Assistant Fire Chief

Job Description 
Under the direction of the Fire Chief, the Assistant Fire Chief plans, organizes, and directs the activities of the department to protect life and property through fire suppression, fire prevention, rescue, and emergency medical services.  Supervises and evaluates Battalion Chiefs and Lieutenants for general performance. The Assistant Fire Chief may be assigned primary roles in operations, prevention, training, or EMS depending on qualifications and the needs of the department.

1. Accomplishes the mission of the AFD under the general guidance of the Fire Chief’s policies, guidelines, and directives.
2. Assists in the planning and management of the Fire Department operations.
3. Embodies and enforces clear standards for safety, performance, and professional conduct for assigned personnel consistent with department goals and expectations.  Prepares performance evaluations for assigned personnel. Works with employees to correct deficiencies.  Implement disciplinary procedures as necessary.        
4. Prepare reports, forms, recommendations, and other required administrative tasks. 
5. Ability to perform the core tasks and tactical functions of Battalion Chiefs, Lieutenants, and Firefighters.
6. Must be familiar with the organization and function of applicable city, county, and state agencies depending on assignment.  
7. Represents the department with a high level of professionalism in operational and communicative capacity to other departments, agencies, the public, and elected officials. Maintains a positive working relationship with other departments and agencies.
8. Serves as part of incident command within the City’s Emergency Operations Center as directed by the Fire Chief.
9. Participate in monitoring, supervising, training, and facilitation of re-certification of emergency medical technicians and paramedics, firefighters, and specialized certifications.
10. At the scene of any fire or medical emergency and serves as the Incident Commander unless relieved by the senior officer.
11. Ensures all work is performed in accordance with all safety policies and procedures, including the protocols for infection control.
12. Serves as the department head in the absence of the Fire Chief.

QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in an applicable field preferred. Minimum of five years of experience as a career fire officer. A combination of an associate degree and additional experience/qualifications may be substituted for education requirement.

Licenses and other requirements: Must possess a valid Washington State driver's license and satisfactory driving record. Must be certified by the State of Washington in Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) or as a Washington State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and maintain that certification. Must consent to investigation of background and of driving and police record to meet Fire Department standards in those areas. Must have and maintain certification in Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention (EVIP). Must have and maintain certification as a Hazardous Materials Incident Commander, Incident Safety Officer, Fire Officer 2, Instructor 1, and ICS 300/400.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of: 

Ability to:

LEVEL OF AUTHORITY: Responsible for direct supervision of assigned Battalion Chiefs and Lieutenants. Operates with considerable latitude for independent action and decisions, with performance reviewed for adequacy of professional judgment, compliance with policies and regulations, and achievement of results consistent with objectives.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Much of the work is performed in an office setting at the station or other city and community buildings. Work is also performed in diverse environments depending on situational demands.  Work involves safely operating emergency vehicles in varying conditions. Requires the ability to work in dynamic environments with unpredictable hazards. Responsibilities may require strenuous work in an environment containing life-threatening hazards that require the use of breathing apparatus.

PHYSICAL: Physical strength and ability to perform intermittently very heavy labor for extended periods of time under extremely dangerous and uncomfortable conditions, often while wearing bulky protective gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus.  Very heavy labor is defined as, for example, exerting force sufficiently to lift and carry up to 200 pounds of body weight and occasionally as a team member to lift and maneuver onto a gurney body weight up to 600 pounds, or as necessary lift whatever weight is required to handle the emergency or rescue.  Often the lifting must be done in spaces where use of correct lifting techniques is not possible. Physical stamina and agility sufficient to perform physical activity such as climb up and down stairs, raise and climb ladders, crawl into confined spaces, wield axes, haul hose, etc., and sustain this activity for the duration of the emergency without interruption while wearing bulky protective gear. Hearing ability sufficient, for example, to use stethoscope to assess heart and lung sounds where ambient noise is a factor, and to communicate with team members and use portable radio while wearing self-contained breathing apparatus. Ability to perform essential job functions unimpeded by physical, emotional, sensory, or mental conditions which could adversely affect performance of duties, personal safety, or safety of others. Ability to competently use Fire Department apparatus, equipment, and tools including self-contained breathing apparatus.  

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 accommodation for people with disabilities are provided on request.