Fire Chief

Quick Facts

• Role: Fire Chief (Fire and Emergency Services)

Description

The Fire Chief provides overall management and supervision, administrative leadership, operations, fire prevention, training, and health and safety responsibilities for the entire Fire and Emergency Services division. The position ensures compliance with Joint Commission requirements, VA directives, and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, and serves as incident commander for complex emergencies. The Fire Chief also serves as the Contract Officer Representative (COR) for specified fire sprinkler, extinguisher, fire alarm panel, and mutual aid agreements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee fire and emergency service operations, including fire prevention, department safety/health, and training

• Ensure compliance with Joint Commission, VA directives, and NFPA standards

• Serve as on-scene incident commander for complex emergencies and direct activities/personnel

• Cover empty shifts as an operations employee and maintain full annual training and fitness requirements

• Act as COR for Fort Harrison/Miles City fire sprinkler and extinguishers and fire alarm panel systems

• Act as COR for mutual aid agreements and primary point of contact for the National Guard agreement

• Oversee programs and manage contractors, including authorizing payment and approving expenses

• Make staffing, evaluation, and disciplinary decisions for employees and manage grievances

• Plan work, set priorities/schedules, assign tasks, evaluate performance, and provide counsel to employees

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship

• Complete required hiring steps, including an online assessment measuring critical competencies

• All required professional certifications

• Background/security investigation

• Seasonal influenza vaccination participation

• Probationary/trial period requirement (1-year probation or 2-year trial)

• Selective Service registration (for eligible males)

• Specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-09 for 1 year

• Driver/vehicle operation license when required

• Ability to operate required firefighting pumping/hydraulic equipment when required

• Meet medical standards for hazardous/arduous duties

Benefits

A comprehensive U.S. federal employee benefits package. Eligibility depends on the type of position held.