Fire Chief/Fire Marshall: Fairfield County

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Contact: Jennifer Leaphart
Phone: 803-815-4133
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ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Supervises the operation of the Fairfield County fire service program. Directs and supervises duties of volunteer and paid firefighters. Supervisory duties include: instructing, assigning, reviewing and planning work of others, maintaining standards, coordinating activities, allocating personnel, acting on employee problems, and recommending and approving employee transfers, promotions, discipline, discharge and salary increases. Serves as the County Fire Marshall. Reviews the work of subordinates for adherence to policies and procedures. Evaluates and makes recommendations as appropriate and offers advice and assistance as needed. Ensures all fire personnel and volunteers are trained according national OSHA standards. Schedules, coordinates and/or conducts training for all personnel to ensure that they are trained properly in fire-fighting techniques and in the use of equipment, and are able to respond to fire emergencies and other fire-related situations with promptness, skill and professionalism. Ensures all County fire equipment is in good operating order and meets all OSHA standards. Bids, orders and documents all fire service equipment for all fire service departments. Reviews contracts for fire protection with other local jurisdictions and oversees the term of such contracts. Works with staff members in setting and accomplishing goals in the areas of training, maintenance, codes, administration, public education, fire investigation and communications. Formulates and enforces departmental rules and regulations, work methods and procedures. Develops and oversees the implementation of long and short-range department plans for facilities, equipment and personnel requirements. Prepares the annual Fire Service budget. Develops budget recommendations for the department, including capital and operating expenditures. Monitors and approves all expenditures for compliance with budget guidelines. Develops specifications to be used in the purchase of fire equipment and apparatus; orders parts for repairs and tests equipment for performance Inspects fire department facilities for compliance with OSHA and NFPA guidelines. Inspects existing buildings for OSHA compliance. Responds to emergency scenes as incident commander for fires, hazardous materials incidents, and any other scene where the fire department is needed. Ensures prompt response with appropriate equipment and manpower. Conducts fire and arson investigations. Collects, coordinates and processes billing paperwork for all County fire departments. Reviews architect plans for fire protection systems for new County construction, ensuring compliance with fire codes and other regulations. Investigates and implements measures to correct code violations throughout the County. Keeps abreast of new technology, methods and regulations for fire prevention and suppression operations. Coordinates and implements fire prevention awareness programs for the general public. Attends conferences and continuing education classes as appropriate. Receives, reviews and evaluates reports from subordinate personnel regarding department activities. Performs computer data entry to record and retrieve department information and to prepare reports and correspondence. Maintains computer records. Receives and reviews documents such as invoices, vehicle maintenance records, training records, incident reports, safety reports, personnel files, policy/procedure updates, fire code reports, job applications, performance appraisals, budget documents, contracts, memo, correspondence, etc. Prepares and/or processes billing invoices, inspection reports, various reports required by County and regulatory agencies, training materials, policies and procedures, purchase orders, specifications, memos, correspondence, etc. Refers to policy and procedure manuals, code and safety manuals, ordinances, maps, directories, building diagrams, blueprints, etc. Operates office equipment such as a computer, printer, typewriter, adding machine, calculator, copier and telephone. Operates and ensures the maintenance of a variety of specialized equipment such as fire engines, trucks and other motor vehicles, firefighting apparatus, two-way radio, breathing apparatus, hand tools, etc. Exercises care and safety in the use of equipment and tools. Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as County Administrator, other County management personnel and staff, volunteers, fire personnel in other jurisdictions, community groups, elected officials, various government agencies, news media, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, Forestry Commission, contractors, insurance companies, and the general public. ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS Reviews community development and construction plans for compliance with fire safety regulations and ordinances. Performs related duties as required. MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE Requires a bachelor’s degree with a major in fire service, code enforcement, public administration, business management, or related field and at least five years’ experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Fire Marshall Certification preferred. Must possess the following certifications: NFPA Firefighter II, Fire Officer I, Fire Instructor I, Emergency Vehicle Driver Training, and NIMS ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800. Must possess a valid state driver's license. FAIRFIELD COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.