Deputy Chief - Fire

Description

FLSA :  Full-Time, Exempt   Under the direction of the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chief serves in a key executive leadership role with responsibility for both administrative and operational functions of the Spring Hill Fire Department. The Deputy Fire Chief assists in the management, coordination, and oversight of departmental operations, personnel, programs, and strategic initiatives.   In the absence of the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chief assumes command of the department and is responsible for the overall leadership and daily operations of the organization. This highly visible position requires professionalism, sound judgment, and effective leadership while representing the department and the City in all interactions.   The Deputy Fire Chief directly supervises Battalion Chiefs and Division Chiefs and assists the Fire Chief with strategic planning, budget development, policy implementation, organizational improvement, and long-range planning. The position serves as an integral member of the City's leadership team.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:    1.      Responds to emergency incidents, assumes command when required, and fulfills other roles within the Incident Command System (ICS). 2.      Assists the Fire Chief in developing departmental goals, objectives, and short- and long-range strategic plans, including the analysis of operational data to support decision-making. 3.      Assists with the development, administration, and oversight of the department's annual operating and capital budgets.  4.      Monitors and evaluates performance measures to ensure operational effectiveness, efficiency, and continuous improvement. 5.      Coordinates and participates in hiring and promotional processes, including assessment centers and candidate evaluations, and provides recommendations to the Fire Chief.  6.      Directs and coordinates the work of assigned personnel by establishing priorities, assigning projects, and managing schedules.  7.      Develops, implements, reviews, and enforces departmental policies, procedures, standard operating guidelines, and best practices. Provides mentoring, coaching, corrective action, and discipline as necessary.  8.      Maintains proficiency in firefighting operations, apparatus, equipment, and emergency response practices.  9.      Works with the Training Division to ensure departmental training programs are effective, measurable, and is compliant with applicable Tennessee Code Annotated sections related to firefighter training, preparedness, and response.  10.    Assists in developing and reviewing bid specifications for departmental capital purchases in accordance with City purchasing policies. 11.    Oversees the annual inventory and audit of departmental capital assets.  12.    Represents the department, as directed by the Fire Chief, in meetings with elected and appointed officials, community stakeholders, business leaders, public safety agencies, and the public. 13.    Actively seeks opportunities to serves as a departmental spokesperson by presenting information on programs, services, and initiatives to professional and community organizations.  14.    Participates in Community Risk Reduction (CRR) initiatives, including risk assessments and the development of mitigation strategies.  15.    Maintains active involvement in professional organizations such as the Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association, Middle Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association, International Association of Fire Chiefs, and other relevant associations  16.       Remains available for response to major incidents, working fires, severe weather events, and other emergencies outside normal business hours, including extended operational assignments.

Typical Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:    Thorough knowledge of modern fire suppression and prevention practices, fire behavior, and fire chemistry.

• Knowledge of the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Fire Suppression Rating Schedule.
• Knowledge of applicable National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
• Knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, including 29 CFR 1910.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of firefighting apparatus, equipment, water distribution systems, and related maintenance requirements.
• Knowledge of local geography, infrastructure, streets, utilities, and fire hydrant systems.
• Ability to remain calm, decisive, and effective in emergency situations while maintaining a professional command presence.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, elected officials, community organizations, partner agencies, City departments, and the public.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership, organizational, planning, and supervisory skills.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise reports and presentations.

• Ability to follow directives, respond to management priorities, and complete assignments in a timely manner. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Tennessee Driver’s License, Minimum Class D

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Emergency Services Management, Organizational Leadership, or closely related field
• Minimum of 12 years of Fire Service Experience; at least 3 years as a Battalion Chief or higher in a comparable size department
• State of Tennessee EMS Licensure (EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic); or ability to obtain reciprocity within 6 months
• ICS 300, 400
• NFPA 1021 – Fire Officer IV
• NFPA 1521 – Incident Safety Officer

• NFA Leadership Series   PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Working knowledge of ESRI/GIS; National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS); ImageTrend Elite & Continuum, and Visual Preplan

• State of Tennessee – Chief Fire Officer Orientation (or ability to obtain within 12 months)
• NFPA 1033 – Fire Investigator (or ability to obtain within 24 months)
• NFA Executive Fire Officer (EFO), Center for Public Safety Excellence – Chief Fire Officer (CFO), TEEX Fire Service Chief Executive Officer (FSCEO) or graduate of the IAFC Fire Service Executive Development Institute Program (FSEDI).

Supplemental Information

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT The City of Spring Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please email Human Resources at HR@springhilltn.org.

We offer an extensive benefits package:

We offer several medical insurance options for the entire family, and employer paid dental coverage for the employee (with the option to purchase additional coverage for dependents at a minimum cost) and vision insurance that you are eliglible for at the first of the month after your hire date.

We also provide $25,000 in employer paid life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), and employer paid Long Term Disability (LTD). Available for purchase are Short Term Disability (STD) and AFLAC policies (i.e., Critical Illness, Accident, and Life Insurance) for which you are eligible on the first day of the month after 60 days of employment

The City of Spring Hill participates in the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS), a defined benefit plan. In addition to mandatory participation in the pension, we also offer 401(k) and 457(b) retirement options. Like other public employees in Williamson County, our employees can enroll in discounted membership with Williamson County Parks and Recreation, and enjoy using the Longview Recreation facility, as well as any other facility in the system. You will also enjoy 13 paid holidays each year.

Employees earn one day of sick leave each month, which is immediately accessible. You will also earn 2 weeks of vacation during your first year of employment, one of which you can access after a 6-month introductory period, the remaining vacation is accrued monthly.