Fire Chief

Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the City Manager, the Fire Chief manages the delivery of fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue operations, hazardous material response, emergency management planning and public education programs. Serves as the Emergency Management Coordinator. Provides supervision to the Fire Marshal and his responsibilities for fire protection, including inspection of all commercial and multi‑family structures. Supervises assigned department staff.

Must reside within ten minutes of City of Athens.

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

• Oversee daily operations, activities, programs, and services of the Fire Department.
• Develop, plan, and implement goals and objectives relating to fire department operations.
• Recommend and administer fire policies and procedures.
• Comply with all written department and City policies and procedures.
• Plan, organize and direct the departmental operations of fire suppression, prevention, and emergency medical activities.
• Coordinate and direct the provision of departmental support services including station, hydrant and equipment maintenance, in‑service training, and fire inspection.
• Maintain department efficiency, effectiveness, and safety.
• Project additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Participate, oversee, and manage the administration of the department budget, budget projections and justifications for the annual budget.
• Serve as a member of the City’s management team; provide information and recommendations regarding operations.
• Develop strategic long‑range and short‑range plans to determine goals and objectives for the department.
• Coordinate the preparation of a variety of technical and departmental activities, reports, and records.

• Coordinate Fire Department activities with other City departments and divisions, as well as, with outside agencies including other fire departments involved in a mutual response agreement.
• Respond to major fire alarms and personally direct fire suppression activities, as necessary.
• Train employees on current fire suppression techniques.
• Research equipment needs specifications and costs.
• Direct the City’s emergency fire program.
• Coordinate with the City’s EMS service provider.

• Direct, coordinate and schedule fire inspection activities.
• Manage the enforcement of fire prevention codes.
• Coordinate fire prevention education.

• Provide oversight for all emergency management operations.
• Manage and respond to large and moderate scale emergency operations and incidents.
• Coordinate emergency management activities and ensure mandated reporting is submitted.
• Provide training when necessary.

• Interact and consult with senior fire staff regarding overall management, staff motivation and morale.
• Initiate policy development and implementation providing direction and vision.
• Review and assign staff resources as needed to achieve objectives of programs and services while monitoring safety and personnel issues.
• Conduct problem solving sessions with other personnel for internal personnel issues, investigations, and coordination of services to best meet department and community needs.
• Coordinate selection, training and motivation of personnel and evaluate progress.
• Monitor employee performance objectives and review shift activities.
• Ensure department personnel receive training/continuing education as necessary and as the budget allows.
• Work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Ensure bi‑weekly payroll timesheets are processed accurately and efficiently for submission to Payroll.

• Respond to the complaints and requests for information.
• Represent the City in meetings with individuals, community groups, professional organizations, and leaders to determine the needs and issues of the community.
• Knowledge of the management and oversight of a municipal fire department.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, methods and techniques of modern fire prevention, suppression, and EMS activities.
• Knowledge of…