FIRE DIVISION CHIEF (2331)

Option 1

Currently serving as a Battalion Chief of the San Jose Fire Department or serving as a Captain with the San Jose Fire Department and meets the minimum qualifications for the position of Battalion Chief.

Option 2

Completion of two (2) years of college from an accredited institution and six (6) years of fire administrative/management experience within the San Jose Fire Department.

Option 3

A maximum of two (2) years experience may be substituted in lieu of education on the basis of: eight (8) years of administrative experience in the San Jose Fire Department. Two (2) years of college will substitute for one year of experience; or one year of experience will substitute for two years of college.

9/90

Rev 11/91

City of San José

FIRE DIVISION CHIEF (2331)

CLASS PURPOSE

Under general direction, plans, coordinates and supervises the activities for an assigned shift in the Bureau of Field Operations (BFO). An incumbent manages all shift associated administrative and operational tasks. Performs other related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This class has major responsibility for managing the Fire Department's fire suppression shifts. Incumbents are responsible for a wide range of administrative duties and serve as the senior management staff and command officer on duty outside of normal business hours. This class is distinguished from the Fire Battalion Chief in that the Battalion Chief supervises a group of companies on an assigned shift, while the Division Chief has overall shift responsibility. This class is distinguished from the higher ranking class of Fire Deputy Chief in that Fire Deputy Chiefs direct a major bureau of the Fire Department.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESULTS (Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.)

Ensures the readiness of City-wide line staffing, apparatus, equipment and resources to immediately respond to calls for assistance by planning and scheduling drills and other training exercises; conducts periodic inspections of stations, personnel, apparatus and equipment; establishes and maintains a high state of discipline, conduct and morale ensuring satisfactory delivery of emergency services.
Assures that Battalion Commanders exercise proper judgment, tactics and strategy in performing rescues, fighting fires and managing emergency operations.
Coordinates on-duty shift activities and ensures that routine administrative tasks are completed satisfactorily, including disciplinary matters.
Serves as a member of the departmental administrative staff, and attends staff meetings while on duty.
Directs research and planning to improve department operations.
Directs and enforces the policies, procedures and rules and regulations of the department.
Assists in the development and control of the operating budget for the Bureau of Field Operations and assists in the development of the Department's capital budget.
Monitors and reviews daily shift musters, sick leave verification forms, injury reports, accident reports, etc.
Coordinates critical incident debriefing sessions on his/her assigned shift.
Responsible for the completion of special work tasks assigned to the shift.
Responds to and assumes command of major fires and other emergencies.
Performs additional duties as assigned.

Typical End Results Include:

A comprehensive fire safety program; a competent, highly motivated firefighting force; reduced fire injuries, death and property damage; effective fire suppressive practices; track and control operating expenses of assigned shifts; develop policy proposals that improve department operations, safety and firefighting effectiveness; meet or exceed all line program goals; effective enforcement of laws and ordinances relating to the prevention, elimination and control of fire hazards; and effectively represents the San Jose Fire Department within the City, to outside agencies and to the public.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Knowledges, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of department administration, organization, and operations.
Knowledge of the methods, techniques, and equipment of modern
firefighting, rescue, first aid, and fire inspection and prevention.
Knowledge of labor relation laws and practices, civil service rules and
City and departmental regulations.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration, human
resource management, and budgetary planning and control.
Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of various types of equipment
and apparatus used by the San Jose Fire Department.
Ability to effectively command large, complex fire suppression or other
emergency operations.
Ability to plan, develop and implement a comprehensive fire suppression
program.
Ability to relate effectively to employees and the public.
Ability to make effective presentations.
Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in
writing.
Ability to manage and direct assigned staff.
Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.

Competency Knowledges, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of state-of-the-art firefighting and fire prevention practices, principles, and procedures.
Knowledge of rules and regulations of the Fire Department and of State laws, city ordinances, and national standards relating to fire prevention and life safety.
Knowledge of hazards involved in various types of construction and in the storage of flammable materials and explosives.
Knowledge of the City's geography, location of water mains and fire hydrants and the location of major fire hazards in the City.
Ability to determine and appraise hazards.
Ability to direct the operations of firefighting personnel and equipment under emergency conditions and analyze situations correctly and quickly in order to adopt effective courses of action, giving due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances.
Ability to command the respect of officers and others to maintain good working relationships with subordinates, peers, senior officers, other City officials and the general public.
Ability to formulate and conduct a comprehensive training program.

Training And Experience

Any of the following combinations of course work from an accredited college or university and experience as follows with the San Jose Fire Department:

Five (5) years as Captain and graduation from high school or GED.
Four (4) years as Captain and thirty (30) semester units.
Three (3) years as Captain and sixty (60) semester units.
One (1) year as Battalion Chief and graduation from high school or GED.

Licenses/Certificates

Possession of a valid driver's license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in California.

3195Z/0368P