HomeMy WebLinkAbout#03 - Asst Chief-Fire Marshal job description
DATE: December 6, 2022
CONSENT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Kristina Handt, City Administrator
AGENDA ITEM: Approve Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal Job Description
BACKGROUND: As noted during the Baker Tilly classification and compensation study, the Fire Inspector/Lieutenant job title should be changed to Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal to more accurately reflect the duties of the role and align with the market. Since this is just an updating of a current position, not a reorganization, it is anticipated there will be no other employment
changes. ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL: Should the Council approve the new job description for the Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal?
PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: Baker Tilly provided the updated job description as part of the study. The fire chief and administrator further refined it and included supervisory duties and making the position exempt as is often found in other cities. A copy of the proposed job description is included in your packet. FISCAL IMPACT: The change in title and duties is proposed to be implemented in January as part of the new compensation plan. 2023 budget for wages, taxes and benefits is $138,001.
OPTIONS: 1) Approve updating the Fire Inspector/Lt job description to Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal effective 1/1/23
2) Do not approve the above mentioned changes RECOMMENDATION: If removed from consent agenda:
“Motion to approve updating the Fire Inspector/Lt. job description to Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal effective 1/1/23.” ATTACHMENTS: • Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal Job Description
City of Lake Elmo
Job Title: Fire Inspector / LieutenantAssistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshall
Department: Fire Department
Status: Full-time regular position, Non-Exempt
Benefits: Qualifies for full-time benefits
Reporting Relationship: Reports to Fire Chief
Supervisory Duties: This position does not formally supervise, but provides work direction
to personnel at the scene of emergencies and other settings.Supervision is exercised over all division personnel.
Position Details:
To assist the Fire Chief in planning, organizing and directing fire department operations and code enforcement. The Assistant Fire Chief / Fire Marshal participates in emergency
response operations and serves as the City’s Fire Marshal. The Assistant Fire Chief / Fire Marshal assumes command of the Fire Department in the absence of the Fire Chief. Performs difficult work by responding Responds to fire and medical emergencies by serving
as attack crew officer and/or initial Incident Command. Interprets, applies and enforces fire, life safety, property maintenance and other state and municipal codes. Reviews plans and conducts inspections of new and existing buildings and properties to ensure code compliance. Assists with Fire Administration duties such as preparing department reports,
strategic planning, grant writing, and other tasks as assigned. Assists with the planning and execution of fire prevention programs and initiatives; interacts with the public and provides public education.
Works under the general supervision of the Fire Chief. Work is performed under general
direction. , receives task supervision from all Chief Officers.
Emergency Response:
• Respond to fire and medical emergencies as assigned.
• Serve as attack crew officer and/or initial Incident Command per department
operating procedures.
Fire Inspections & Plan Review:
• Establish and overseeOversee commercial inspection program • Enforce Minnesota State Fire Codes, Property Maintenance Codes, other state codes and City ordinances and policies. • Assist inConducts the enforcement of building, zoning, and health and safety
codes through the review of plans and specifications. • Coordinates and trains personnel on code inspections and oversees company inspection program/ • Assist and supply information to the general public and building construction
personnel on matters relating to the City ordinances and policies.
• Review building permits and plans to ensure fire code compliance. • Conducts pre-fire planning, emergency planning, and evaluates water supply
for fire protection. • Issue citations for fire code violations as needed. • Conduct on-site property inspections.
• Assist withConduct fire investigations of all fires in coordination with other staff
members and/or other agencies. • Respond to citizen complaints. • Appear as an expert witness, if needed
Administrative Responsibilities:
• Recommends and/or prepares plans for the fire department
missions/operations including staffing levels and other resources. • Collect and maintain data related to department activities, reports and strategic planning.
• Assist in the analysis of data to be used for department reports and strategic
planning. • Assist in the preparation and writing of grant applications. • Assist in the preparation of the annual Fire Department budget. • Perform administrative duties such as prepare letters, correspondence, and maintain files and records.
• Assist in call tracking and record keeping using incident reporting programs. • Assist in staff scheduling and reports using scheduling programs.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
• In the absence of the Fire Chief, the Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal acts in this
capacity. • Assists in the planning, organization and directing of the overall operation of the fire
department. • Develops goals and objectives in consultation with the Fire Chief, organizes and
schedules personnel and plans prevention and training efforts.
• Defines work responsibilities for assigned personnel and clearly communicates
delegated authority so employees may proceed with certainty in the performance of
duties.
• Assists with interviewing, hiring and selection of personnel and internal promotions
and assists in directing their orientation and training to achieve the desired level of
work performance.
• Evaluates and monitors the performance of staff in emergency and non-emergency
situations. • Assist in staff scheduling and reports using scheduling programs.
Fire Prevention and Education:
• Collect and maintain data related to building pre-plan and emergency response
information. • Coordinate the community based home safety inspection and smoke alarm
installation program. • Assist with the development and administration of public education programs
on fire and life safety for the Lake Elmo Community.
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• Assist with the development and administration of Youth Fire Prevention
education programs.
Other Duties:
• Attend related meetings during regular and after hours as directed or needed.
• Keep the Fire Chief informed of job related activities at all times.
• Attend ongoing training to maintain required certifications and proficiencies.
• Support and enforce City policies, procedures, operations and safety rules.
• Performs other duties as apparent or assigned.
While these areas are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as a part of their role with
the City.
Position Requirements Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Ability to research, interpret, and evaluate fire code regulations, City
ordinances, and consult with architects, engineers and property owners regarding their
applications and code compliance. • Ability to plan, organize and coordinate fire and life-safety code inspections with
duty crews and company officers.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of modern fire department administration.
• Ability to use various office equipment and software programs including but not
limited to: Microsoft Office suite, ImageTrend, Aladtec, IamResponding, Central Square Field Ops, and Tablet Command.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, procedures and equipment
used in modern firefighting and in the protection of life and property from fire.
• Considerable knowledge of effective methods of planning, training, assigning
and directing personnel and equipment for the most efficient use for small as well as large or complex and dangerous fires.
• Ability to plan and implement department-wide programs and activities.
• Ability to prepare and effectively present oral and written communications materials relating to the activities of the fire department to multiple venues, e.g.,
general public, elected officials, administrators, engineers, lawyers, school age
children, etc. • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other city
officials, civic and official groups and the general public, as well as to command and hold the respect of subordinates.
• Thorough knowledge of the modern principles and techniques of fire
suppression. • Directs the placement of the company’s apparatus and determines best strategy
for resolving the emergency
• Directs Firefighters and takes the lead in extinguishing fires, saving life and
property, and assessing hazardous material situations. • Ability to enforce fire department policies, procedures, rules and regulations. • Knowledge of applicable municipal laws, city policies and ordinances.
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• Knowledge of current principles and practices of fire inspection and code
enforcement administration, including general knowledge of departmental services, functions, and operations.
• General knowledge of the principles and practices of building construction and
electrical and mechanical systems. • Skill to communicate with a variety of individuals and handle a variety of customer service situations.
• Ability to use various office equipment and software programs including but not
limited to: Microsoft Office suite, ImageTrend, Aladtec, IamResponding, Central Square Field Ops, and Tablet Command.
• Ability to work independently and plan, organize and prioritize work tasks.
• Ability to prepare clear reports and prepare work results with completeness and
accuracy, and solve complex problems in a timely manner. • Ability to collect, maintain, and analyze departmental related data • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, citizen commissions, council members, staff from other public
agencies, and citizens. • Ability to maintain physical fitness and perform the duties of a firefighter. • Ability to read and interpret detailed instructions, correspondence and procedural manuals, City policies, ordinances and contracts, state statutes.
Ability to use grammar and spelling to communicate effectively orally and in
writing. • Ability to make arithmetic computations using whole numbers, fractions and
decimals. Ability to compute rates, ratios and percentages. Ability to create
tables and graphs and effectively communicate analytical conclusions. • Ability to solve and deal with practical problems. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral or other forms.
Education: High school diploma or GEDAssociate/technical degree
Requirements: Minimum of three years ofConsiderable progressive fire service experience
Licenses/Qualifications: This position will require the following be met and maintained
through term in this position: • Certified as:
o Firefighter I and II
o Emergency Medical Technician
o MN State Fire Inspector I
o Haz-Mat Operational Level • Must have or become certified as:
o MN State Fire Inspector II Certified within 12
months
o Licensed Firefighter in the State of Minnesota
within 12 months
o Blue Card (Local Hazard Zone Management)
within 12 months
o Must have Fire Officer I Certification within 24
months
o Fire Apparatus Operator within 18 months
• Considerable experience with computers and variety of office software, including
Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe applications, and job-related software programs.
• Current, valid MN Driver’s License
Preferred Qualifications:
• Five (5) years of progressive fire service experience
• Two (2) years of previous code enforcement and fire inspection experience.
• Two (2) years of previous company officer experience.
• Certified Fire Investigator
• Associates Degree and/or Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science or related field of
study.
• Respond within 15 minutes of the Lake Elmo Fire Station #1 (3510 Laverne Avenue
North, Lake Elmo, MN 55042)
• Previous grant writing or other related technical writing experience
Physical and Mental Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the
employee is frequently required to sit, talk, or hear; stand; walk; use hand to finger; handle; or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally asked to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.
This is medium work requiring the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20
pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.e employee must frequently lift to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision,
color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust the focus.
**The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions.
Working Conditions: Work is performed primarily in the office, vehicles, and outdoor settings, in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day and night shifts. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. The employee is
exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and oils.
Competencies Common to All City Positions:
• Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all departmental and applicable City policies and procedures • Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity
expected from all staff
• Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including
willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as possible
• Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important matters which pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities • Represent the City of Lake Elmo in a professional manner to the public, outside contacts
and constituencies
**The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.