County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, directs, evaluates and oversees the operations of multiple Divisions of the Fire Department; assists the Fire Chief in the overall administration and operation of the Fire Department; acts in the absence of the Fire Chief; participates in departmental policy formulating and general planning; performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Fire Department Deputy Chief is the second highest executive management position within the Fire Department and is responsible for overseeing multiple Divisions of the Department. The incumbent is responsible for providing direct administrative support in the areas of organizational policy and program development.

This class differs from the next higher class of Fire Chief in that the latter has primary responsibility for the administration and operation of the department. It is further distinguished from that of the next lower class of Fire Department Division Chief in that the latter is primarily the shift commander over a Fire Battalion and overseeing a department division or administrative assignment.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Plans, assigns, supervises, evaluates and inspects the work of subordinates when required.

2. Prepares and reviews investigation findings and makes recommendations to the Fire Chief; disciplines personnel when required.

3. Provides specialized support services such as research and planning activities.

4. Maintains a variety of control records; makes special studies and investigations of operating procedures, methods and problems; supervises the preparation of a variety of work and staff reports.

5. Prepares budgetary proposals, memoranda and correspondence.

6. Participates in the change management formulation and implementation of departmental policies, procedures, and direction; acts as a field commander in major field operations; represents the Fire Chief or department in public appearances; acts as the Fire Chief in the Chief's absence.

7. Participates in assigned staffing and personnel responsibilities such as recommendations for selection, organization, discipline, etc.; plans, develops, implements, and participates in the general departmental training program and volunteer programs, including lecturing and informal instruction in specialized subjects.

8. Acts as a senior point of contact for contract agencies providing general oversight of administration, operations and contract compliance issues.

9. Supervises the preparation, submission and monitoring of Department budget. Oversight shall include participation in county and contract agency budget processes as well as quarterly reporting and monitoring of expenditures, revenues and year-end projections.

10. Reviews and develops policy, regulation and statute to ensure fire department operations and administrative functions are monitored in an effective and efficient manner.

11. Approves supply requisition requests; interacts with the County Purchasing Officer and from private suppliers; and insures a running inventory of all assets is maintained.

12. Inspects department buildings, furnishings, company journals, records, apparatus and uniforms; enforces maintenance standards; follows up on repair orders.

13. Attends and represents the department at meetings as required by contract agencies, committees, speaking engagements and community events.

14. Answers routine correspondence for the fire department and on behalf of the Fire Chief.

15. Acts as Duty Chief when assigned; performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate’s of Arts Degree or the completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units. A Bachelor’s Degree is desirable.

And
Experience:

Current appointment as a Division Chief in the Alameda County Fire Department or the equivalent of one year experience as a Battalion Chief in the Alameda County Fire Department.

License:

Must be in possession of at least a valid California Class C driver’s license.

Special Requirement:

Is subject to emergency recall while off duty.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Current principles, practices and techniques of fire department administration, organization, and operation.
• Laws, ordinances, and regulations which govern a fire department and California fire district.
• Methods, techniques and equipment used in modern firefighting and of fire apparatus and equipment, first aid, and fire inspection and prevention.
• Principles, practices, procedures and equipment used in fighting fires saving lives and property.
• Operation and maintenance of fire and rescue apparatus and equipment coupled with the ability to supervise its effective application and use.
• Proper and effective use of officers and equipment in field tactics.
• Current trends regarding firefighting, fire administration, and fire prevention activities.
• Major fire hazards, the water supply, geography and building conditions of the district.
• Types of building construction and the building code of the district.
• Principles of public administration, including personnel administration, budgetary control, purchasing and financing.
• Principles and practices of supervision and leadership.
• Principles, practices, and techniques of administrative, project management and budgetary.


Ability to:

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Provide effective leadership
• Demonstrate teamwork
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with departments/agencies and the community
• Perform analysis and problem solving
• Manage time in an effective manner
• Exercise sound judgment and make decisions
• Demonstrate management control
• Demonstrate flexibility
• Adapt to stress

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

MW:lh-9/76
BG:ab-Rev.1/86
BG:lm-Revised: 3/96
Old doc: 0755h
New doc: 8155.doc
ys/9/01
RC:pf Revise 6/10/05
CSC Date: 8/3/05
MAH:cs Revised 7/28/14
Old Title: Deputy Fire Chief
CSC Date: 8/6/14
GH:cs Revised 10/2/15
CSC Date: 10/28/15

BENEFITS

*** For benefit information, please refer to the recruitment brochure.