HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire ChiefCITY OF IOWA CITY - Job Description
Job Class #33-01 FLSA Exempt
Civil Service
Identification
Position Title: Fire Chief
Department: Fire
Division: Fire Administration
Immediate Supervisor: City Manager
Job Summary
Plans, organizes, manages and directs the activities of the Fire Department, ensuring the prevention or
minimization of loss of life and property by fire, medical emergencies, or natural/man-made disasters
and maintaining a state of preparedness for other forms of catastrophe.
Job Scope
Directly supervises 4 to 6 employees. Indirectly responsible for approximately 50+ employees. Prepares
and administers the annual operating and capital budgets. Monitors expenditures during the year and
makes recommendations for budget modifications.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
Establishes all policies, procedures and regulations for firefighting, emergency, operational and
prevention standards in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Develops and recommends all fire code regulations to Council for adoption.
Performs short range and long range planning regarding departmental operations with respect to
personnel, apparatus, equipment and emergency operations.
Supervises and directs the implementation of such goals, objectives and plans.
Appraises conditions of work in the department and takes necessary actions to improve fire and
other emergency operations.
Plans, develops, conducts and supervises the operation of departmental in-service training of
personnel.
Plans and directs public education, fire prevention and community risk reduction programs.
Performs various public relations functions to include contact with the media, public, private
organizations, schools, area fire departments and state and national organizations.
Prepares, coordinates and monitors the annual budget and controls the expenditure of budgeted
funds.
Job Class #33-01 Fire
Page 2 Updated 11/18/2021
Assists in the preparation of bids on major pieces of equipment and makes recommendations to the
City Manager on Capital Improvement Program purchases regarding apparatus, equipment,
advancements in technology, new stations, etc.
Supervises the inspections of buildings and other properties for fire hazards; enforces fire
prevention regulations and works to attain abatement of fire hazards.
Conducts briefings with Chief Officers to review daily work schedules and discuss staff activities.
Supervises the operations of the fire suppression program and coordinates activities with Johnson
County fire officials.
Supervises the operations of emergency medical services program and coordinates activities with
local ambulance services and hospitals.
Supervises the operations of the hazardous materials response program and coordinates activities
with Johnson County officials.
Supervises the operations of the technical rescue program and coordinates activities with Johnson
County fire officials.
Responds to major fire alarms and emergencies and exercises overall supervision at the scene.
Works collaboratively with local, state and federal emergency management officials to help Iowa City
prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters, public health crises and other emergent
circumstances.
Works with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in the investigation into cause, origin
and circumstances of fires.
Participates in the operations of the Joint Emergency Communications Center as a member of the
User Advisory Committee.
Oversees the maintenance of department records and prepares reports for the City Manager and
City Council, as required.
Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the workplace
and community.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Physical and Environmental Conditions
Required physical activities include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling,
reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing,
and repetitive motions. Participates in department Physical Fitness Program.
Job Class #33-01 Fire
Page 3 Updated 11/18/2021
Physical characteristics of work include sedentary work requiring exertion up to 10 pounds of force
occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or
otherwise move objects. The work involves sitting most of the time. Walking and standing are required
only occasionally.
Environmental conditions include work performed inside or outside and includes being exposed to cold,
heat, noise, vibration, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, atmospheric conditions that affect the
respiratory system, oils, and use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Minimum Education, Experience, and Certification
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in business, public administration, or fire science from an institution
accredited by a DOE recognized accreditation body required. Over seven years’ experience in fire
and rescue management required. Valid D driver’s license with satisfactory driving record required
within 60 days of appointment. Must be at least 18 years of age per Iowa Code 92.8. Must reside in
the municipal limits of the City of Iowa City. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, and Certification
Master’s degree in public administration or a related field from an educational institution accredited by
a DOE recognized accreditation body preferred. NFA Executive Fire Officer and CPC (Commission
on Professional Credentialing) Chief Fire Officer Designation preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Proven skills in fire service management, policy-planning, goal-setting and employee supervision.
Must value diversity, respect differing views and opinions, understand the process of consensus-
building, and be relied upon to provide his/her best professional recommendation at all times. Must
know how to achieve goals, anticipate problems and barriers, and devise ways to work around or
through them. Must be a motivator and leader to his/her staff and be candid and willing to advise the
City Council and City staff in an honest and forthright fashion. Must present well to a wide range of
audiences and be comfortable in a highly engaged community with a high education level. Must
interact well with other governing bodies and act in a positive fashion with the University and other
local officials. Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of fire department business
management, including strategic planning, budgeting, personnel administration, accreditation, and
homeland security initiatives; comprehensive knowledge of current applicable federal, state, and local
laws, rules and regulations for emergency response management and operations; comprehensive
knowledge of station location principles, practices and techniques; thorough knowledge of personnel
principles and practices for collective bargaining and personnel grievance administration; ability to
plan, organize and manage fire operational and administrative projects; ability to plan, develop and
evaluate purchasing specifications and contracts; ability to read and interpret blueprints,
specifications, and contracts; ability to train, assign, motivate, supervise, and evaluate the work of
others; ability to communicate effectively and maintain working relationships with Battalion Chiefs,
other City employees, supervisory personnel, state, and local elected officials, labor officials,
professional consultants, and the public, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-
technical language; ability to prepare accurate and reliable reports containing findings, conclusions,
recommendations for a variety of reports containing fire suppression terminology, purchasing
proposals and specifications, and labor contract processes and terminology; ability to operate a
Job Class #33-01 Fire
Page 4 Updated 11/18/2021
computer using standard word processing, spreadsheet, database applications, and fire service
software appropriate to assigned duties and responsibilities; ability to quickly learn and put to use new
skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology; ingenuity and
inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks. performs all work duties and activities in
accordance with City policies, procedures, and safety practices; attends work regularly at the
designated place and time; ability to analyze, plan, and carry out long-term programs in Fire
Department administration, training, suppression, emergency medical services, and fire prevention;
performs other related duties as assigned.
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.