Fire Chief

Join to apply for the Fire Chief role at City of Avenal

Under the direction of the City Manager, the Fire Chief plans, organizes, controls and directs the establishment, development, and ongoing operations of the Avenal Fire Department. This position is responsible for building and maintaining a comprehensive fire protection program, including fire suppression, fire prevention, hazardous materials mitigation, fire and safety code compliance, and emergency medical services to protect lives, property and the environment from human and natural disasters.

The Fire Chief will recruit, train, and supervise professional firefighters while establishing departmental policies, procedures, and operational standards. This position supervises and evaluates the performance of assigned personnel, ensures department compliance with and enforcement of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, and codes, and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager.

This is a single, department head position responsible for establishing and maintaining Avenal's fire department with professional firefighting personnel. The Fire Chief's duties are administrative/managerial in nature with significant emphasis on program development, personnel management, and community outreach. The incumbent has extensive contact with public officials, State/Federal/local agencies, other fire departments, labor organizations, and the general public. The incumbent exercises a high level of independent authority and serves as the primary architect of the City's fire protection services.

• Lead the comprehensive establishment of the Avenal Fire Department from initial planning through full operational capacity
• Develop foundational policies, procedures, standard operating procedures, and organizational structure for a professional fire department
• Create recruitment and retention strategies for professional firefighters and support staff
• Establish mutual aid agreements with neighboring fire departments and emergency services agencies

• Work closely with the City Manager in setting and carrying out the City's vision, mission, and objectives for fire protection services
• Develop long‑range strategic planning for fire department growth and service delivery
• Plan, organize, control and direct all activities, personnel, resources and operations of the fire department
• Create and implement comprehensive training programs for professional firefighters
• Recruit, interview, and select professional firefighters and support staff
• Supervise and evaluate the performance of Assistant Fire Chief, Battalion Chiefs, Captains, Engineers, and all other firefighting personnel
• Develop and implement employee recognition and retention programs
• Establish clear roles and responsibilities for all department personnel
• Manage collective bargaining agreements and labor relations

• Develop and prepare the annual budget for the Fire Department, including personnel costs, equipment, facilities, and operational expenses
• Research and apply for grants available to fire departments
• Analyze and review budgetary and financial data; control and authorize expenditures
• Plan for future staffing, equipment and facility needs as the department grows

• Serve on the City's Emergency Operations Team or delegate to designee
• Coordinate with county, state and federal authorities during disasters
• Plan and execute city-wide disaster preparedness training and community education
• Ensure management and delivery of services for cooling and warming centers as required

• Organize and direct fire prevention inspections of commercial and residential buildings
• Investigate complaints from citizens regarding fire hazards
• Ensure proper enforcement of fire prevention codes and ordinances
• Review community development plans to ensure compliance with fire prevention codes

• Facilitate fire prevention through community educational activities and demonstrations
• Attend civic…