Title: Fire Chief
Reports To: Township Manager
Positions Supervised: Deputy Fire Chief, Captain, Captain - Fire Safety Specialist, Administrative Assistant
Employment Status: Exempt

BROAD STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for overseeing administration and all functions related to fire and medical / rescue services provided by the Township through combination full time and paid - on - call force. Responsible for the supervision, evaluation, discipline, and recommending hiring and discharge of all subordinate members of the fire department. Represents Fire Department in meeting and conferring with various local and State committees and community groups.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Plans, develops and oversees administrative direction of the Fire Department to ensure safe and efficient operation in carrying out services as determined by the Board of Trustees; establishes standards for performance and safety; ensures that adequate number of qualified personnel are available, trained and properly supervised to fulfill overall responsibilities of the department.

2. Oversees and administers Fire Department activities and functions including recruiting full time and paid on-call fire fighters to ensure the availability of appropriate fire fighters on the staff; ensures fire fighting force has been provided with appropriate equipment, training, supervision and support to serve Township at the highest possible level.

3. Prepares and administers Fire Department’s annual budget; monitors budget to ensure adherence to budgetary control; oversees personnel administration function within the department including reviewing time sheets/run sheets, and preparation of monthly payroll for paid on - call staff.

4. Develops long range plans for maintaining effective operations of department; researches, evaluates and recommends acquisition of facilities, fire fighting equipment and supplies; reviews vendors invoices and other bills for purchases of supplies and equipment

5. Oversees organization, development and scheduling of effective training programs for paid on - call and full- time fire fighters.

6. Responds to fire and medical/rescue calls as necessary and assumes scene command when appropriate; may assist Township in responding to emergency situations.

7. Conducts and/or participates in various department and Township meetings; also represents Township on various Fire Chief/Fire Department committees at State and local level.

8. Represents Fire Department in meeting the public and public speaking engagements.

9 Attends special technical training sessions to maintain and/or enhance knowledge of fire fighting techniques, methodologies, and management skills.

10. Oversees maintenance of site and pre incident planning files; reviews building plans prior to new construction as necessary; directs investigations into causes of fires.

11. Serves as ordinance official regarding noxious weed enforcement; responds to complaints and issues appropriate notices to property owners; follows-up regarding complaint disposition as necessary.

12. Performs other duties and responsibilities as directed by the Township Manager and Board of Trustees.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

1. Associates degree in Fire Science required and Bachelors degree preferred; requires 10 years of increasingly greater responsibility in fire suppression, prevention, training and administration; knowledge of State laws relative to labor and Haz-Mat, ordinances, codes and modern fire-fighting techniques and methods also important.

2. Strong interpersonal skills to deal effectively with subordinates, Township personnel at all levels, vendors, representatives from various professional organizations and the general public.

3. Organizational, managerial, administrative and leadership skills required; ability to secure and maintain State certifications in Fire Fighter I and II, and medical license as First Responder necessary; knowledge of National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) code, Building Officials Code (BOCA), and ordinances associated with areas enforcement responsibility; ability to command fire fighters and equipment in emergency situations.

4. Ability to work in all weather conditions and occasionally in extremely hazardous conditions; must be able to climb ladders and work effectively at scene of emergency; valid drivers license required to travel about Township and elsewhere in serving Township; ability to operate a wide variety of fire fighting equipment and apparatus; also requires manual dexterity to operate computer efficiently; occasionally requires lifting heavy fire/rescue equipment and supplies weighing 50 pounds or more.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of the position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements for the position.