Assistant Chief - Fire Operations

The City of Portage is looking for proven and energetic leader to join our Public Safety Fire Division! If you are a responsible, decisive, and ethical individual, then this is your opportunity to make an impact.

What You'll Do:

The successful candidate will perform complex administrative work directing the operational activities of the fire division. Work involves overseeing the daily operations of the fire division and assisting the Deputy Director of Public Safety – Deputy Police and Fire Chief in developing and carrying out the mission and vision for the department. Work is performed in conjunction with and in assistance to the Deputy Director of Public Safety. Work in this class is extremely independent and requires a high level of responsibility and decision making. Supervision is exercised by management and operational personnel who are engaged in directly leading the fire division.

The Assistant Chief – Fire Division position exercises considerable accountability and responsibility. The position may serve as the Incident Commander during major events. The Assistant Chief – Fire Division will be directly responsible for supervising the Division and Battalion Chiefs. The Assistant Chief – Fire Division will have primary oversight of personnel matters, planning and research, divisions financial management, among other high-level leadership responsibilities.

The Assistant Chief – Fire Division reports to the Deputy Director of Public Safety and has responsibility for performing general and specialized fire duties and administrative work in the coordination, planning, review, and supervision of the activities in the department. The Assistant Chief – Fire Division has direct supervision of personnel and activities, including supervising subordinate leaders and staff. Work includes assisting in managing the department budget, monitoring for safe working conditions, investigating complaints from citizens concerning department policies or employee conduct; problem-solving with staff on various issues and activities; assuring quality control; researching leading practices and revising policies and procedures as needed; coaching and mentoring staff for improved performance; maintains accurate accountability and/or ensures departmental records are accurately maintained; assisting the Deputy Director of Public Safety in researching and implementing improvements in departmental services; and any other work as assigned. Work involves frequent public contact requiring tact, firmness, and decisiveness. 

The Assistant Chief – Fire Division is subject to hazards in public safety work including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as dangerous persons, loud noises, hazardous spills with fumes, oils, gases, and/ or flammable liquids. Work is performed in accordance with departmental and City policies and state and federal law, supplemented with specific directions from the Deputy Director of Public Safety. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Deputy Director of Public Safety and is evaluated through observation, discussion, and review of reports.

TYPICAL TASKS:
 • Assists the Deputy Director of Public Safety with departmental supervisory and administrative work; assists with decisions in unusual situations as circumstances permit.
 • Develops work assignments, coordinates activities, commands the overall activity of the assigned function(s), reviews the work of personnel for proper and applicable law enforcement/firefighting techniques, and monitors the results.
 • Coaches and mentors staff on problem-solving strategies; observes field performance and provides feedback; investigates citizen concerns about department policy and performance; evaluates staff's performance and ensures fair performance evaluations are conducted; participates in the interviewing and selection of new officers and current staff in promotional processes.
 • Conducts research to improve services and evaluates effectiveness; develops new and revises standing operating procedures; communicates revisions and implements changes in practices.
 • Tracks resources and expenditures, and ensures fiscal responsibility.
 • Seeks and manages grants.
 • Ensures vehicles, facilities, and equipment are properly maintained.
 • Administers personnel and prepares a variety of records and reports; schedules employees; approves leave requests; monitors use of overtime; approves staff timesheets.
 • Assures clear lines of communication between executive staff, command staff and line officers and that departmental policy, procedures and practices are clearly transmitted and understood.
 • Reviews reports for accuracy and completeness; analyzes trends.
 • Works with emergency officials in the City, County and State, as well as local businesses and utilities to anticipate and respond to emergencies.
 • Serves as a role model for safe work practices and supervises department staff to enhance workplace safety; conducts regular safety inspections.
 • Represents the department on various City and intergovernmental groups.
 • Manages department Strategic Planning process, including assessing progress made toward Goals and Objectives.
 • Develops and implements long-range programs designed to enhance public safety services.

• Assists with organizational development; analyzes, develops and executes programs addressing consumer demand, customer service delivery and the department's career development program.
 • Develops and recommends policies, procedures, rules, regulations and programs.
 • Prepares and reviews operational and administrative reports.
 • Makes reports to City officials on special situations.
 • Provides input on hiring and disciplinary actions, and oversees processes.
 • Addresses the news media as appropriate.
 • Attends meetings and serves on committees, boards, and agencies related to promoting crime/fire prevention and improving public safety.
 • Attends public functions representing the department and the city related to policing practices and community interaction.
 • Serves as a certified firefighter.

What We're Looking For:

• Considerable knowledge of state and federal laws, local ordinances, policies and written directives of the fire division and of principles, practices, methods and equipment.
• Working knowledge of the application of computers to modern public safety work.
• Working knowledge of the City personnel policies, budget and purchasing procedures, and supervisory practices.
• Ability to act with sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
• Ability to present effective court testimony and make public presentations.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise administrative and activity reports.
• Ability to build and maintain cooperative and effective public relations with the citizens, department staff, and City officials.
• Ability to lead and direct the activities of firefighters.
• Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of fire operations and to institute improvements.
• Ability to analyze complex public safety problems and situations and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances.
MINIMUM AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Firefighter I and II Certified within the State of Michigan (or can obtain reciprocity within 6 months).
• Fire Officer III Certification
• Fire Instructor I or equivalency
• Medical First Responder
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in fire science, public administration, or related field, supplemented by advanced courses in fire science and administration and extensive progressively responsible experience in public safety work, including considerable supervisory and management experience.
•  Minimum of 10 years’ experience as a firefighter with a minimum of 5 years of management experience at a rank of Lieutenant or above (positions with other rank/titles may be considered dependent on the job duties and experiences.

The successful candidate must possess a valid Michigan driver's license or be eligible and obtain one within 60 days of appointment. 

Preference may be granted to a candidate with a master’s degree and/or successful completion of a fire science executive leadership development course (i.e., National Fire Academy-Executive Fire Officer or Fire Staff and Command).

Special Requirements:
 • Ability to meet annual in-service training requirements.
 • Requires drug testing and a rigorous background check (which may include criminal history check, education verification and credit history review) prior to employment.

Why Join Us?

• This position has primary oversight of personnel matters, planning and research, division’s financial management, among other high-level leadership responsibilities.
• Opportunities for continued professional growth through training opportunities.
• The pay range for the position is $83,300-$112,000, with excellent benefits.  Salary offered commensurate with experience. 

Here is How to Join Us:

• Apply online at www.portagemi.gov/200/Employment or in person at Portage City Hall/Human Resources. 7900 S. Westnedge Avenue.
• Questions? Contact Human Resources at (269)329-4533 or text (269)998-1385.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of the city to afford equal employment opportunity regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, height, weight, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity; Positive action shall be taken to ensure the fulfillment of this policy.