Fire Chief

Summary

Fire Chief Recruitment Announcement

Applications must include a cover letter, résumé, and a recent headshot.

The Fire Chief serves under the administrative direction of the Deputy City Manager and leads all Fire Department operations related to the protection of life and property. This role oversees fire prevention, fire suppression, emergency services district (ESD) activities, and emergency medical services.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Direct, plan, and evaluate all Fire Department operations, including fire inspections, prevention, suppression, and emergency services.
• Develop long-range plans, programs, policies, and budget recommendations to maintain a modern, efficient, and effective department.
• Prepare and manage the department budget and oversee the preparation and maintenance of reports and records.
• Make assignments and supervise subordinate officers in the care and maintenance of stations, equipment, and departmental resources.
• Identify operational issues, report concerns, and recommend or implement appropriate solutions.
• Maintain departmental reports and records and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and professional standards, including TCFP, DSHS, TEXFIRS, ISO, Texas Fire Chiefs Best Practices, and TDEM requirements.
• Initiate and advise on the development of ordinances and regulations affecting Fire Department operations.
• Make recommendations to City leadership regarding the establishment and maintenance of adequate fire protection services.
• Draft and maintain the City’s emergency and disaster plan and serve as the Emergency Management Coordinator.
• Supervise subordinate officers responsible for community risk reduction activities.
• Lead the development and delivery of advanced fire training and staff development programs.
• Respond to emergency incidents as required, including when off duty.
• Operate fire suppression, rescue, salvage, and emergency medical equipment as needed.
• Provide emergency medical care at medical incidents, motor vehicle accidents, and other life-threatening emergencies.
• Respond to citizen questions and complaints related to Fire Department activities.
• Meet with community groups and public officials to explain, promote, and improve departmental programs.
• Represent the City of Red Oak in a professional manner and foster positive community relations.
• Serve as a member of the City’s management team by providing information and recommendations to the City Manager and City Council.
• Attend City Council meetings and other related meetings as required.
• Protect classified, confidential, and sensitive information in compliance with HIPAA privacy requirements.
• Support positive public relationships through courteous, cooperative, and professional interactions.
• Perform all duties in accordance with work instructions, established procedures, and City policies.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work environment, demonstrate a cooperative attitude, and follow all safety rules.
• Perform related duties as assigned or required by the supervisor.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE : Candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in Fire Science/Administration, Emergency Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field is required.
• A master’s degree in Public Administration or a related field from an accredited college or university is preferred.
• Completion of at least one of the following is desired: National Fire Academy/Executive Fire Officer Program, Texas Fire Chiefs Academy, Texas A & M Fire Service CEO Program, or Fire Service Executive Development Institute

• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible, full-time paid municipal, county, or regional fire service experience at the rank of Division Chief or above, including five (5) years in a supervisory capacity, is required. CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES: Candidates must possess or be able to obtain and maintain the following certifications and licenses, as applicable:

• Possession of or ability to obtain TCFP Head of Suppression Department status in accordance with TCFP Rule 449.1 within one year of appointment.

• A valid State of Texas Class C Driving License is required and must be maintained.
• TFCP Master Firefighter Certificate
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification/ Licensure
• Fire Instructor III
• Incident Command/NIMS: 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800
• Incident Safety Officer
• TCFP Fire Officer IV (preferred)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following:

• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Strong knowledge of the Incident Command System, Life Safety Code requirements, ISO standards, NFPA standards, and industry best practices.
• Knowledge of community risk reduction strategies, including fire prevention, inspections, pre-incident planning, and public education.
• Knowledge of strategic planning and risk management principles related to fire and emergency services.
• Comprehensive knowledge of modern firefighting techniques and best practices for industrial, commercial, and residential structures; wildland-urban interface incidents; hazardous materials events; mass casualty incidents; natural and human-caused disasters; terrorism response; and technical rescue operations.
• Ability to analyze fire and emergency situations, remain composed under pressure, and take effective action in a timely manner.
• Ability to safely operate, maintain, and oversee the use of firefighting apparatus, emergency vehicles, radio systems, and related rescue and medical equipment.
• Knowledge of local geography, including streets, water mains, hydrants, and major fire hazards within the City of Red Oak Fire Rescue response area.
• Advanced written communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, correspondence, summaries, records, and presentations with proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and format.
• Strong oral communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to address audiences effectively and communicate instructions, directives, and expectations clearly.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills, including the ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple projects and responsibilities.
• Ability to motivate employees, promote accountability, and foster efficient and effective team performance.
• Ability to respond appropriately to requests and inquiries, and maintain regular attendance and punctuality.
• Advanced mathematical skills, including the ability to apply fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions, and measurements.
• Computer proficiency, including advanced knowledge of Microsoft operating systems and other job-related technology.
• Ability to learn, apply, and remain current on departmental policies, procedures, instructions, and written materials related to fire service operations.
• Ability to make sound decisions, handle stressful situations professionally, and safely perform the physical requirements of the position.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently and to comply with all applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Working knowledge of the HIPAA Privacy Rule as it relates to job responsibilities and associated Fire Department policies and procedures.

Core Values and Professional Traits The Fire Chief is expected to model the City’s and Department’s professional values through daily conduct, leadership, and decision-making. These values include honesty, trust, pride and ownership, creativity, compassion, teamwork, initiative, humility, a strong work ethic, and respect for others.

The City of Red Oak recognizes that we can not serve our customers without a dedicated workforce. We are proud to offer our employees a competitive benefits package, including:

• Generous paid leave, including vacation, sick, and holiday leave
• Health, dental, and vision insurance with several City-paid plans available
• City-supplemented premiums for dependent health and dental insurance
• City contributions for a health savings account
• City-paid life and accident insurance
• City-paid long-term disability insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Deferred compensation plan options
• Group AFLAC coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• Patient Advocacy Assistance
• Longevity Pay
• Free access to the Live Oak Fitness Center
• Free membership to the Red Oak Library
• The City of Red Oak also participates in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS). The employees' TMRS contribution is 7% of their gross salary, deposited on a pre-tax basis into their individual accounts. The City matches the employees' deposits at a rate of 2:1 or 14%. To learn more details, visit our City of Red Oak Benefits page.