The Assistant Fire Chief is an executive-level position reporting directly to the Deputy Chief of Fire-EMS. The preferred incumbent will possess strong leadership and organizational skills with extensive knowledge of modern firefighting techniques and EMS training. The preferred candidate will assist in three operational divisions; Administration, Community Engagement and Operations.
This position requires the candidate to represent the Fire-EMS Department at various levels of government and community. The incumbent will respond, evaluate, and determine plan of action for emergencies and, if necessary, could assume command of the Fire-EMS department in the absence of the Deputy Chief and Chief.
General Description: This is an executive level professional position. The incumbent performs complex tasks to supervise an assigned division, administering emergency and fire services for the County.
Organization: The Assistant Chief reports to the Deputy Chief of Fire-EMS and supervises the Battalion Chiefs in their designated division.
Essential Functions:
· Supervises employees and operations, performing related human resource functions and completing necessary paperwork.
· Oversees the operations of an assigned division.
· Assists in financial operations of department, including development and monitoring of division budget.
· Assists with the development of policies and procedures to ensure compliance and reporting of fire and EMS required documentation.
· Responds, evaluates, and determines a plan of action at emergency scenes.
· Assumes command of the Fire-EMS Department in the absence of Chief.
· Assists to fosters volunteer involvement and membership to support a combination career and volunteer system.
· Prepares reports and makes presentations as needed.
· Performs related work as assigned.
Working Conditions:
A. Hazards
· May be exposed to all hazards associated with firefighting, EMS, and hazardous materials incidents
B. Environment
· Office
· Field--exposure to adverse weather, dust, smoke, noise, and fumes
C. Physical Effort
· Must be able to perform physically demanding tasks in all weather situations and conditions
D. Exempt
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Must possess extensive knowledge of modern firefighting techniques, firefighting research and techniques, community risk reduction concepts, advance EMS system management, and planning practices to support a safe community. Knowledge of Hanover County preferred. Strong leadership and organizational skills required, as well as ability to command in emergency situations. Must be able to communicate well and establish effective relationships with staff, volunteers, and citizens.
Education, Experience and Training: Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, or related field required. Master's degree preferred. Must be certified or achieve reciprocity through the VA Dept. of Fire Programs as Fire Officer II and VA Office of EMS as EMT-B. Must have minimum of eight (8) years' related experience, including three (3) years' supervisory experience – OR – Any equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities is acceptable.
Special Conditions:
· Criminal Records Check, including fingerprinting
· Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License
· Pre-employment Physical Examination/Drug Test and repeated regularly thereafter
· Twelve-month probationary period
· Work beyond normal work schedule
· Essential staff designation
· Must wear uniform
· Maintain certifications requirements
· This position is subject to the department's on-call procedures
Revision Date: October 2022
