Fire Chief |Menlo Park Fire Protection District
Revision Date: Origination Date: Bargaining Unit: July 20, 2021 At-Will CalPERS Classification: EEOC Category: FLSA Status: Local Safety Member Executive/Sr Level Officials & Managers Exempt
Purpose
Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the Fire Chief provides leadership and oversees the general management of the District. The Fire Chief acts as the Board of Directors’ Commanding Officer over all administrative and operational functions and is responsible for administering and implementing all Board policies, procedures and guidelines, and developing a shared vision and strategy of the District, within the goals and objectives established by the Board of Directors.
About the Role
The Fire Chief is an at-will position that is appointed by and serves at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Fire Chief is responsible for planning, organizing, directing and evaluating the operations and personnel assignments of the District.
The Fire Chief directs the overall operations of the District by developing innovative programs that provide fire protection, emergency medical services, rescue, emergency planning and preparedness services. The Fire Chief develops the executive team to assure effective performance and delivery of quality service to community. Additionally, this position promotes community stewardship and involvement through disaster preparedness, and community awareness of fire dangers and fire prevention standards.
Key Duties
1. Administer and direct the activities of the District relating to fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention, emergency and community preparedness, and administration, which includes overseeing, evaluating, budgeting, and managing the short- term and long-term objectives. 2. Can assume command over the District’s response to major fires and emergencies by overseeing and directing District personnel. 3. Ensure District Board members are informed of District financial, administrative, and operational activities and develop recommendations, including preparing and presenting plans, reports and projects for consideration at Board meetings and committee meetings. 4. Facilitate the strategic planning activities, including the development and implementation of multi-year goals, objectives, and policies and procedures. 5. Develop, evaluate, and implement plans for the organization, including setting direction for the District and identifying areas for improvement of departmental operations, services and standards. 6. Ensure thorough and comprehensive analysis is conducted for matters generating financial, human resources, and political impacts. 2 | Page
7. Oversee the maintenance and performance of all District equipment, apparatus, and facilities, which may include managing, budgeting, and evaluating the programs and objectives necessary for District effectiveness. 8. Coordinate and develop relationships with the media, community partners, and partner governmental agencies for matters of promotion of services, mutual aid, fire protection service agreements, and community service needs, including meeting and corresponding with the media, community members, public officials, area fire chiefs, and service agencies’ executive team members. 9. Oversee the preparation and administration of the District budget, including long-term plans and funding options for capital improvement projects. 10. Implement and oversees all aspects of personnel and labor relations with District employees, including personnel management, discipline, grievances, negotiating labor agreements, and meeting and conferring with the District’s recognized bargaining units. 11. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of: • Applicable federal, state and municipal rules, laws, and regulations regarding local government operations and Special Fire Districts • Current political, operational, and economic trends of the Fire Service and local government • Principles of advanced fire science, suppression, prevention, and emergency medical services, equipment, technology, geography or area, and building construction • Modern principles, practices and techniques of fire inspection and prevention • Principles of public and business administration, including finance, budget preparation and analysis, and personnel administration • Effective management and leadership, including principles and processes necessary to accomplish organizational change • Principles and practices of training, mentorship and servant leadership
Ability to: • Efficiently and effectively manage a fire service organization • Maintain physical and mental condition appropriate to the management of life threatening firefighting activities, performing lifesaving and rescue procedures • Operate fire suppression equipment, perform assignments and maintain equipment in a safe manner; understand and carry out safety policies, rules, and regulations; properly use safety equipment • Exercise professional judgment and render sound decisions in emergency and non- emergency situations, reason logically, think imaginatively and creatively • Oversee, manage, plan, implement and evaluate assigned program areas, analyze program needs and related documents, make recommendations for improved methods, changes in operation, streamline procedures or staffing requirements • Manage, empower, motivate, lead, and direct personnel and programs in a team environment • Maintain effective working relationships with policy makers, staff, subordinates, and general public • Represent the District effectively and professionally in contacts with representatives of other agencies and the public 3 | Page
• Take a proactive, timely approach to customer service issues • Maintain confidentiality and diplomacy regarding sensitive information • Communicate effectively in writing, orally, and with others to assimilate, understand, and convey information, in a manner consistent with job functions. • Prepare complex written reports in a concise, thorough, accurate, and effective manner, including presentations • Operate office equipment and software, including but not limited to a computer, Microsoft Word, Outlook calendar, electronic email and keyboarding
Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:
Experience: Ten (10) years increasingly responsible experience in fire operations and/or training in a recognized Fire Department, including five (5) years of supervisory experience in a command position. Experience in administration, supervision, and project management is strongly preferred.
Training: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in fire science, public administration, or business administration. A Master’s Degree (MPA, MBA, or related field of study), Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation, or recognition as an NFA Executive Fire Officer (EFO) is preferred.
Special Requirements & Working Conditions
License: Possession of a valid California Driver’s License or Firefighter’s license [Required for duration of employment]
Residency: Maintain a residence within 25 miles of Headquarters Station [300 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025]
Physical: Ability to oversee and direct the District’s response to major fire alarms and fire suppression activities; manage and direct District personnel operating in an emergency firefighting environment; work in an office environment; read printed materials on a computer screen; communicate in person, over the telephone and via teleconferencing.
Environment: Ability to work in both an office setting and in an emergency fire-fighting environment with exposure to fire, smoke, bodily fluids, and noise; work in intense life-threatening conditions; work in inclement weather; exposure to dangerous persons or animals, hazards of emergency driving, traffic control and working in and near traffic; and natural and man-made disasters. Ability to travel to different sites and locations; may work protracted and irregular hours based on the needs of the District. 4 | Page
The Menlo Park Fire Protection District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.