medical Services Management, Fire Code Administration, Fire Prevention, Arson Investigation, Personnel Management, Training Program Management and/or Human Resources

and fourteen (14) years of experience in a public fire protection department, which includes seven (7) years of progressively responsible management and supervisory experience at a command level of District/Battalion Chief or higher.

CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES

Licenses

Valid Driver License required upon appointment. Valid Florida Driver License required within 30 days of appointment.

Certifications

Must obtain a Certificate of Compliance as a State of Florida Firefighter or certification issued by the State of Florida to an administrative and command head of a fire/ rescue/ emergency services organization within twelve (12) months of appointment.

Paramedic certification required in compliance with criteria set forth by the Florida Department of Health or the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians within twelve (12) months of appointment).

Executive Fire Officer (EFO) certification from the National Fire Academy (NFA), the United States Fire Administration (USFA) or the University of Florida is preferred.

Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of principles, practices, methods and theories of modern fire administration, organization and operations.

Thorough knowledge of controlling laws, ordinances, regulations and statutes which govern fire administration functions.

Thorough knowledge of business, administrative and fiscal management.

Thorough knowledge of and the ability to manage an emergency incident scene utilizing the appropriate strategies and tactics.

Knowledge of the National Incident Management System. Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of effective administration and supervision.

Considerable knowledge of municipal government and the relationships between the fire department and other governmental agencies.

Thorough knowledge of municipal organization and departmental functions, staffing, and operating procedures.

Thorough knowledge of collective bargaining agreement administration.

Knowledge of governmental budget procedures.

Ability to plan, install and carry out programs of departmental operations and activities, including employee training and development and fire prevention and investigation activities.

Ability to augment and coordinate delivery of urban fire services.

Ability to plan, assign, review and supervise work of others and to evaluate work accomplishments.

Excellent analytical skills as demonstrated by the ability to collect, develop, assess, and blend information and recommendations from a wide variety of sources.

Strong critical and creative thinking skills to assess and resolve problems or issues by gathering and assessing information, taking advice, and using judgment that is consistent with standards, practices, policies, procedures, regulations or law.

Ability to work under high stress levels, with frequent interruptions and with tight and often changing deadlines.

Ability to develop short and long-term strategies, plans and programs and to evaluate work accomplishments.

Strong interpersonal skills as demonstrated by the ability to interact collaboratively and productively and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals of diverse backgrounds including elected and appointed government officials, charter officers, City employees, other fire agencies, local, state and Federal legislative bodies, local business partners, the municipal utility community, and the general public.

Excellent written and oral communication skills as demonstrated by the ability to articulate complex information and issues clearly and concisely.

Ability to direct the accurate and timely response to public records requests in compliance with Florida public records laws.

Ability to maintain security and confidentiality.

Ability to prepare and maintain records, conduct analysis, write reports and make presentations effectively, both orally and in writing.

Working knowledge of personal computers and departmental related software.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work related environmental conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to sit for prolonged periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work may require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions.

Work may require exposure to hazardous conditions and noxious chemicals.

Will be required to work and attend meetings outside regular business hours, including nights, weekends and holidays.

Residence within the City limits required within six (6) months of appointment.

Note:

May Require Assessment(s).

May fill multiple positions.

May establish an eligibility list.

Come join our team! The City of Gainesville oﬀers a competitive beneﬁts package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.

All ‘regular’ employees are eligible for traditional beneﬁts such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also oﬀer great things like on-site ﬁtness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staﬀ and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy. Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.

Veterans' Preference

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans’ Preference.

If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at HR@cityofgainesville.org or by calling 352-334-5077.