Fire Chief

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
CITY OF UNALASKA, AK
FIRE DEPARTMENT

Open Date: 11/8/19
Close Date: 12/9/19
*First Review of Applicants on Nov 25th *

Position: Fire Chief
Salary: [Non-Union Executive Position Min–Max Range] $93,073 - $148,913 / Year

The City of Unalaska is located in the number one commercial fishing port in the United States, the International Port of Dutch Harbor. Unalaska, Alaska is a coastal community located in the Eastern Aleutian Islands with a multi-cultural population of approximately 4,000 full-time residents and seasonal influxes from multiple commercial fishery operations.

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification. Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Under general administrative direction and supervision of the City Manager, serves as the principle executive officer of the newly created standalone Unalaska Fire/EMS Department. Responsibility includes oversight of all fire and EMS services, including the administrative functions, budgeting, operations, training, volunteer and paid personnel, directing, reporting, incident management and evaluating work.  May be appointed as the Emergency Management Coordinator or required to provide support to whoever has been appointed to serve in that role. Chief may be called upon to manage and direct the activities of various agencies involved in mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery from a disaster emergency occurring within the City of Unalaska. Works closely and routinely coordinates planning and response activities with the Police Chief. Represents the department at Council meetings, meetings with other city officials, civic, agency, and business organizations, and federal and state agencies to discuss department functions, coordinates joint activities and programs, identify and facilitate joint resolutions community issues.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated job history that includes the following:

Knowledge of Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive Fire Department including fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical services, disaster preparedness, hazardous materials response, and associated programs, services, and operations.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of employment supervision, employee development, employee coaching and mentoring, volunteer management and recruitment, labor contract requirements, performance evaluations, and progressive discipline.

Ability to identify employee training needs and activities to improve employees' professional skills, abilities, and performance.

Ability to review and evaluate the work of subordinate staff to ensure that high operational and service standards are met and maintained.

Ability to participate in and conduct meetings with public and private officials.

Ability to apply for, manage and file appropriate and timely reports for state and federal grants.

Ability to manage capital projects, to include developing scope of work, publishing RFP/RFQ, understanding competitive bid processes and contract requirements.

Excellent written and oral communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work under pressure, maintain professionalism while under pressure, manage simultaneous tasks and projects, and meet multiple deadlines.

Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures; and ability to update, maintain, interpret, and apply them.

Working knowledge of state, federal and local laws pertaining to fire and EMS operations.

Knowledge of firefighting and EMS procedures, practices and techniques.

Knowledge of testing, maintenance, inspection and operation of fire and EMS apparatus, equipment and tools.

Familiarity with National Fire Protection Association Standards, International Fire Code, International Building Code, and International Mechanical Code and their applicability to Fire and EMS operations and community code enforcement.

Proven ability to serve as Incident Commander at fire scene and other emergencies.

Plans, schedules, and oversees short-term and long-term goals and activities of the Department.

Maintains records of time and attendance by subordinates, authorizes necessary overtime hours.

Interprets and applies laws, codes, rules, regulations and policies pertaining to Fire and EMS.

Responds to inquiries from the public regarding fire service matters.

Conducts and/or assists in criminal fire investigations.

Ability to establish and maintain courteous, professional and productive working relationships within the department and with representatives of the community at large, including elected officials and staff, business, civic, and agency personnel; venders; boards and commissions; the media; and the public.

Willingness to perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of seven years of experience in a paid, volunteer or combination fire department, at least three (3) of which are at the Company Officer level or higher. At least three years of executive management or Fire Chief Experience preferred.

Alaskan experience preferred.

Bachelor’s degree in Fire Services Management, Fire Science, Pubic Administration, or related field required.

Advanced degree preferred.

Three (3) years emergency medical service (EMS) experience with a paid, volunteer, or combination EMS provider; at least (1) of which are at the Advanced Life Support (ALS) level. Current or prior experience as an Alaska State EMT 2, EMT 3, or Paramedic is preferred.

Any combination of experience and/or education which provides the required expertise will be evaluated on an individual basis.

LICENCES & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be at least 21 years of age.
Possession of Fire Officer certification; possession of, or ability to obtain Executive Fire Officer certification is preferred.

IFSAC, Pro Board, or State of Alaska Firefighter 1 and 2, Fire Service Instructor 1, and Fire Officer 1 certification is required. Fire Service Instructor 2, Fire Officer 2, 3 and or 4 certification is preferred.

Federal Emergency Management IS 700, 800 and ICS 100, 200, 300, and 400 certifications are required. Incident Command System (ICS) Instructor certification preferred.

Current CPR/AED/First Aid provider certification is preferred.

Must have, or be able to obtain, an Alaska Driver’s License within 90  days of employment days of hire.

Ability to pass all required pre-employment testing including but not limited to Criminal background and History, drug testing.

Must be eligible to work in the US; requirements by Federal Law if hired must complete employment eligibility verification form (I-9).

BENEFITS & SALARY:

Starting Annual Salary between $93,073 - $148,913

Up to a $10,000 Hiring Bonus

$5,000 Relocation Assistance

Annual Airfare Allowance $2,000, after first year of employment

Medical & Dental Insurance - premium 100% employer paid (employee & dependents)

100% employer paid Life-flight Insurance (employee & dependents)

Personal Leave Accrual starting at 16 hours a month

9 paid Holidays and 3 floating Holidays per year

Eligible for Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement

Eligible for 457 Plans with ICMA-RC or Mutual of America

City Owned Employee Housing available for rent

TO APPLY: You must submit a City of Unalaska Application, Resume, and Cover Letter. Three (3) Letters of Reference is preferred. All necessary forms are available at City Hall, Administration Dept. 907-581-1252, or by downloading at www.ci.unalaska.ak.us. Return completed forms to City of Unalaska Attn: Administration Department, P.O Box 610, Unalaska, AK 99685; email [email protected]; or fax 907-581-4469. Interviews psychological testing, evaluation of writing samples, successful completion of pre-employment drug screening, reference/background check, and other job related tests may be required.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Unalaska is an Employer of National Service and encourages AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni to apply.