Assistant Fire Chief

Assistant Fire Chief

Applications must include a cover letter, résumé, and a recent headshot.

Under the general direction of the Fire Chief, provides leadership, supervises, and coordinates all programs and activities of firefighter health and safety. Oversees the firefighter health and safety programs including developing and implementing programs, managing the comprehensive occupational medical evaluation program, and other programs that are directed to improve the health and safety of department personnel. Coordinates and supervises regulatory agency compliance, as well as the management of “best-practices” or other accreditation programs and initiatives. Oversees the promotional and hiring processes and developing and delivering promotional examinations.

Provides highly responsible and complex support to the Fire Chief in the position’s areas of responsibility. Responsible for the supervision of personnel assigned. This position will be heavily involved in emergency management and in the city’s NIMS compliance officer role. Performs all other duties as assigned by the Fire Chief.  

• Collect, manages, and maintains reports and records and ensures compliance with agencies that regulate departmental policy, procedures, practices, and programs.
  • Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) compliance
  • Department of State Health Services (DSHS) compliance
  • Texas Fire Incident Reporting System (TEXFIRS) reporting
  • Insurance Service Office (ISO) compliance
  • Risk management
  • Texas Fire Chief’s Best Practices compliance
  • Response time compliance
  • Incident activity reports
• Assists in planning departmental operations with respect to personnel, training, policies, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Supervises the department training officer ensuring compliance with continuing education requirements as set forth by state regulatory agencies, ISO, and other applicable accreditation agencies, through the development and implementation of related programs.  Ensures the mission of the adopted annual training plan remains the focus to our operations.
  • Annual Training Plan
  • Career Development
  • Special Operations
  • Wellness
• Oversees the firefighter health and safety programs including developing and implementing programs such as “safety stand down”, managing the comprehensive occupational medical evaluation program, and other programs that are directed to improve the health and safety of department personnel.
• Oversees the promotional and hiring processes to include the advertising of new positions, collection, and review of applications, coordinating peer review boards, scheduling pre-employment screenings, notification of personnel of upcoming promotional processes, and developing and delivering promotional examinations.
• Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned department services; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommend and administer standard operating policies and procedures.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement and review with Fire Chief; implement improvements.
• Provide responsible staff assistance to the Fire Chief; and prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence to the Fire Chief, City management staff and City Council as required.
• In the absence of the Fire Chief may be designated in charge of and responsible for some or all activities of the department.
• Coordinate the department’s pre-incident survey program.
• Department liaison with the NCTCOG.
• Assumes management responsibility for all activities associated with the personnel assigned to suppression.
• Conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommend modifications to assigned programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Review, create, and submit injury incidents and reports as required by department and regulatory agency requirements and recommend procedure and/or policy changes.
• Respond to emergency incidents that require an advanced level of coordination in incident management.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Continuously monitor the quality and completion status of incident reports, training records, daily activity logs, apparatus and equipment checks.
• Assist in the implementation of Department goals and objectives.
• Abide by and enforce all policies and procedures of the City and Department.
• Assign, supervise, and review the work of staff involved in firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical activities.
• Evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications.
• Prepare various reports on operations and activities.
• Participate in budget preparation and administration; submit justifications for needed equipment; assist in monitoring and controlling expenditures.
• Initiate necessary discipline per policy.
• Oversee and direct the operation of fire apparatus and related equipment.
• Drive assigned apparatus to and from location of emergency calls for service.
• Respond to fire alarms; lay and disconnect hose; maintain pumping apparatus; hold nozzles and direct water streams; raise and climb ladders; assist with all aspects of firefighting activities as necessary.
• Operate numerous types of fire suppression, rescue, salvage, and emergency medical equipment.
• Provide emergency medical care at medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, and other emergency situations involving threat to human life.
• Clean apparatus and equipment and perform general custodial duties as required.
• Represents the City of Red Oak in a professional, appropriate manner always, cultivating good community relations by appearing before civic and community groups.
• Protects classified, confidential, and sensitive information in compliance with HIPPA Privacy Rules.
• Supports the relationship between the City and the public through courteous and cooperative interactions.
• Performs all job duties, tasks, and activities according to work instructions, defined procedures and policies.
• Identifies, records, and reports problems that interfere with completion of job duties, and initiates, recommends, or provides solutions as appropriate.
• Keeps work areas clean and orderly.
• Exemplifies a cooperative attitude and works effectively with others.
• Performs all work activities in a safe manner and follows all safety rules.
• Performs related duties as assigned or required by supervisor.

• Associate's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in Fire Protection Technology or a related field. A bachelor’s degree in Fire Science/Administration, Emergency Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred. 
• Ten (10) years of paid full-time TCFP experience
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience at the chief level.
• Completion of the Texas Fire Chiefs Academy is preferred.

• NIMS Training 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800
• Texas Commission on Fire Protection - Advanced Structure Fire Protection
• Texas Commission on Fire Protection – Instructor III
• Texas Commission on Fire Protection – Fire Officer III
• Texas Commission on Fire Protection – Incident Commander
• Texas Commission on Fire Protection – Incident Safety Officer
• Texas Commission on Fire Protection Safety Courses – Traffic Incident Management, Courage to be Safe, and Cancer Awareness within the past five (5) years.
• Texas Department of State Health Services - Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic 
• Texas Department of Public Safety - Valid Class B or Higher Driver's License with an insurable driving record.

• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Knowledge of rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the Department.
• Proficiently apply principles of mechanics and hydraulics as related to operating firefighting equipment and apparatus.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and/or orders.
• Ability to effectively communicate oral and written instructions and/or orders.
• Ability to establish and meet deadlines.
• Ability to be self-motivated.
• Ability to prepare, maintain, and present a variety of records and reports.
• Ability to positively motivate employees to work efficiently and effectively.
•  Ability to utilize knowledge of local geography, including the location of streets, water mains and hydrants, and the major fire hazards of the City of Red Oak Fire Rescue response jurisdiction.
• Proficiently use a variety of vehicles, equipment, tools, and apparatus used in firefighting, rescue, and medical assistance operations. 
• Ability to effectively and safely, drive, operate, and maintain the full range of fire apparatus and equipment used by the Department.
• Continually learn and act in accordance with departmental policies, rules, instructions, and written material in the field of firefighting. 
• Apply basic firefighting techniques and procedures. 
  • Ability to operate and maintain firefighting equipment and apparatus. 
  • Ability to analyze fire and emergency situations and adopt effective courses of action. 
  • Retain presence of mind in emergency situations. 
  • Ability to operate and maintain radio equipment. 
  • Ability to read, write, and speak the English language fluently.
  • Ability to respond appropriately to requests and inquiries.
  • Ability to maintain regular attendance and punctuality.
  • Ability to make sound decisions and effectively handle stressful situations in a professional manner.
  • Ability to abide by all rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Ability to safely perform all physical requirements of the job.
  • Must have an understanding and knowledge of the HIPAA Privacy Rule that corresponds to their job responsibilities and of the Fire Department’s policies and procedures that impact their job duties.
  • Ability to adhere to principles and traits as listed below:
  • Honesty – Don’t lie, cheat, or steal.
  • Trust – Trust in people and have faith in principles. 
  • Pride and Ownership – Be proud of what we are doing. Be responsible for self and for others.
  • Fun – Be creative. Don’t be afraid to laugh and try new things.
  • Compassion – Care for others as if a member of one’s family.
  • Teamwork – Create and maintain a positive work environment.
  • Initiative – Look for solutions. Take positive action. 
  • Humbleness – Let our actions be louder than our words. Remember why we are here.
  • Strong work ethic – Hold self and others to a higher standard.
  • Respect – Seek an understanding of others and reserve judgment.