Fire Chief

Definition / General Purpose

The Fire Chief provides executive leadership, planning, direction, and administration for all activities of the Fire Department, including fire suppression, emergency medical services (EMS), fire prevention, hazardous materials response, rescue operations, training, and emergency management. This position ensures the effective delivery of high-quality public safety services to protect lives, property, and the environment, while maintaining compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.

The Fire Chief serves as the City's Emergency Management Coordinator and as a key member of the City's executive leadership team.

Receives direct supervision from the Assistant City Manager. Exercises direct and indirect supervision over all Fire Department personnel, including subordinate supervisors, command staff, and administrative support.

• Direct, manage, and evaluate all Fire Department operations, including fire suppression, EMS, prevention, training, inspections, and emergency management.
• Develop and implement departmental goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and long-range strategic plans consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Plan.
• Coordinate and direct the preparation and administration of the department's annual budget; monitor expenditures and prepare justifications for staffing, equipment, and capital projects.
• Research, plan, and recommend acquisition and replacement of equipment, facilities, and technology.
• Serve as Incident Commander, when necessary, at major emergencies, fires, rescues, hazardous material events, or disasters.
• Oversee fire inspection, code enforcement, and fire investigation programs.
• Manage and coordinate City-wide emergency management programs including planning, preparedness, training, mitigation, and recovery operations.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate department staff; oversee recruitment, training, professional development, discipline, and succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and safety standards.
• Engage with the public, City Council, civic groups, and the media to provide education, information, and outreach on fire and emergency services.
• Represent the City in meetings with regional fire service agencies, mutual aid partners, regulatory authorities, and community organizations.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and analyses for City leadership and external agencies.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Serves as a member of various employee committees and represents the City at various community engagements, conferences and meetings. Other Duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible fire service experience, including 5 years in a supervisory/command role.

• Master Firefighter Certification - Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP).
• Head of Department Certification - TCFP (must be obtained within one year if not already held).
• Fire Officer II and Fire Instructor Certification - TCFP.
• EMT-Basic or higher (Paramedic preferred) - Texas Department of State Health Services.
• Valid Texas Class B Driver's License.
• NIMS/ICS certifications (100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800).
• Preferred:
  Fire Inspector, Fire Investigator, Hazardous Materials certifications.
• Because of the potential for emergency recall, the Fire Chief must be able to respond within 30 minutes of notification. This requirement must be maintained after hire and failure to maintain this requirement will subject the employee to termination of employment.

• Knowledge of modern principles, practices, and techniques of fire prevention, suppression, EMS, hazardous materials response, and emergency management.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local fire codes, regulations, and safety standards.
• Knowledge of public administration, budgeting, personnel management, and intergovernmental coordination.
• Ability to…