Responsible to direct the overall operations in an all-hazard organization to deliver essential emergency and non-emergency services to the community and greater area to include fire suppression, fire education and prevention, special operations, and EMS services. The Fire Chief is responsible for setting overall department strategy and directions, collaborating with City staff and elected officials, and building inter-jurisdictional/regional relationships.

1. Oversee and direct the day-to-day operations of the Fire Department. Plan, coordinate, supervise, and evaluate fire and EMS operations. Serve as the city’s Emergency Management Coordinator.
2. Direct the development of operational and administrative procedures, departmental policies, programs, and initiatives.
3. Collaborate and demonstrate an ability to build rapport with staff, elected officials, peers, regional partners, and community representatives. Build partnerships at the local, state, and federal levels to secure resources and to advocate for the community’s interests.
4. Deliver timely, cost effective and efficient all-hazard approaches to community services.
5. Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.
6. Perform and fulfill obligations as duty commander including responding to alarms and directing activities at the scene of emergencies.
7. Develop, communicate, and implement the strategic plan and vision for the department in a collaborative manner. Engage with citizens to foster support, input, and prioritization of needs of service delivery.
8. Plan departmental operations with respect to equipment, apparatus and personnel. Supervise the implementation of such plans.
9. Use data to comprehensively assess operations and provide a vision to examine alternative forms of service delivery that may improve responsiveness and/or enhance resource conservation. Predict or adjust priorities and services through analysis of performance measure or other analytical data.
10. Direct the preparation of the budget and manage expenditures for the department and grant funding efforts.
11. Promote professional development, coaching, mentoring, and fostering a work environment that motivates individuals to excel in their areas of responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in Fire Science, public administration, or a closely related field; and eight years of increasingly responsible fire and EMS services including suppression, prevention, training, emergency management, and advanced life support. Completion of a National Fire Academy Executive Officer program is highly desirable.

Licenses and other requirements: Must possess a valid Washington State driver's license. Residency must fall within the response boundary established by the Anacortes Fire Department’s Duty Chief Policy.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Federal, state, and city rules and regulations governing firefighting functions and emergency medical services.
• Local, state, federal law, and city ordinances.
• Knowledge of and experience in all major aspects of fire and EMS operations.
• Administrative functions and budgetary responsibilities for a similar sized fire department.
• Knowledge of and experience with collective bargaining, labor negotiations, and civil service rules.
• Geography of the City and its buildings, street systems, and special areas requiring pre-fire knowledge or special firefighting techniques.

Ability to:

• Develop, implement, and administer goals, objectives, and procedures for providing effective and efficient services for the city and surrounding areas.
• Maintain competencies in ethical conduct; stress management and composure; problem solving and analysis; strategic thinking; and teamwork orientation.
• Direct a program and to plan, schedule, and review the work and performance of others in a manner conducive to strong performance and high morale.
• Prepare and direct preparation of comprehensive reports, budgets, departmental materials, and correspondence.
• Communicate well for example, to calm individuals experiencing a medical emergency, handle abusive behavior, create public trust, give, and receive information in emergency situations, and prepare and present about the department.
• Perform duties and maintain personal conduct, attitude, and appearance that conform with strict policies, procedures, and discipline, within a “chain of command” management system.
• Have a strong and confident presence, be a good listener, be accessible, and understand the importance of maintaining close and consistent communication throughout the organization.

LEVEL OF AUTHORITY: The Fire Chief is appointed by the Mayor and reports administratively to the Mayor, with activities reviewed for adequacy of professional judgment, compliance with policies and regulations and achievement of results with objectives consistent with a council approved budget. The Fire Chief is accountable for the efficient provision of an effective, comprehensive fire and EMS services. The Fire Chief is a representative of the City of Anacortes while on and off duty and personal behavior should reflect acceptance of this responsibility.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Much of the work is performed in office settings at the Fire Department and other City and community offices. When responding to emergencies as Incident Commander, may be exposed to all risks and difficult conditions identified for firefighting and medical response situations.

PHYSICAL: Ability to maintain physical stamina and agility sufficient to perform physical activities of a firefighter. Physical strength and ability to perform intermittent strenuous work for extended periods of time under extremely dangerous and uncomfortable conditions, often while wearing bulky protective gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus. Strenuous work is defined as exerting force sufficient to lift and carry up to 160 pounds of body weight or as necessary lift whatever weight is required to handle the emergency or rescue. Occasional lifting in spaces where use of correct lifting techniques may not be possible where the utilization of additional personnel is needed. Hearing ability sufficient to communicate with team members and use portable radio while wearing self-contained breathing apparatus. Visual ability sufficient to drive emergency apparatus during the day and night, manage incident action plans in inclement weather, treat and transport medical emergencies, engage in firefighting activities to include pulling hoses, making hydrant connections, and utilizing ladders for rescue.

OTHER: The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility; but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individual may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is a logical assignment to the position. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

Following an offer of employment, and prior to starting work, individuals may be required to have a pre-employment physical examination by a physician designated by the City of Anacortes. The City will pay for the examination. Satisfactory clearance to perform essential job functions will be required for employment. As an absolute condition of employment, employees are required upon hire to sign a drug-free workplace agreement and an agreement not to use tobacco products in any form while on the job.

The City of Anacortes is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, citizenship or national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age (over 40), marital/familial status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identification, or status as an honorably discharged veteran, or any other class protected by federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request.