New 3/97
City of San José
DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF (U) (2335)
CLASS PURPOSE
Under general direction, performs work of considerable difficulty in planning, coordinating, and directing the activities of a major bureau of the Fire Department. Performs related work as required.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESULTS (Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.)
- Responds to and assumes command at the scene of major fires and related emergencies.
- Supervises and directs the operation of a major bureau of the Fire Department.
- Supervises and directs a comprehensive fire prevention program, including the development of new codes, physical inspection, state and local code enforcement, water system approval, education of the public, and administration of the hazardous materials ordinance.
- Directs research and planning to improve departmental operations involving operational planning, long-range planning, systems and communications, negotiation of auto and mutual aid contracts, joint power proposals, cost recovery and consolidation programs, and general plan revisions.
- Directs the planning and implementation of departmental computer program needs to provide an effective management information system.
- Supervises and directs fire investigation activities to ensure apprehension of suspects, preparation of evidence, prosecution of arson suspects, and documentation of causes of fire.
- Supervises and evaluates Fire Department personnel; makes recommendations on employment, retention, promotion, demotion, and other personnel actions.
- Directs and enforces the rules and regulations of the Department. Maintains effective working relationships with other departments, County, State, and Federal agencies.
- Develops and controls the operating budget for a bureau and assists in the development of the Department's capital budget.
- Supervises and directs Fire Department vehicle and equipment maintenance and replacement program.
- Supervises and directs Fire Department facilities planning and maintenance programs.
- Supervises and directs the operation of emergency dispatch for the Fire Department.
- Develops and implements an effective training program for departmental personnel.
Typical End Results Include: The highest level of fire services to the public within budget; the highest level of public physical safety through a comprehensive fire safety program; a competent, motivated firefighting force; minimal fire injuries, deaths, and property damage; timely response to emergency calls for service; enforcement of laws and ordinances relating to the prevention, elimination, and control of fire hazards; effective fire suppression; and a well-trained and supervised staff to minimize risk of personal injury.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The incumbent of this class is responsible for the management of one of the major bureaus of the Fire Department. This class differs from the lower class of Battalion Chief in that Battalion Chiefs primarily manage an established battalion on an assigned shift, or assist in the management of a bureau. This class differs from the next higher class of Assistant Fire Chief in that the Assistant Fire Chief has overall management responsibility for the major bureaus and, in the absence of the Fire Chief, is responsible for the overall administration and leadership of the entire Fire Department.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of department administration, organization, and operations.
- Knowledge of the methods, techniques, and equipment of modern firefighting, first aid, and fire inspection and prevention.
- Knowledge of labor relation laws and practices, civil service rules and City and departmental regulations.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration, human resource management, and budgetary planning and control.
- Ability to effectively command large, complex fire suppression or other emergency operations.
- Ability to plan, develop, and implement a comprehensive fire suppression and prevention program.
- Ability to supervise and direct, through staff, subordinates of an entire bureau.
- Ability to relate effectively to employees and the public.
- Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Competency Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of major fire hazards, the water supply, geography, and building conditions of the City.
- Knowledge of the types of building construction and the building codes of the City.
- Knowledge of the City of San Jose's accounting and budget system.
- Knowledge of the laws relating to fire protection, prevention, suppression, and hazardous materials.
Training and Experience
Any of the following combinations of course work from an accredited college or university and experience:
- One (1) year as Battalion Chief and sixty (60) semester units.
- Two (2) years as Battalion Chief and thirty (30) semester units.
- Three (3) years as Battalion Chief.
- Five (5) years as Fire Captain and sixty (60) semester units.
Additional work experience as Fire Captain cannot substitute for the required 60 units.
Licenses/Certificates
Possession of a valid driver's license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in California.
(New 3/97)
2335s000.doc