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Fire Chief
Description of Duties
This is an administrative position responsible for the supervision, direction, and integration of the activities of a paid fire department or a combination fire department comprised of career and volunteer staff within a fire district. Overall administration and accomplishment of objectives of the district and establishing major district practices, planning long-term programs, and determining fiscal and financial objectives are other responsibilities of the position. Work is performed in accordance with the policies and objectives outlined by a Board of Fire Commissioners and reviewed by the Board via conferences, reports and success of the district’s programs and activities. Duties include organizing, planning, and directing fire prevention, suppression and emergency medical response activities. Duties also include responding to fire alarms to direct fire scene operations. The employee reports directly to, and works under the general supervision of the Board of Fire Commissioners with wide leeway allowed for independent judgment. General supervision is exercised over subordinate staff.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements on or before the date of the written exam:
Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma plus EITHER:
- Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate’s degree plus three (3) years paid full-time or its part-time equivalent** experience in a fire district as a Fire Captain or higher rank; OR,
- Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate’s degree plus six (6) years volunteer* experience as a Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief or similar rank; OR,
- An equivalent combination of experience defined by the limits of (A), and (B) above.
*Volunteer experience, for the purposes of these minimum qualifications, must be documented by submission of a signed letter from the chief/director of the participating district or department stating the title(s) of the positions and months and years of volunteer service.
