Description

POSITION TITLE: Fire Chief

DEPARTMENT: Fire Department

PAY STATUS: Full-Time Salaried Position

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: At-Will

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: City Manager

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The Fire Chief serves as the executive leader of the City of Rochester Fire Department, overseeing all operations including fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical services (EMS), and disaster preparedness. Under the general direction of the City Manager, the Fire Chief develops strategic plans, policies, and programs to ensure the safety of residents, businesses, and visitors.

The Fire Chief manages departmental budgets, personnel, and equipment, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as adherence to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). This position plays a key role in community engagement, intergovernmental collaboration, and the promotion of public safety education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.       Plans, organizes, and directs all fire department functions, including suppression, prevention, rescue, EMS, and disaster response.

2.       Establishes and enforces policies, procedures, and operational guidelines.

3.       Directs training programs for personnel in firefighting, emergency medical response, and safety protocols.

4.       Oversees the assignment of personnel, equipment, and resources to maintain effective fire protection for the City.

5.       Responsible for supporting community engagement programs and overseeing the Rochester Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) process and events.

6.       Serves as the Incident Commander at major emergencies and coordinates mutual aid operations.

7.       Evaluates departmental operations, ensuring compliance with NFPA standards, OSHA regulations, and applicable laws.

8.       Manages fire prevention programs, including building inspections, and public education initiatives.

9.       Oversees fire inspection services, business registrations, rental registrations, and alarm registrations.

10.   Prepares and administers the annual operating and capital budget; monitors expenditures and plans for future operational needs of the fire department.

11.   Oversees the maintenance and replacement of apparatus, equipment, and facilities.

12.   Administers labor contracts, addresses employee grievances, and participates in collective bargaining as required.

13.   Oversee the hiring, supervision, training, evaluation and discipline of all department employees. Maintain departmental discipline and the conduct and general behavior of assigned personnel, determine commendatory action.  

14.   Prepares reports for the City Manager and City Council; makes presentations at public meetings.

15.   Serves as the City’s representative to local, county, state, and federal agencies, and participates in regional fire service organizations.

16.   Coordinates with the City Engineer and other departments on fire protection infrastructure and water supply issues.

17.   Responds to emergencies during and outside of regular working hours.

18.   Performs other duties as assigned by the City Manager

TO DO THIS TYPE OF WORK, YOU MUST BE ABLE TO:

1.       Lead and inspire a team of professional firefighters and EMS personnel.

2.       Analyze complex emergency situations and make sound, rapid decisions under pressure.

3.       Develop and manage operational and capital budgets effectively.

4.       Interpret and enforce fire codes, laws, and departmental policies.

5.       Establish and maintain effective relationships with elected officials, staff, other agencies, and the public.

6.       Communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including public speaking engagements.

7.       Utilize modern fire service technology, data systems, and communication tools.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

        Education:

        Associate degree in Fire Science or related field required; Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related discipline preferred, from an accredited university.

        Certifications:

        NIMS: ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800.

        Fire Officer I and II required, Fire Officer III preferred.

        State of Michigan licensed EMT

        Emergency Management Certification and/or completion of Fire Staff and Command training preferred.    

EXPERIENCE:

        Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible fire service management.

        Demonstrated fire ground command experience

        Municipal or public-sector fire service preferred.

Other Requirements:

        Valid State of Michigan Driver’s License or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

        Ability to pass a criminal background check, physical examination, drug screening, and reference checks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is performed in office, station, and field environments, including emergency scenes in all weather conditions. Must be able to perform strenuous physical activity under hazardous conditions. Requires occasional lifting of heavy objects and operation of firefighting equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Exposure to extreme temperatures, hazardous materials, smoke, noise, and stressful situations during emergency responses. May be required to work extended hours, nights, weekends, and holidays during emergencies or special events.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Must possess strong English communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear reports, correspondence, and public presentations.