Department Director (Fire Chief)

• Plans departmental operations with respect to equipment, facilities, apparatus, staffing and supervises plan implementation.
• Directs the improvement of work methods and enforcement of rules and regulations.
• Sets the standard for high employee moral and engages with employees at fire stations 
• Prepares budget estimates of anticipated expenditures.
• Assigns personnel and equipment, evaluates needs, and requisitions new apparatus and equipment.
• Evaluates readiness of department staff and develops programs to enhances overall well-being 
• Oversees training academy and the proper training of new recruit classes
• Establishes a fair promotional process for employee advancement
• Responds to alarms and directs operations at the scene of large emergencies.
• Ensures thorough investigation of fires and directs follow-up, leading to the arrest and conviction of arsonists.
• Directs the inspection of properties for fire hazards, enforces fire prevention regulations, and ensures elimination of fire hazards by consistent, firm and equitable code administration.
• Directs departmental in-service training of personnel.
• Requisitions the installation and maintenance of emergency equipment and apparatus and of Fire Department communications systems.
• Sets high expectations and demands accountability in all facets of department operations 
• These examples are not intended to be all-inclusive. 
• Other related duties may be assigned as needed.

• Thorough knowledge of modern firefighting methods and ability to apply this knowledge to varied fire control and prevention problems.
• Working knowledge of the use of a wide variety of fire apparatus.
• Working knowledge of relevant emergency response standards, laws, rules and regulations.
• Working knowledge of uniform fire prevention procedures, building and fire codes.
• Thorough knowledge of developments in firefighting and fire prevention techniques and of the principles of Fire Department administration.
• Knowledge of "best practices" used by mid-sized to large urban fire departments across the nation
• Possesses excellent coaching, mentoring and management skills 
• Ability to plan and implement long-term programs in administration, employee training, fire prevention, and disaster planning.
• Ability to direct the pre-fire plan process in industrial and commercial buildings.  
• Technical understanding of Homeland Security requirements and coordination.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with fire associates, employees of other Departments, representatives of other organizations, including the IAFF, City officials (both elected and appointed), and the general public.
• Ability to communicate high standards of expectations for performance and be willing to hold individuals accountable.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Possession of and ability to maintain a valid Kansas driver's license.

Required Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in fire science, public administration, or a related field 
• 10 years of progressive experience in a fire department serving a mid-sized to large community 
• 4 years of command-level experience (Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, or equivalent) 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in public administration, fire science, or a related field 
• 15 or more years of fire service experience 
• 7 or more years in senior command or executive leadership roles 
• Advanced executive training such as the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program or Chief Fire Officer designation 

Key Experience Expectations

• Demonstrated leadership in complex emergency response environments 
• Experience managing large teams, multiple divisions, and departmental operations 
• Background in labor relations, including working with union-represented employees 
• Experience with budgeting, strategic planning, and organizational leadership

Salary : $151,350 - $253,058