Fire Chief

Purpose

Responsible for managing the Spokane Airports Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Oversees the day-to-day operations of the ARFF department in accordance with local, state, and federal requirements and directly supervises the departmental officers.

Major Responsibilities

• Plan, organize and control the Airport’s fire prevention/firefighting and emergency medical services.
• Ensure there are adequate personnel, equipment, facilities and supplies to meet daily operational needs.
• Establish/enforce rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures governing department operations to ensure compliance with Airport policies, as well as local, state and federal regulations.
• Coordinate department activities with other departments, tenants and airport customers.
• Serve as incident commander for all firefighting and rescue operations.
• Conduct safety/fire risk analysis of Airport facilities/properties and implement fire prevention, suppression, and inspection programs.
• Design/conduct periodic exercises to demonstrate the readiness/capability of the department’s emergency response resources and to meet the requirements of FAR Part 139.
• Develop/maintain a mutual aid/protection plan for on-site and off-site emergencies with local emergency response agencies.
• Develop/maintain the Airport’s Occupational Health and Safety programs, ensuring safety awareness/training and compliance with applicable laws/regulations.
• Provide current technical information and interpretation of laws/regulations and industry standards, advising management, employees and tenants how best to comply.
• Ensure the creation/maintenance of timely/accurate records of all department activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Course work in fire science, public administration or a closely related field of study preferred.
• Three years’ management experience as a Chief, Assistant Chief or Battalion Chief/Captain in a professional fire department with full-time, paid firefighters with responsibility for training and interaction with union representation.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience
• Must have experience working in compliance with ARFF, EMS, and FAA requirements and in the National Incident Management System framework.
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license, free of serious or frequent traffic violations.

• Lead and manage the work of others.
• Deliver excellent internal and external customer service.
• Present in a professional manner and with excellent interpersonal skills in order to establish and maintain working relationships with others.
• Positively represent the Airport to the local community.
• Make immediate, vital decisions regarding safety issues under stressful conditions.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines and changing priorities.
• Be a self-starter and able to work independently and with a team.
• Coordinate use of Airport resources and use good judgment.
• Exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Effectively use spreadsheets, word processing, and presentation software programs.
• Organize information into a coherent and meaningful format with attention to detail.
• Knowledge of ARFF, EMS, Structural Fire, and FAA requirements.
• Be of good moral character and able to adhere to professional ethical standards of conduct as a public employee working in the public administration and operation of airports.

• Requires the ability to lift, carry, push and pull objects up to 50 pounds.
• Job functions require sitting for extended periods, standing and walking frequently, stooping, kneeling, bending, lifting, carrying, and reaching occasionally. Must be able to walk over rough terrain, climb ladders and stairs, and crawl through small spaces.
• Extensive wrist and hand movements required for frequent keyboarding, use of equipment, and driving.
• Ability to perform close work to read and use computer required.
• Able to move about facilities & all areas of responsibility.
• Ability to operate a computer, fax, telephone and other office equipment.
• Ability to communicate via email, two-way radio and phone.
• Ability to continuously exchange information through listening and talking with customers, coworkers, and other individuals required.

• Subject to a ten (10) year background check for security clearance.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an Airport security badge as a condition of employment.
• This is a safety sensitive position.

• Certified Fire Fighter
• Certified Fire Instructor
• Certified Emergency Medical Technician
• Certified Hazardous Materials Technician or equivalent.

• Certified Airport Fire Fighter
• Certified Fire Officer.
• Certified Safety Officer.
• Nationally Registered Paramedic.
• Hazardous Materials Incident Commander.

Supplemental Information

WORKING CONTACTS WITH OTHERS (INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL):
Regular contact with Airport management, employees, tenants, vendors, government agency personnel, and the general public.

WORKING CONDITIONS, TRAVEL, ENVIRONMENT AND POTENTIAL HAZARDS:
Work is primarily in an office; occasionally in terminal or on airfield. Occasional heavy lifting, firefighting/rescue stress, long hours, exposure to loud equipment including jet engine noise (hearing protection provided) and exhaust and difficult environmental/weather working conditions. Subject to recall at all times for emergencies. Occasional travel.

EQUIPMENT OPERATION REQUIRED:
Operation of emergency/firefighting apparatus, medical equipment, breathing apparatus, protective clothing, and all tools related to firefighting including computers, related software and support equipment.