What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fire Chief position at City Of Reading?
JOB VACANCY #: JV 2025-31
THE POSITION OF: Fire Chief
IN THE DEPT/ DIVISION OF: Fire Administration
FSLA CLASSIFCATION: Exempt
CLASSIFICATION: N/A
SCHEDULE: Full Time
SALARY: DOQ
POSTING DATE: December 4, 2025
POSITION SUMMARY:
The position of Fire Chief directs and oversees the activities of the Fire Department.
Reports to the Managing Director and has daily interaction with other city department directors, managers, and employees.
Typical duties may include but are not limited to:
- Plans, implements, and reviews departmental short and long-range goals.
- Develop general policies for the administration of the department.
- Evaluates needs and makes recommendations for the construction of fire stations and the purchase of apparatus and equipment.
- Prepares annual budgets and controls expenditures.
- Establish operational standards for the department.
- Responds to alarms and directs activities at the scene of larger fires or incidents.
- Develop recommendations for the protection of life and property in the city.
- Directs administrative functions including planning & personnel administration.
- Handle grievances, maintains departmental discipline and the conduct and general behavior of assigned personnel.
- Meets with elected or appointed officials, other Fire/EMS officials, community and business representatives and the public on all aspects of the department’s activities.
- Assists the administration with negotiations with the union regarding collective bargaining.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Fire Science or Public Administration from an accredited college or university is preferred but not required based on experience.
- EMT-B or greater certification is required.
Experience
- Ten years of experience in fire or emergency medical service work, four years of which must have been equivalent to captain or battalion chief.
- Thorough knowledge of modern fire suppression, prevention and emergency medical services principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment
- Considerable knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, departmental standard operating procedures and regulations.