Fire Chief

Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Public Safety Director, this position is responsible for the overall management of the Division of Fire and related duties.
• Organizes and directs all resources of the Division of Fire for efficient discharge of duty to protect persons and property and enforces ordinances of the City of Columbus.
• Plans, directs and reviews activities of personnel to ensure proper execution of a fire service program designed to facilitate fire prevention, inspections, EMS, fire and rescue response, water supply, hazardous material response and bomb disposal, and makes recommendations as needed.
• Oversees the review and modification of fire programs to meet the changing needs of the community and the Division of Fire.
• Takes command at major incidents and responds to emergency calls when off duty.
• Makes assignments and supervises subordinate officers in the care and maintenance of equipment, stations, hoses, appliances and supplies, and supervises development and operation of fire training and fire prevention programs.
• Directs a communication system and the fire equipment maintenance program.
• Initiates and advises on development of ordinances and regulations, reviews reports of divisional activities and prepares reports for city officials and state and national organizations.
• Oversees the preparation and maintenance of records and reports, meets with community groups and officials who plan and approve the program of the Division.
• Attends conferences and meetings, and coordinates activities of the Division of Fire with other divisions within the City and with other governmental and private agencies.
• Oversees, supervises, and evaluates assigned staff; handles employee concerns and problems, counsels, disciplines, and completes performance appraisals.
• Establishes Division of Fire priorities and develops policies under the direction of the Public Safety Director.
• Directs the preparation, review, and update of long‑range and strategic plans.
• Supervises the development of the Division’s annual budget request to the Public Safety Director.
• Recommends priorities for capital improvement projects and major equipment purchases.
• Represents the Division in multi‑agency functions and assists in developing multi‑agency plans as directed by the Public Safety Director.
• Reviews the Division’s disaster plan annually.

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree and one (1) year of service as a permanent appointee in the class of Fire Assistant Chief OR five (5) years with any combination of service as a Fire Assistant Chief, Fire Deputy Chief and/or Fire Battalion Chief or comparable experience elsewhere.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Must obtain (or maintain) valid Firefighter II and Fire Safety inspector certifications issued by the State of Ohio by the completion of the probationary period.

Recruitment #: 26-3089-V1

Employment Type: Full‑Time (Regular)

Notice:
In accordance with Ohio law, all applications and resumes for public positions are a matter of public record and will be disclosed to the media or public upon proper request through the City of Columbus.

The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer.