Assistant Fire Chief - Support Services

Assistant Chief - Support Services

The Assistant Chief - Support Services reports directly to the Chief of Department and is primarily responsible for managing the Support Services Division, Training, Building and Health, and Fire Prevention / Fire Marshal Divisions. This is a management position, and will follow the department organizational chart for command structure responsibilities. This position involves highly responsible administrative and management work and is a critical component of the management team of the department. This position also includes command and / or support at major emergency incidents and is designed as a 24-hour on-call position and every effort will be made to be available to return to the community as needed.

Examples of Duties

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all duties, which may be found in positions of this class.)

Coordinates Fire Prevention / Fire Marshal Division, Training Division and Building and Health Division. Ensures all inspections are scheduled and conducted, ensures that all inquiries from the public, town committees and boards are addressed, reviews all reports, coordinates the development of division programs and inspections. Establishes priorities to accomplish the mission of the organization in accordance with strategic plans and long-term goals.

Assists with the strategic planning process for the division, which includes the development and updating of the appropriate sections of the strategic plan.

Has authority and responsibility to complete required performance evaluations for all members assigned the Support Services Division.

In conjunction with the Human Resources Office, handles Human Resource (HR) functions and documentation of HR functions for the department, including the primary administration of all collective bargaining agreements and any resultant grievances.

Makes recommendations for recruiting, hiring, and discipline, development of polices and ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements and Town's Personnel Policy.

May serve as a member of the Town's Collective Bargaining Team for all department union contracts.

Has the authority to meet with division personnel to resolve grievances before they are formally submitted to the Fire Chief.

Responsible for preparing the support budget and working within the equipment purchasing policy, ensures that all budget and CIP requirements are met, with guidance by the Fire Chief.

Establishes Standard Operating Guidelines related to their area of responsibility, as approved by the Fire Chief and Town Manager, ensures all standard operating guidelines are developed and reviewed as needed or every two years.

Maintains the master copy of the Department policy manual and the Town's Employee Policy.

Responds to major emergencies when notified or as directed, scheduled, or on call. Assumes command when necessary.

Plans and coordinates training and safety in conjunction with Operations. Establishes training priorities, content and scheduling to accomplish the mission of the department in accordance with strategic plans and long-term goals.

Serves as the Department liaison to the Police Department dispatch; handling all communications concerns working with the Police Communications Coordinator.

Manages the care and maintenance and construction of all Department Stations, buildings, and grounds.

Coordinates and / or Conducts internal investigations as needed when requested by the Fire Chief.

Represents department on regional or statewide committees as directed by the Fire Chief.

Responsible for specifying and making recommendations to the Fire Chief for personal protective equipment.

Responsible for writing, submitting and managing grants

Assists as directed by the Fire Chief in the development and updating of the town Emergency Operations Plan, and All Hazards Plan

Assists as Emergency Management Director as required

Oversees health, safety and wellness initiatives, and programs for the department working with the Assistant Chief of EMS & Operations.

Maintains close working relationships with all town departments, area fire departments, NH Fire Academy and NH State Police.

Responsible for all street naming, address assignments of building and property numbering in coordination with other Town Departments and E911.

Develops and maintains the department's codes, ordinances and regulations in coordination with the Fire Chief.

Performs other duties as assigned by the Fire Chief.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Excellent knowledge of all phases of fire department and emergency management operations including labor relations, budgeting, fiscal management, personnel management, information management and incident command. Must possess excellent technical, command, leadership, planning, administrative, interpersonal and communications skills. Excellent knowledge of personal computers and Windows based operating systems and software programs including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Ability to make public presentations and deliver educational classes. Thorough knowledge of all applicable laws, codes and standards. Ability to establish and maintain effective and positive relations with all personnel in the department, public officials and the public. Ability to function as a team player.

Minimum Qualifications

Valid Driver's License. Degree in business, fire science or related field (bachelor's degree preferred), ten years of increasingly responsible career fire service experience including three years of supervisory experience. Certified Firefighter I, II and III (preferred), Fire Officer II Certification, certified Hazardous Materials Technician, and Certified NIMS, IS 700, IS 100, IS 200, IS 300, and IS 400, or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT Preferred). Residency requirements may apply with the acceptance of this position.

The Town of Merrimack is an at-will, Equal Opportunity Employer. The Town of Merrimack does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state or local law, nor does it tolerate discrimination or harassment based on these protected statuses. Inquiries regarding discrimination, including matters related to physical or mental disability, may be directed to the Human Resources Director at (603) 424-2331.

Benefits

The Town offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees which includes :

• 100% employer paid family health insurance premiums and employee life, and short-term disability insurance premiums.
• 90% employer paid family dental insurance premiums.
• Participation in New Hampshire Retirement System.
• Optional benefits such as, deferred compensation plans, long-term disability, & supplemental life insurance.
• Paid leave including, holidays, vacation, personal, and sick leave.
• College tuition reimbursement and flexible spending accounts may also be available depending upon the position.