Deputy Hazmat Chief

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting directly to the Fire Marshal, responsible for responding to emergency calls that involve fire, hazardous materials, technical response, and emergency operations center needs. Serves as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Hazardous Materials (HazMat) responses. Performs advanced technical investigative work conducting and coordinating investigations into fires/explosives, weapons of mass destruction, hazardous materials incidents, environmental crimes, public nuisance, and other criminal violations of laws and regulations in unincorporated areas of Williamson County and within municipalities when requested, as well as performs fire inspections. Oversees the County HazMat program and equipment (this is not a staffed HazMat team responses program).

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

• Responds to all County HazMat team call outs and provides 24/7 (SME) assistance to the incident commander
• Maintains all Hazmat contracts and inventory lists and creates an equipment replacement program for all HazMat needs
• Provides staff development, coaching, mentoring, and positive reinforcement 
• Provides direction and guidance to outside Fire Department staff during emergency hazmat calls, as necessary
• Ensures the maintenance and renewal of employee certifications and department training facility certifications
• Develops measurement tools and data collection methods to assess special operations, focusing on continuous performance improvement
• Develops, coordinates, and assists with special operations training for the region
• Assists in developing a HazMat education schedule and tracks training hours 
• Assists in the maintenance of the continuation education program for Williamson County HazMat Operations
• Serves as an educational resource for county emergency service groups 
• Updates the standard operating procedures in coordination with other team members 
• Serves as liaison to regional response groups
• Conducts regular inventory of all county HazMat vehicles, trailers, gear and equipment
• Works with the Fire Marshal and regional response teams to evaluate and improve first responder and staff proficiency 
• Coordinates and maintains all HazMat equipment
• Researches, evaluates, tests, and implements new equipment for the department
• Identifies areas requiring improvement using standard quality improvement (QI) techniques 
• Shares QI data, analyses, and process improvement strategies with all staff
• Researches and proposes grant equipment through Homeland Security Task Force
• Ensures our division meets all National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) requirements for the HazMat program
• Researches and proposes grant equipment through Homeland Security Task Force
• Assists the Fire Marshal with inspections/code enforcement and fire investigations, as needed
• Assists the Fire Marshal with long range budget and system planning 
• Assists in maintaining the budgets for HazMat operational and training expenses
• Processes purchases and documents expenditures
• Attends all drills, training, and meetings, as required 
• Performs special duties as assigned

ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports directly to – Fire Marshal
• Direct Reports – Yes

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to assess emergency scenes and must be able to handle extreme stress in crisis situations.
• Position involves prolonged sitting at a workstation, reaching, walking, twisting, bending, repetitive motions, and standing
• Position involves occasional lifting and carrying of up to fifty (50) pounds and exertion of up to twenty-five (25) pounds of force to move objects
• Position involves occasionally lifting and carrying up to one hundred and fifty (150) pounds with assistance (i.e. training dummies, chlorine kits, training props)
• Position involves safely operating a motor vehicle and emergency equipment under normal and emergency conditions without any equipment modifications specific to any individual operator

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• May be required to work in inclement weather, including extreme heat, cold, and wet conditions
• May be exposed to personal and environmentally hazardous conditions

IRREGULAR HOURS

• Work outside of the normal office hours (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) may be required
• Essential personnel for emergency situations
• Regular attendance is required
• Required to be on an on-call rotation for HazMat and Fire Investigation callouts

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate degree in a related field with a background Fire Science and eight (8) years of fire service experience including Special Operations experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Four (4) years of supervisory experience including teaching/training in the fire service field

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required

• Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Advanced Structure Fire Fighter certification
• TCFP Fire Service Instructor level I certification
• TCFP Hazmat Technician certification
• TCFP Hazmat Incident Command certification
• TCFP Fire Officer II certification
• TCFP Incident Safety Officer certification
• TCFP Fire Investigator
• TCFP Fire Inspector
• Texas Department of State Health Services Emergency Medical Technician Basic (EMT-B)
• NIMS ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800

Required within one (1) year of employment 

• Valid Class A non-CDL driver’s license
• Honeywell Rae Portable Air Monitor Technician certification
• Fire Plans examiner certification

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field 
• Ten (10) years of HazMat Tech experience 
• TCFP Master Firefighter certification 
• TCFP Master Fire Investigator certification 
• TCFP Master Inspector certification 
• TCFP Level III-Master Instructor certification 
• TCOLE Basic Peace Officer License 

EMPLOYMENT TESTING 

Employment is contingent on passing any post-offer pre-employment screening as listed below:

• Criminal background check: Yes
• Motor Vehicle Record check: Yes
• Drug screening: No
• Physical exam: Yes 
• Psychological exam: No
• Additional: N/A

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

A Williamson County online application (resumes alone are not sufficient) must be received before the position is closed. Positions are open until filled, subject to close at any time after five (5) days. The Human Resources Department is located at 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown, TX 78626. Phone (512) 943-1533 or visit our website at www.wilcotx.gov/469/Human-Resources.  
 

Williamson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).  If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please request assistance from the Human Resources Department.

TOBACCO FREE WORKPLACE POLICY

Williamson County is a tobacco free workplace. The use of tobacco products (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, chew, etc.) and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) (e.g., vapor, e-cigarettes, etc.) is prohibited on all Williamson County premises. Employees who violate this policy are subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

Salary : $3,595 - $4,135