CITY OF RINCON, GA. FIRE CHIEF RECRUITMENT 2022

Salary: DOQ

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE & CHALLENGE STATEMENT

The City of Rincon, GA is seeking a fire chief with strong transitional and adaptive leadership skills to

embrace the challenge of leading the Rincon Fire Department over the next decade and beyond. The

next fire chief will be able to nurture positive internal as well as external relationships while

demonstrating understanding, empathy and caring. The ideal candidate will hold himself/herself and

others to the highest standards of integrity and accountability. Above all, the fire chief must establish

and maintain a high level of credibility and trust throughout the department and the community,

dealing with everyone, regardless of rank, with an even hand and a sense of fundamental fairness. The

City of Rincon, GA, a community experiencing significant growth and economic development, has a

strong desire for its fire department to be progressive and innovative in meeting the needs of the

community. The fire chief should have appreciation and respect for the traditions of the department

while pursuing the standards and technology that will provide superior fire protection to the community

for years to come. Towards that end, the successful candidate should be experienced in developing and

implementing strategic long-range planning, training programs, supervisory and performance

accountability systems and departmental policies, standard operating procedures and standard

operating guidelines that are consistent with nationally recognized standards and best practices.

Current Challenges/Opportunities – The next Fire Chief will be required to transition the city from a

regionally-based department to a city-wide department. The next Chief will have to establish

comprehensive Policies and Procedures for the Department and implement generally accepted

management practices for the Department.

FIRE CHIEF

Statement of Duties

Senior management level position that is responsible for administrative, supervisory, and technical work

in planning, directing and managing the operations of the Fire Department, in the protection of life and

property, and in the prevention and extinguishing of fires; all other related work.

Supervision

Works under the direction of the City Manager. Performs highly responsible duties, requiring

independent judgment and initiative in the planning, organizing and directing of the Fire Department.

Work is accomplished in conformance with departmental regulations, applicable provisions of the

Georgia Laws, and professional standards. Has overall supervisory responsibility for full-time employees

and volunteers.

Job Environment

Most work is performed under typical office and Fire Department conditions; some work is performed at

firefighting operations under varying weather conditions and under conditions which may involve

considerable personal danger, with exposure to fumes or toxic substances, noise, vibration, mechanical

or electrical hazards, atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system, oils and use of Self-

contained Breathing Apparatus. Frequently required to work outside normal business hours. May be

contacted at home at any time to respond to important situations and emergencies. Operates

computers and standard office equipment. Makes frequent contact with city and state officials, other

fire departments, the media, insurance companies, fire organizations and the general public; contacts

are in person, in writing and by telephone. Has access to extensive confidential information, such as

personnel records, criminal investigations and records, lawsuits, and personal information about

citizens, as well as collective bargaining negotiating positions. Errors could be costly in terms of

decreased or less efficient protection to persons and property, confusion and delay, and result in direct

financial and legal repercussions.

Essential Functions

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of

work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from

the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Directs, supervises and

coordinates the municipal fire service for the city; Directs the firefighting operations at all major city

fires and emergency incidents. Supervises the day-to-day operation of the Fire Department in the

extinguishing of all fires in the municipality, and protecting life and property in the event of fire;

oversees the operations of all fire operations which include apparatus, maintenance, fire alarm,

inspections and training. Formulates and develops Fire Department operational procedures and

standards and other rules and regulations and ensures compliance by all firefighters. Prepares, presents

and manages the Fire Department budget to the City Manager for his approval; oversees the purchase,

maintenance and replacement of equipment and apparatus. Supervises, trains, and evaluates

subordinates including all full time and volunteer personnel; resolves personnel issues, related to

injuries, illnesses, transfers, and health and safety concerns. Oversees the assignment of members of

the force to shifts and daily routines; determines disciplinary action, as required, after consultation with

the City Manager. Develops and implements team-oriented approaches to solving personnel issues and

concerns. Reviews plans for major projects in the city, such as subdivisions and industrial and

manufacturing facilities. Maintains agreements and policies with surrounding cities regarding mutual

aid. Conducts investigations into the causes of fires, in conjunction with local and state law enforcement

officers in cases of fire-related criminal activity, such as arson; administers the enforcement of all codes,

bylaws and laws relating to fire suppression and prevention. Attends professional meetings and

conferences for purposes of regional discussions and information gathering and represents the Fire

Department at various meetings, such as city department head meetings, City Meetings, law

enforcement organizations and citizens groups, as well as at community events. Performs other similar

or related work, as required, or as situation dictates.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in fire science or fire administration; a Master's Degree is preferred. Must have at

least fifteen years progressively responsible experience in a municipal fire department, with chief officer

level experience of no less than six years in a fire department; or an equivalent combination of

education and experience. Special Requirements GA Fire Officer IV Certification (or ability to obtain)

Completion of ICS/NIMS training; advanced training such as national Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer

(EFO) is preferred. Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license. Upon start of employment

reside within the City of Rincon or within a distance of no more than 5 miles from the boundary of the

City of Rincon during tenure as Fire Chief.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of modern firefighting principles, practices, equipment and techniques. Thorough

knowledge of the geography of the city. Comprehensive knowledge of the state fire laws, city

ordinances and policies, building codes, hazardous materials and city water systems. Ability: Ability to

plan, assign, direct and evaluate the work of a number of subordinates. Ability to direct large scale

operations of firefighters and equipment under emergency conditions. Ability to prepare and manage

budgets. Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious relationships with subordinates, the

general public and city officials. Ability to formulate fire rules, standards and procedures. Ability to

communicate clearly and concisely in writing and orally and to speak on behalf of the city in crisis

situations. Skill: Managerial, supervisory and organizational skills. Fiscal skills. Public relations skills.

Display a high level of leadership, communication and motivational skills.

Physical Requirements

Minimal physical effort generally required for work performed in the office. Moderate to strenuous

physical effort occasionally required in the performance of work at the scene of fires or emergencies,

requiring long periods of standing and walking; some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching,

crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions. At

fires, wears full protective equipment weighing approximately 50 pounds. Physical agility required to

access all areas of inspection and fire sites. This job description does not constitute an employment

agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the

needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Residency in a proximity of the city is required