Division Chief Community Risk Reduction - City of McPherson

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Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction (Fire Marshal)

City of McPherson                                                                                                     Fire Department

Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments or to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

POSITION SUMMARY                                                                                                                                 

Under the supervision of the Fire Chief, the Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction (CRR) is an exempt position under FLSA. The Division Chief of CRR is responsible for planning, directing and supervising the activities of the Fire Prevention Division which is primarily responsible for fire code enforcement and fire prevention/risk reduction initiatives for the City of McPherson. This employee is required to work closely with other Fire Department Divisions, educational institutions, and City departments. This employee should possess excellent communication, teaching, supervisory, organizational, and public relation skills. This employee should be able to remain poised and make critical decisions under difficult and hazardous circumstances, as well as having a thorough knowledge of ICS.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

·         Oversees the enforcement of fire prevention, building codes, regulations, and statutes including International Fire and Building Codes and NFPA standards. Implements and advises subordinates, management, other agencies and the public of various codes, statutes, regulations and ordinances relating to fire protection, public safety, building standards, and fire prevention.

·         Manages fire code inspection activities and identifies corrective actions necessary to bring properties into compliance with applicable fire codes, laws, regulations, and standards. Explains fire code requirements and corrective measures to property owners or their representatives. Conducts follow-up inspections to ensure that corrective actions have been taken in cases where violations were found. Testifies as a witness in court where there are prosecutions under the codes, acts, standards and statutes. Coordinates and supervises code enforcement activities of other department personnel.

·         Conducts inspections and acceptance testing of newly installed fire protection systems to verify that such systems are installed in accordance with appropriate laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards. Inspect properties that store, handle, and use hazardous materials/explosives to ensure compliance with laws, codes, and regulations, and issue applicable permits.

·         Reviews building and development plans to ensure compliance with adopted fire and life safety codes and standards. Reviews all requests for waivers and variances from applicable codes. Attends public meetings of City Boards and Councils to recommend approval, modification or rejection of actions related to fire and life safety code interpretation, proposals, variances and waivers for development, zoning, and building issues.

·         Supervises and participates in the preparation and presentation of Life Safety and Fire Prevention Programs and literature for school children, civic and neighborhood groups, and local businesses and industries. Uses emergency response and other data sources to identify trends and emerging issues. Develops strategies to improve the effectiveness of public education programs and other fire prevention activities to reduce the unnecessary loss of life and property damage. Researches, prepares, submits and administers grants and Requests for Proposals for the Fire Prevention Division.

·         Ensures that fire cause and origin investigations are conducted in a thorough and legal manner.   Oversees and participates in the collection and analysis of evidence needed to determine the probable cause of the fire or explosion. Subpoenas and interview witnesses, property owners, and building occupants to obtain information and sworn testimony. Works with Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office, McPherson Police Department and McPherson County Sherriff department on warrants, arrests and prosecution of suspected arsonists and provides sworn testimony in support of prosecution efforts. Prepares and maintains investigation records of convicted arsonist and arson suspects.

·         Participates in senior management activities and functions of the Fire Department including long-range planning, budgeting, program development and implementation, and command and control activities at emergency response incidents. Provides input into the development and administration of the department budget; forecast funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies.

·         Trains, motivates and prepares annual employee work performance evaluations for assigned staff; reviews progress and directs changes as needed. Follows and enforces policies, procedures and regulations of the Fire Department and the City.

·         Regular attendance is required

 

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

·         Performs other duties as assigned.

 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Experience: A minimum of ten years of firefighting experience, with a minimum of five years of supervisory firefighting experience is required. The employee is expected to have acquired the necessary information and skills to perform the job reasonably well within two years of employment. Must obtain certification as a fire investigator through the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office within two years of employment.

Education: A high school diploma or GED is required, and a technical degree or some college credit in Fire Science including an Associate of Applied Science Degree is preferred. This employee must possess certifications as an Emergency Medical Technician (Kansas Board of EMS), Fire Fighter I and II (IFSAC or Pro Board), Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations (IFSAC or Pro Board), Instructor I (IFSAC or Pro Board), and Fire Officer 1 (IFSAC or Pro Board). A valid non-commercial Class B Kansas Driver’s License is required. Must complete ICS 100,200,300,400,700,800 within 1 year of appointment.

Technical Skills: A thorough knowledge of fire suppression techniques, rescue activities, medical treatment, safe handling of hazardous materials releases and disaster management is required. The ability to operate all equipment related to the previous activities is required. The ability to operate office equipment is also required. This employee must be able to understand and anticipate problems, to prepare reports, to follow and enforce department policies and procedures, and to read and interpret written instructions, maps, manuals, and instructional materials. This employee should possess excellent public relations, supervisory, organizational, oral, and written communication skills.

Problem Solving: Independent problem solving is involved in this position. This employee encounters problems with personnel issues, fire suppression and other emergencies, and scheduling conflicts.

Decision Making: Independent decision making is involved in this position. This employee makes critical decisions concerning the life safety of firefighters and the citizens of McPherson. This employee makes decisions daily about resolving personnel issues, coordinating department activities, and enforcing department policies and procedures.

Supervision:  This employee works with occasional supervision from the Fire Chief. This employee may exercise supervision over subordinate personnel.

Financial Accountability: This employee is responsible for city resources and equipment. This employee may participate in the annual budget process.

Personal Relations: This employee has daily contact with the public, and at times deals with the public in extremely tense and stressful situations. The Division Chief interacts with co-workers and subordinates in a non-traditional workplace. Daily interaction with supervisors is expected.

Working Conditions: Adverse working conditions exist within this position. Exposure to extremes of heat and cold are expected. This employee is also exposed to structural collapses, contact with hazardous materials, explosives, asbestos, and radiation, work from heights and in confined spaces, and work around heavy machinery. This position contains a significant risk to personal safety. Exposure to blood borne pathogens while responding to and providing emergency medical treatment can be expected.

Physical Requirements: The Division Chief must be in excellent physical condition. The type and amount of personal protective clothing required to perform the duties of the Division Chief along with the working conditions listed above creates a significant increase in physical stress to the well-being of the employee. Manual labor including heavy lifting, pulling, and carrying heavy objects and equipment is expected. Climbing is a significant aspect of the job. Decisions made during critical moments at emergencies increase mental stress.

Residence requirements: Live within 20 miles of the McPherson Fire Dept. Station #1 (312 E. Kansas Avenue) and maintain an active telephone.

***The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the job.