Deputy Fire Chief at dona ana county in Las Cruces, New Mexico

Job Description:

Job Description

PURPOSE SUMMARY.

Under administrative direction, plan, direct, coordinate, and administer the operations, functions, and activities of the county's fire prevention, fire operations, career staff, volunteers’ recruitment and retention, training, fire prevention, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Haz Mat, logistics, facilities and/or emergency medical programs as assigned. Perform various administrative, technical, and supervisory work related to fire department operations. Assist in developing department policy and procedures and make recommendations to the Chief for approval. Administer and monitor division budgets; ensure the operations and functions of an assigned division(s) align with department goals and objectives; perform other administrative support functions as directed by the Fire Chief.  

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES.

1. Leadership and Management

• Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work of assigned staff.

• Assign tasks and coordinate schedules, projects, and programs.

• Manage the workflow and prioritization of projects.

• Recommends and implements corrective actions, discipline, and termination procedures as appropriate or necessary.

• Coach, train, and motivate staff.

• Convey clear expectations and develop personnel at all levels of the organization.

• Manage employee relations.

• Develop or assist with developmental work plans for staff.

• Measure the performance of the assigned unit/area and all related staff and take appropriate corrective action when necessary.

• Provide constructive feedback.

• Provide general advice and counsel to staff.

• Conduct regular meetings and training sessions with department staff.

• Develop and implement reward and incentive programs for volunteers.

• Develop and implement orientation programs for new volunteers.

• Attend and participate in various staff, district, intergovernmental, and other related meetings as a representative/liaison from Doña Ana County.

 

 2. Operational Oversight

• Assist in overseeing fiscal management of the county fire department, including procurement of supplies and equipment and internal purchasing approval.

• Ensure equipment, safety clothing, apparatus, and supplies are specified, purchased, received, and distributed effectively.

• Monitor station maintenance and construction.

• Take command of fires and emergencies involving property loss and life-threatening situations as required.

• Manage/supervise daily compliance and administrative duties for Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

• Respond to significant fire/EMS calls.

• Coordinate and move vehicles for maintenance and effective operation of the department.

• Ensure adherence to county purchasing and financial policies and procedures.

• Assist the Fire Chief with budget development.

• Review and update dispatch guidelines

 

3. Collaboration and Leadership

• Collaborate with other departments, such as police, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and building officials

• Represent the Doña Ana County Fire Rescue at public meetings, hearings, and events.

• Develop programs that improve and expand service and build partnerships with other County departments, external agencies, and surrounding jurisdictions.

 

4. Emergency Management

• Coordinate with emergency response teams during fire-related incidents

• Lead or assist in firefighting operations during emergencies

 

5. Emergency Response

• Take command during emergencies involving property loss and life-threatening situations.

• Respond to other emergencies as needed.

• As an active member of the Fire Department, respond to fires, emergency medical calls, and other emergency situations.

 

6. Community Engagement and Public Relations

• Initiate, develop, and coordinate public information campaigns in conjunction with the county's communications department.

• Coordinate or assist with special events for volunteer development and recognition.

• Manage media and public relations campaigns related to recruitment and department activities.

• Participate in fire department-related campaigns, fairs, station events, etc.

 

 

If assigned to Operations:

1. Compliance

• Review, monitor, and update service contracts as necessary.

• Pursue and monitor Occupational Safety and Health Administration / National Fire Protection Association (OSHA/NFPA) compliance needs for personnel, such as physicals, fit testing, research, physical fitness, bloodborne pathogens, and Hazard Communication (HazCom).

• Monitor grants for compliance and provide information to grant agencies.

 

 

If assigned to Training:

1. Training and Development

• Coordinate and/or provide staff training.

• Train and maintain current licenses/instructor credentials to meet NFPA and OSHA requirements.

• Participate in departmental training for firefighting and special operations.

• Coordinate training programs,

• Engage in the training and fostering of recruits and develop volunteer officer and manager training programs.

• Identify and develop volunteer career opportunities and professional skills development.

• Deliver training programs to volunteers as required.

 

 

If assigned to Volunteers:

1. Volunteer Management and Recruitment

• Actively recruit targeted areas utilizing multimedia, including newspaper, radio, television, and signage.

• Manage and coordinate media informational and recruitment campaigns, including promotional recruitment interviews, open houses, and special events.

• Establish and maintain an effective program to provide prospective volunteers with up-to-date information.

• Manage volunteer classifications based on varying levels of commitment (Cadet, Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), etc.).

• Provide administrative direction, communication, and support to volunteers for completing incident reports and attending training/meetings.

 

 

If assigned to Emergency Medical Services (EMS):

1. Emergency Medical Services

• Review patient care reports for completeness, accuracy, compliance, and Quality Assurance (Q/A) as necessary.

• Develop, implement, and evaluate policies, procedures, and protocols for the EMS program.

• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, medical control guidelines, and department policies.

• Oversee EMS quality assurance/quality improvement (QA/QI) programs to monitor service delivery and improve patient care outcomes.

• Work with the training division to integrate EMS skills into department-wide training initiatives

• Ensure readiness for medical response by monitoring certifications and training compliance.

• Act as the department liaison with local hospitals, medical directors, and other EMS agencies.

 

 

If assigned as Fire Marshal

1. Fire Prevention and Safety Inspections

• Conduct fire safety inspections of commercial, residential, and industrial buildings.

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal fire codes and regulations.

• Investigate complaints regarding fire hazards and potential violations.

• Lead a team of fire inspectors, investigators, and administrative staff.

• Manage/supervise the department's fire prevention functions.

 

2. Plan Reviews and Code Enforcement

• Review and approve building plans for fire safety compliance as necessary.

• Enforce fire safety codes and issue citations for violations.

• Recommend improvements to fire codes based on observations and new safety data.

• Develop and implement fire emergency plans for buildings and municipalities

 

3. Fire Investigations

• Investigate the cause, origin, and circumstances of fires.

• Prepare detailed reports and testify in court if necessary.

• Collaborate with law enforcement agencies for cases of suspected arson.

 

4. Public Education and Training

• Conduct fire prevention education programs for schools, businesses, and the public.

• Train and certify staff on fire safety, evacuation procedures, and fire extinguisher use.

• Promote fire safety awareness through community outreach programs.

 

5. Reporting

• Maintain records of inspections, investigations, and fire incidents.

• Prepare detailed reports for government agencies, insurance companies, and other stakeholders.

 

ADDITIONAL DUTIES. Perform other related duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS.

A.  Education.  Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Emergency Medical Services, or related field

 

B.  Experience.  Twelve (12) years of career fire service experience to include operations, emergency medical services (EMS), training, safety, and/or fire and life safety, with at least three (6) years in a supervisory and/or managerial capacity. Experience in a career fire/EMS organization is highly preferred.

 

C.  Education/Experience substitution. Education substitution in accordance with County policy. No substitution for the required experience.

 

D.  Licenses/Certifications.

• New Mexico Class E driver's license.

• Current New Mexico Emergency Medical Technician-Basic license or above.

• IFSAC or ProBoard Firefighter II.

• IFSAC or ProBoard Fire Instructor I.

• IFSAC or ProBoard Fire Officer I and II.

• IFSAC or Pro Board Inspector I certification with six (6) months of employment.

• ICS 100, 200, 700, 800.

• ICS 300, 400 required within six (6) months of employment.

• IFSAC or ProBoard Fire Investigator I (preferred).

• Equivalent certifications may be accepted upon review. Other licenses or certifications may be required within a specific date of hire.

• Incumbent must maintain certifications and licensures for continued employment.

    

E.  Other (e.g., post-offer medical exam, polygraph, background check, driver's license record, etc.).  Must undergo and pass a physical abilities test; comprehensive background review; integrity testing; and NFPA 1582 medical exams; driver’s license check; have a valid driver’s license and maintain a satisfactory driving record.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a fire and/or rescue organization, including business/industry principles and practices related to the work assigned.

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, statutes, regulations, rules, policies, and procedures sufficient to serve as the department's Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Compliance Officer and Health and Safety Officer.

• Proper documentation practices for medical emergency supplies, equipment, and apparatus.

• Course design and educational methodology.

• Infection control practices to serve as the Department's Infection Control Officer.

• Firefighting and suppression tactics, command and control tactics, and emergency response techniques.

• Training techniques and methods for firefighting, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), emergency driving programs, etc.

• Radio communications and equipment.

• Public education and awareness programs.

• Contract administration, and principles and practices of governmental budget preparation and administration.

• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.

• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a fire prevention program, including business/industry principles and practices related to the work assigned.

• Current fire codes and regulations and fire prevention principles and practices.

• Building, electrical, mechanical, and fire codes.

• Inspection techniques and methods.

• Career and volunteer training, development, and recognition.

• In-depth knowledge of fire codes, building codes, and regulations (local, state, federal).

• Expertise in fire safety systems (sprinkler systems, alarms, fire extinguishers, etc.).

• Strong understanding of arson investigation techniques and procedures

 

Skills:

• Administering and managing programs in a public-sector setting.

• Exercising sound judgment and reacting effectively in emergency situations.

• Working collaboratively with other key management personnel to develop and update department guidelines.

• Developing and conducting training programs

• Independently conduct inspections, determining code (and other) requirements and violations, and following through to ensure compliance.  

• Leading and taking command at a fire, rescue, hazmat, or EMS scene.

• Developing and implementing department policies, procedures, and guidelines.

• Researching and preparing administrative reports and project evaluations.

• Developing and administering contracts for supplies, services, and equipment.

• Analyzing policy and making effective decisions.

• Evaluating processes and procedures for improvement and cost-effectiveness.

• Working cooperatively with County employees, contractors, and the public.

• Working with equipment, tools, and materials required in the area of assignment.

• Applying advanced project management techniques and principles.

• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing, including public relations and public speaking.

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public, including meeting and dealing tactfully with the public.

• Utilizing personal computer programs and other relevant software affecting assigned work and compiling and preparing spreadsheets.

• Advanced principles and practices of governmental budget preparation and administration.

• Developing, interpreting, and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them.

•  Supervising, leading, and delegating tasks and authority.

 

Abilities:

• Effective communication principles and practices, including oral and written communication, public relations, and public speaking.

• Understanding of cultural diversity within the county and its role in providing fire and EMS services.

• To use a variety of software packages relevant to the department and assigned work.

• To use research methods and report presentation.

• To use modern office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.

• Proper English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and principles of business letter writing.

 

Compensation Range

$114,403.89 - $120,124.08

 

Doña Ana County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to abide by all federal and state laws prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of a person’s race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, disability, serious medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, spousal affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other unlawful criteria, except where a reasonable Bona Fide Occupational Qualification exists.

 

Doña Ana County will make reasonable accommodation(s) for the known physical or mental limitations of an applicant with a disability, upon request, unless the accommodation(s) would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the County. Please see http://www.donaanacounty.org/ada/ for our Public Notice and to get the Testing/Interview Accommodation Request Form or call 575-647-7210 for assistance.  

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