Fire Chief

Job Title:

Fire Chief
Department:
Fire

Reports To:

City Mayor
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Approved By:
Tony Burriss, Mayor
Approved Date:
August 12, 2025

SUMMARY
The fire chief is a highly visible municipal department head that is expected to project a professional image of self, the fire department, and the city in all situations. This position is under the direct supervision of the City Mayor. The fire chief is responsible for the aspects of administration, planning, supervision, and management of the fire department. The fire chief performs a variety of technical, administrative, and supervisory work in planning, organizing, directing, and implementing fire
prevention, suppression, and emergency response services to prevent or minimize the loss of life and property by fire and other emergencies. This position coordinates fire control, rescue, hazardous material clean-up, and mitigation efforts during the department’s responses to emergency situations. The fire chief will also work closely with emergency services dispatch and emergency management services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Plans, directs, and administers all Fire Department operations involving fire equipment, apparatus, and personnel; assists with the development of and administers operating budget; applies for and manages fire department grants.
• Develops and enforces departmental policies and procedures.
• Studies organization, staffing, methods, and techniques making recommendations for improvements affecting efficiency of the fire department.
• Assigns, trains, supervises, and evaluates subordinates;
  Make recommendations on personnel issues such as promotions, demotions, transfers, salaries, terminations, and other disciplinary actions.
• Directs and supervises the fire department personnel and resources to accomplish goals.
• Supervises and participates in fire prevention, fire investigations, and firefighting.
• Serve as an Assistant to the State Commissioner of Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance as set forth in TCA .
• Operates a variety of firefighting equipment; oversees maintenance of fire equipment and apparatus; periodically tests/inspects all fire equipment, apparatus, and property.
• Recommends procurement of new equipment, apparatus and supplies.
• Responds to fire alarms and other emergency calls; drives and operates firefighting vehicles and equipment; supervises all firefighting activities at fire scenes and is responsible for directing other firefighters and volunteer firefighters.
• Prepares a variety of administrative reports and records;
  Reviews a variety of records and reports prepared by others.
• Performs duties of subordinate staff occasionally.
• Assists in the investigation of all fires that destroy or damage property; prepares reports of findings.
• Inspects buildings for fire hazards and compliance with fire prevention ordinances; issues burn permits.
• Oversees pre-fire planning, including identification of fire hazards, construction and occupancy classifications, site access points, and locations of fire protection systems.
• Performs public relations and public education activities.
• Responds to inquiries from insurance agents, architects, engineers, prospective residents, and others.
• Participates in local emergency planning meetings and drills.
• Attends and participates in city meetings and other meetings as directed by the City Administrator.
  
  Performs other related work as required by the City Administrator.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Directly supervises full-time or part-time Fire Department employees and volunteer firefighters. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include recruiting, training, and evaluating employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, techniques, tools, and equipment used in firefighting;
• Knowledge of supervision and management principles;
• Knowledge of OSHA (TOSHA) and hazardous material regulations;
• Knowledge of the geography of the city, locations of hydrants, and fire hazards;
• Knowledge of municipal and state fire prevention regulations;
• Ability to safely operate tools and equipment necessary for fire operations;
• Ability to tolerate high levels of stress and react quickly and calmly in emergency situations and to determine the proper course of action;
• Ability to plan, direct, organize, assign, train, supervise, and develop staff;
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing in both one-on-one and group situations;
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with other Town officials, county, state, and federal authorities, civic leaders, employees, and the public; and
• Ability to wear and utilize personal protective equipment…