Fire Chief

The City of Seward is recruiting for a Fire Chief

This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the staff and operations of the City’s Fire Department. The Fire Chief is responsible for the implementation of fire prevention and suppression programs, emergency response operations, building inspections, removal and mitigation of hazardous materials, and emergency medical services.

• Oversees and monitors the effectiveness of department operations and personnel administration.
• Coordinates activities of the department with other City officials, civic leaders, and state fire officials.
• Develops and monitors operating plans and budgets.
• Establishes department goals and objectives and monitor’s progress.
• Plans and manages the staff and activities of the department, establishes shift schedules and work assignments.
• Maintains and modifies an effective and progressive training program for the staff and volunteers
• Establishes department policies and procedures and ensures consistency with firefighting safety and standards.
• Monitors changes in rules and regulations in federal/state and local laws.
• Negotiates and coordinates mutual fire protection plans with surrounding municipalities and service areas.
• Oversees and approves the purchase of equipment and supplies for the department.
• Acts as a fire ground commander in the event of fire incidents and other emergency operations.
• Ensures the operational condition of department equipment and alarms.
• Directs the inspection of buildings and other properties for potential fire hazard.
• Investigates the sources and circumstances of fires to identify causes.
• Maintains a variety of records related to inspection activities, permits issued, and fires investigated.
• Coordinates activities with outside resources such as architects, engineers, lawyers, etc. to ensure optimum fire protection and emergency services for the City and coordinates the department’s participation in special City events.
• Supervises the Building Inspector and oversees as the Building Department in all phases of residential and commercial inspections.
• Recommends issuance of occupancy permits and similar licenses.
• Serves as the Operations Manager for the City’s emergency plan and ensures the plan is complete and tested.
• Stays informed and updated on fire safety, building code and standards and oversees compliance with applicable changes in the laws.
• Administers, directs, and evaluates the building inspection operations.
• Provides effective and efficient customer service and promotes and maintains responsive community relations.
• Follows safe work practices.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in fire science, fire administration, public administration, or a related field, supplemented by 7 years of experience in fire suppression, emergency medical response, or firefighting, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, skills and ability:

• Modern technology, operations, techniques, methods, and practices relating to fire prevention and inspection, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, confined space rescue, training, public education, and administration management.
• Ordinances, laws, regulations, operating guidelines, and safety standards applicable to a firefighting and emergency medical/rescue services.
• The principles of personnel management, including recruiting, training, discipline, and termination.
• The use of standard office equipment including computers and relevant software programs.
• Collaborating with other agencies in emergency situations.
• Oral and written communications.
• Preparing reports and making presentations.
• Strategic thinking and decision making.
• Provide necessary and ongoing training to staff.
• Evaluate staffing needs and ensure adequate staffing and organizational structure.
• Prepare studies and reports.
• Maintain equipment and facilities for the effective and efficient operation of the Department.
• Develop positive, cooperative, and supportive relationships with other fire departments and agencies at all levels of…