Fire Chief

general functions/distinguishing characteristics

the fire chief is expected to oversee the general administrative responsibilities associated with fire and rescue activities within the city of palmer and greater palmer fire service area, as well as correctly and professionally serve as command officer at the scene of emergencies and disasters directing firefighting and rescue personnel.

• responsibilities involve ensuring readiness of all personnel and equipment within the areas.
• work involves exercise of judgment and discretion in managing operation of the service area and ensuring effective performance of personnel at the emergency scene.
• position requires combination of firefighting, public entity management, and leadership skills.
• chief must have comprehensive knowledge of current and advanced firefighting tactics, standard operating guidelines, safety procedures, and incident command as standardized in nims.
• chief must have thorough knowledge of radio communication and geography of city and fire service area; extensive knowledge of computer use, including microsoft word, excel, outlook and internet.
• demonstrated ability to motivate, lead, and direct activities of employees and paid-on-call volunteers; ability to maintain cooperative relationships with city officials, borough officials, and the general public.
• ability to evaluate effectiveness of fire service operation and institute improvements.
• ability to prepare and review reports.
• budgeting skills for effective and efficient operations; resourcefulness and sound judgment in emergencies; writing skills and tact.
• chief responsible for ensuring each firefighter receives proper training mandated by compliance with state of alaska osha, including but not limited to:
  • department of public safety emergency response plan (erp)
  • hazard communication program
  • exposure control plan
  • hazardous materials awareness program
  • respiratory protection program
• working with fire training coordinator ensures all firefighters and rescue technicians are provided with:
  • policies and programs in printed form, and
  • annual training conducted for each of these policies or programs.
• chief ensures standard operating guidelines are updated regularly, and firefighters and rescue technicians receive annual training covering the standard operating guidelines.
• chief must have ability to testify clearly and accurately in court.
• chief must be characterized by personal and professional integrity.

• provides and coordinates administrative and operational planning and activities to ensure readiness in responding to rescue and fire emergencies; oversees drills and training of emergency part‑time and paid‑on‑call personnel.
• supervises any full‑time city of palmer fire employee, as well as part‑time and paid‑on‑call volunteers; conducts timely performance evaluations of staff.
• maintains a variety of district reports and records, e.g., nfirs, training, equipment, fire hose testing, fire hydrant testing, pump‑service testing, ladder service testing and scba testing.
• performs fire service area master planning and pre‑fire planning as resources are available.
• prepares an annual operating budget for the fire service and manages the budget within the guidelines and directives of the city of palmer.
• plans and coordinates with other departments and public safety organizations for mutual assistance; arranges agreements with city manager.
• maintains fire and rescue reports and records as they apply to calls for service and equipment testing procedures.
• establishes a program to ensure city and fire service area maintains or improves iso ratings.
• oversees housekeeping, safety, and repair of emergency services facilities and grounds.
• responds to major fire/rescue incidents as senior command officer within the fire service; serves as member of city incident management team.
• formulates recommendations for adoption of new city ordinances or legislation.
• ensures maintenance of fire vehicles, apparatus, and any other equipment needed for department operation.
• prepares periodic and special reports and ensures adequate records are maintained of all department activities.
• attends civic and school meetings to…