Alameda County Fire Department - Fire Chief

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Alameda County Fire Department is recruiting for an experienced Fire Chief to provide exceptional leadership and support for this outstanding fire service organization. This highly ethical leader will collaboratively engage the communities it serves, as well as staff, to develop and implement a strategic vision that not only charts the course for the future of the Alameda County Fire Department but also provides high level professional public safety services on a daily basis.

THE ALAMEDA COUNTY COMMUNITY
Alameda County, located in the East Bay section of the San Francisco Bay Area region of California, has a culturally diverse population of 1.6 million residents and enjoys a wonderful mild climate year-round. Visitors and residents alike have an abundance of exquisite shopping, dining, and many first-class accommodations to choose from. The County is home to many popular attractions including theater and world-class symphony performances, the Oakland museum, Chabot Space and Science Center, and the Livermore and Tri-Valley Wine Country. In addition, there are numerous parks, trails, and championship golf courses to enjoy. Educational opportunities are plentiful, with such options as the University of California Berkeley and California State University, East Bay, and community college districts to choose from. There are also many leading technology and biomedical firms located among its broad economic base. Oakland Airport is conveniently located for travelers and commuters, and extensive bus and rail systems offer transportation solutions that help to enhance the area's quality of life. Alameda County offers a high quality of life and excellent educational systems. It is no wonder that Alameda County is considered a great place to live the California dream.

THE ALAMEDA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT
Headquartered in Dublin, California, the Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) serves as an all-risk emergency response agency for approximately 394,000 residents. Formed on July 1, 1993 as a dependent special district, Alameda County’s Board of Supervisors serves as its governing body and Board of Directors (“Board”). The consolidation brought together, and into a single jurisdiction, the Castro Valley Fire Department, Eden Consolidated Fire Protection District, and County Fire Patrol. Today it also provides fire and emergency medical services to the Cities of San Leandro, Dublin, Newark, Union City, Emeryville, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and the Livermore National Laboratory. With a budget of $153 million, the Department consists of over 400 personnel and up to 100 reserve firefighters working out of 28 fire stations throughout the County. The Department personnel provide front-line services, including prevention, education, dispatch, emergency response, technical and administrative support, and are organized into four branches: Operations, Special Operations, Fire Prevention, and Administrative Support. There are 28 fire stations with four Battalions, 35 fire companies that include 27 Engines, 7 Trucks and a Heavy Rescue.  In addition, the Department operates specialized teams/equipment, including an urban search and rescue, water rescue, water tenders, Bulldozers, and Hazardous Materials Response Team. The Alameda County Fire Department takes great pride in the service it provides to the community and is committed to searching for ways to continually improve service to its customers. Additional information regarding the ACFD, its unit structure, and area of support can be found at https://www.acgov.org/fire/about/

THE POSITION
The Fire Chief is an at-will appointment who serves at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors with a day-to-day operational reporting relationship to the County Administrator. The newly selected Fire Chief will assume command of an organization with a history of providing excellent service. In addition to providing oversight and leadership for the day-to-day operational activities of a progressive, large and complex organization, the Chief will serve as the top technical advisor to all member agencies on fire, disaster management, and EMS issues. The Chief is also responsible for establishing and maintaining a positive employee/labor relationship and for the proper and efficient use of both human and financial resources.

To learn more about this exciting opportunity and to apply click the thumbnail below to view the recruitment brochure.

Recruitment services are provided by Ralph Andersen & Associates

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education:  Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor’s degree in fire science, public administration, or a closely related field. A Master’s Degree and an Executive Fire Officer certification are desirable.

Experience:  Requires experience equivalent to two years as a Deputy Chief or the equivalent of three years as a Division Chief in the Alameda County Fire Department; or experience equivalent to two years as a Deputy Chief or the equivalent of three years as a Division Chief in an agency similar to the Alameda County Fire Department.

or

Any combination of training, education and experience that is equivalent to one of the patterns listed above and will provide the required knowledge and abilities.

With a proven track record of success, top candidates will have an outstanding career in fire service and a progressively responsible senior level career path with demonstrated accomplishments, including major incident command.

Review and Evaluation of Qualifications: Working with Ralph Andersen & Associates, the Board as the appointing authority will give serious consideration to all qualified candidates who apply and demonstrate executive level experience in an organization with relative complexities. The review and evaluation of qualifications will be at the discretion of the Board, based on the most appropriate combination of experience and education that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required by the position and that best fit the needs of the ACFD.

License:

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

Special Requirements:

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.

To be considered, candidates must submit a compelling cover letter, resume, and six professional references to apply@ralphandersen.com. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early in the process for optimal consideration. The closing date for this position is Monday, April 13, 2020.

Ralph Andersen & Associates will conduct the initial evaluation of submitted materials to determine the best overall match with the established criteria as outlined in this recruitment profile. The selection process may also involve a supplemental questionnaire. Only a select group of highly qualified candidates will be invited to interview and an interview with the full Board of Directors will follow shortly thereafter.

It is anticipated that the new Fire Chief will join the ACFD in July 2020 or at a mutually agreeable date. Should you have any questions regarding this position or the recruitment process, please call P. Lamont Ewell at (916) 630-4900. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

The Alameda County Fire Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug Free Workplace.

This is a well-compensated executive position and the successful candidate will be offered a competitive salary with an outstanding benefits package. The starting salary range is $204,036 to $243,432 DOQ, with an attractive executive benefits package including CalPERS retirement (3% @ 50 for Classic Members and 2.7% @ 57 for PEPRA Members). 

The compensation package extended to the top candidate will reflect the candidate's work experience and track record of career success. Additionally, the Board will negotiate a mutually agreeable at-will employment agreement with the selected candidate. Questions regarding more specific details of the compensation package may be directed to Ralph Andersen & Associates.