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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Assistant Fire Chief
FLSA: Fire 40 Exempt EEO Category: (10) Official/Adm
Class Code: 10935 Salary Grade: E00
Approved: January 30, 2015 Last Revised: May 09, 2017

Purpose:
 
This executive management position assists the Fire Chief in directing the activities of the divisions  within the department. The position assumes responsibility for fire work of a complex nature in planning, organizing, commanding, and directing the administrative and firefighting service activities for the department. This is an appointed position that reports to the Chief with duties and responsibilities established by the Chief. 
 
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
  Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
  1. Develops and implements executive level policy and procedure to meet service and operational business needs; develops short- and long-range strategies, goals, and action plans to promote departmental and community interests.
  2. Conducts daily administrative functions, including serving as “Acting” Fire Chief when so designated.
  3. Keeps the Fire Chief regularly informed of departmental performance and problems; proposes changes to policies, procedures, and operational processes as appropriate.
  4. Conducts negotiated decision-making blending specific expertise into overall organizational objectives.
  5. Provides a professional leadership example inclusive of diverse opinions and perspectives.
  6. Assists with the planning, development and management of departmental budget; recommends and approves major purchases and expenditures while ensuring all resources are economically utilized.
  7. Conducts long-range planning related to fire services delivery to identify opportunities for continuous process improvement and implementation of best practices.
  8. Complies with applicable local, state and federal regulations, safety and environmental requirements.
  9. Represents the Fire Chief and Austin Fire Department interests before governmental and regulatory agencies, boards, councils, commissions, consultants, community and stakeholder groups, and private vendors.
  10. Establishes liaisons with other City departments, firefighting agencies and industry groups, neighborhood and community groups, and academic institutions to maximize departmental effectiveness.
  11. Provides personnel development and mentorship to subordinate supervisors.
 
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
 
  • Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including, training, evaluation, counseling, discipline and recommendation for dismissal. 
 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
  • Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of professional fire service delivery and modern fire administration, organization and operation.
  • Knowledge of financial and accounting systems used in the professional firefighting industry.
  • Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
  • Advanced knowledge of applicable local, state and federal regulations, ordinances, policies and guidelines.
  • Advanced knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  • Knowledge of current best practices and industry standards in firefighting techniques and methods.
  • Advanced skill in handling and addressing conflict in uncertain situations, making sound decisions in critical situations.
  • Advanced skill in research and problem solving, planning, organizing and directing the work of others.
  • Skill in establishing cooperative working relationships with City officials, employees, other firefighting and public safety agencies, boards, commissions, and the general public.
  • Skill in oral and written communication.
  • Ability to analyze and resolve complex problems.
  • Ability to lead and manage a multi-discipline workforce.
  • Ability to provide professional development, leadership and mentoring to assigned personnel.
  • Ability to maintain current required licenses and certifications.
 
Minimum Qualifications:
 
  • Education and/or Equivalent Experience :
  • To be eligible for appointment, must have at least five (5) years of service from date of commission in the Austin Fire Department and be classified as a Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, Fire Battalion Chief or Fire Division Chief.
  • Must meet the requirements for appointment as determined by the head of the fire department.
  • Appointment to Assistant Fire Chief is made by the Austin Fire Chief.
 
Licenses and Certifications Required:
 
  • Valid and current Texas driver’s license.
 

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.