Job Summary:
The Fire Chief is responsible for providing leadership, direction, and management oversight for all aspects of fire suppression, rescue operations, personnel and administration within Montgomery County Emergency Services District No. 10 (MCESD No. 10 or “District” or “Department”). The Fire Chief will lead a team of dedicated professionals to ensure the safety and well-being of residents, District personnel, and property within the District.
Role Details:
- Chief Officer; full-time exempt role paid on a salaried basis.
- Reports to MCESD No. 10 Board of Commissioners.
- Directly supervises Chief Officers and Administrative Staff.
- Indirectly supervises all District Members and Employees.
Key Responsibilities:
- Represent the District with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with town, community and professional organizations, other fire agencies, districts, departments, county, city and state agencies and offices, federal agencies, and other service organizations.
- Develop trust with members of the Department, the community as a whole and other stakeholder organizations within the region.
- Contribute to the overall quality of the department's service provision by developing and coordinating work teams and by reviewing and recommending improved policies and procedures.
- Lead, mentor, and motivate a diverse team of firefighters, other emergency personnel, and administrative staff.
- Oversee appointing, promoting, evaluating and disciplining employees of the department.
- Develop and implement Standard Operating Guidelines to effectively plan and manage fire and emergency services operations.
- Support professional development programs, continuing education, and periodic evaluations to ensure personnel are proficient in individual job functions.
- Prepare annual budget and control expenditures.
- Recommend capital purchases to the MCESD NO. 10 Commissioners.
- Prepare regular reports for MC ESD No. 10 Commissioners, including attending ESD meetings and presenting as appropriate.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards related to District operations.
- Be accountable for the maintenance and upkeep of fire stations, vehicles, and equipment to ensure operational readiness.
- Provide support for emergency incidents and Department activities as needed.
- Engage as the primary liaison between ESD No. 10 and other groups, including other emergency service agencies, local government officials and agencies, and the community.
- Develop, implement and maintains a strategic/master plan for the District to include relevant goals and timelines of the accomplishments of the District.
- Be accountable for all activities of the District, including Fire Suppression, Training, Rescue Operations, Emergency Medical Services, Public Education, Administration, and all other District activities.
Education and Experience:
- Minimum of fifteen years’ paid fire service experience (Required).
- Minimum of five years’ progressive supervisory experience, including management and administrative duties (Required); direct experience as Assistant Chief, Division Chief or comparable preferred.
- Eligibility for Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Head of Department certification (Required)
- Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Fire Officer IV certification or equivalent (preferred).
- Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Fire Instructor II certification or equivalent (preferred).
- Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Master FF or equivalent (preferred).
- EMS certification (preferred).
- NIMS ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800 (required).
- Valid driver's license (class C or higher) with a clean driving record (required).
- Bachelor's degree or higher in fire science, public administration, emergency management, or a related field (preferred).
Required Knowledge and Skills:
Knowledge of:
- Modern firefighting techniques, equipment, technology, and standards.
- Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, and the management of employees through multiple levels of supervision.
- Personnel management and leadership strategies and best practices.
- Principles and practices of developing teams, motivating employees and managing in a team environment.
- Managing a department through the growth process.
- Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
- Grant writing and alternative funding sources.
- Applicable laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations.
- Principles and practices of fire safety and inspection techniques.
- Computer applications involving word processing, data entry and/or standard report generation.
- Principles and practices of developing and administering an effective, all-hazard response program.
- Standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment.
- Professional communication standards (written and oral).
- Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, often in situations that may be stressful.
Skill in:
- Planning, organizing, and administering assigned functions in a comprehensive fire suppression and prevention, emergency medical response, and hazardous materials control system.
- Department administration, including budgeting and personnel management.
- Training others in policies and procedures related to the work.
- Developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards.
- Motivating individuals to meet goals and objectives.
- Interpreting, applying, and explaining complex federal, state and local laws related to the areas of responsibility.
- Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
- Using initiative and independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
- Taking effective action in emergency situations.
- Enforcing laws, ordinances and regulations with firmness, tact and impartiality.
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Effectively managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Additional Requirements
- Relocation within 10 miles of the borders of MC ESD No. 10’s territory within 6 months of start of employment.
- Satisfactory completion of background check, including driving record and drug test.
- Satisfactory performance on NFPA 1582 physical.
Salary and Benefits:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, TCDRS participation and match, and paid time off.
Disclosure: Montgomery County ESD No. 10 is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.