Assistant Chief - Prevention/Inspection/Fire Marshal

Company: City of Neenah
Location: Neenah
Posted on: September 1, 2024

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY:This is a management position responsible for the development, delivery and administration of Fire Prevention, enforcement of local, state and national fire and life safety codes and standards in the community and overseeing the CAD/Records Management system relating to fire inspections and investigations. The position requires use of a considerable amount of judgment and includes participation in the formulation, determination and implementation of management policy. The incumbent possesses effective authority to commit fire department resources to achieve program goals. The work involves supervision of professional staff, coordinating community-wide fire prevention activities, representing the department on matters of local and statewide concern, fiscal and personnel management. The incumbent works under the direction of the Fire Chief, with general supervision by the Deputy Chief of Operations.ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as all-inclusive.Develop and implement prevention plans and strategies to address general and specific fire and life safety problems in the community based on national standards and state/local fire building codes.Conduct fire and life safety plan reviews of new construction and major remodeling projects to ensure compliance with local, state and national codes and nationally recognized best practices.Review and inspect fire safety sprinklers, alarms and built-in fire protection system plans and installation to ensure compliance with local and state codes and national standards and nationally recognized best practices.Supervise fire inspection duties of Shift Inspectors and company inspections.Develop and recommend code and ordinance changes to enhance fire and life safety in the community.Issue permits as necessary to ensure safe open burning operations, fireworks, flammable liquids, etc.Review fire protection/detection system plans.Review emergency response reports, develop and supervise data tracking methods to identify trends both locally and nationally.Coordinate the activities of station/company personnel engaged in fire inspection activities of the public, commercial and industrial buildings, and occupancies.Direct follow-up inspections to Fire Prevention staff and with the Shift Commanders and engine company inspectors.Review inspection and fire reports for accuracy, direct changes as necessary, and issue possible citations.Supervise, coordinate and develop procedures for fire cause investigations. Along with coordinating training for fire investigators, including internal and/or external training.Assist law enforcement authorities in conducting arson investigations.Prepare position statements regarding variance requirements to fire prevention codes and standards.Work with other Neenah and Menasha department managers on new developments, plats, licenses, ordinances, etc.Conduct performance reviews of subordinates as required.Represent the Chief as necessary on appropriate boards, panels and committees.Develop training for department employees to develop and enhance prevention and inspection skills.Administer and manage, in conjunction with the IS Department, records management software and hardware, as well as, the mobile data computer (HDC) system related to fire inspections, fire investigations, public education, and risk reduction.Obtain and maintain a Wisconsin Fire Detection, Prevention and Suppression Inspector license.Serves as shift commander as needed and when directed by the Fire Chief. Maintain State of Wisconsin First Responder License and CPR CertificationBe able to be considered a credible witness or expert in a court of law.ADDITIONAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other unit members.
Write reports concerning personnel as required by the Fire Chief.Work with Chief Officers in scheduling, planning and directing department activities and training.Maintain records and answers correspondence regarding false alarms and fire prevention codes.Use area demographics, NIFIRS statistics and various diagnostic tools to target area needs and plan appropriate interventions.Recommend changes to policies and SOP's as may be necessary to ensure safe and effective operation of the department.Perform functions including typing, computer entry and communication with the public.Handle complaints received from public in a timely manner.Administer and manage and NFIRS data and distribute to appropriate reporting agency. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:Associate's degree or equivalent experience in Fire Science or related field. Three to five years fire prevention, suppression, investigation, and building plan experience, three years management/supervisor experience. Wisconsin Firefighter I, Wisconsin Firefighter II, Driver/Operator-Pumper, and Wisconsin Fire Inspector, and Officer I certifications required. Candidate shall have a Wisconsin Emergency Medical Responder License level minimum upon hire as well as a Permanent Fire Detection, Prevention, and Suppression Inspector License for the State of Wisconsin. Wisconsin Fire Instructor I and II required within twelve months of hire. Employees with equivalent out of state certifications must receive the Wisconsin certifications within 12 months of hire. NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, and 700 certifications must be completed within 6 months of hire. Valid Wisconsin Driver's license and good driving record required.KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:LANGUAGE AND INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Ability to classify, compute and tabulate data and information, following a prescribed plan requiring the exercise of some judgment. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure and sort information. Ability to assemble, copy, record and transcribe data and information.Ability to advise and provide interpretation to others on how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.Ability to plan, prepare and present annual budget.Ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information such as budget documents, fire investigation reports, policy manuals, computer software operating manuals, procedures, guidelines and non-routine correspondence.Ability to prepare concise and accurate oral and written presentations and reports.Ability to communicate orally and in writing with department personnel, city officials, business community and other city department heads.JUDGMENT AND SITUATIONAL REASONING
Knowledge of fire science, fire behavior and fire protection engineering/technology.Knowledge of codes, laws and ordinances, Wisconsin Revised Statues and specific fire conditions of the community.Knowledge of fire investigations as it relates to cause and origin of fire(s).Thorough knowledge and understanding of Neenah/Menasha safety policies, practices and procedures.Ability to prioritize and oversee multiple projects and staff.Thorough knowledge of departmental and Neenah/Menasha policies, SOPs and labor agreements.Ability to analyze community's fire prevention needs and identify target hazards.Ability to recognize situations that need action and then take appropriate action as needed.Ability to resolve conflict at the lowest levels.Ability to work with limited supervision.Ability to use functional reasoning and apply rational judgment in performing diversified work activities.Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable criteria.Ability to work under generally safe and comfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors is minimal and poses a limited risk of injury.SUPERVISORY CONROLS:Under the direction of the Deputy Fire Chief, performs assignments in alignment with departmental goals and objectives with limited oversight. GUIDELINES:Guidelines include city policies and procedures; department standard operating procedures; city, state, and federal statues, codes, and regulations; collective bargaining agreements, and other regulatory agencies. These guidelines are not always generally clear and specific and require regular interpretation in application based on the situation. COMPLEXITY:The work consists of related administrative and fire preventions services. The need to examine, research, and provide diverse solutions to a variety of situations contribute to the complexity of the position. PERSONAL CONTACTS:Contacts are typically with vendors, contractors, developers, Council, Department Heads, co-workers, other city personnel, citizens, media, and the general publicPURPOSE OF CONTACTS:Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, to resolve problems, make and/or influence decisions and to provide servicesPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to operate a variety of equipment such as computer terminal, phone and fax machine.Perform under conditions involving danger, requiring physical effort. Make quick and accurate decisions and applies correct techniques under emergency conditions. Work in close coordination with other members of NMFR.Able to identify critical situations at the scene and report them to the Safety Officer.Follow accepted department safety guidelines and uses appropriate safety techniques at all times. Use proper methods while using tools or equipment. Use all personal protective equipment, clothing and SCBA.Completes annual fit testing and must maintain medical clearance for job performance.Ability to exert effort in physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.Ability to recognize and identify individual characteristics of shapes and sounds associated with job-related objects, materials, and tasks.WORK ENVIRONMENTThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The work is typically performed indoors with some external exposureExposure to loud noises or equipment up to 20% of the timeRegular travel between station locations and local businesses existsSUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY:Indirect oversight of fire personnel as needed and as directedTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions herein described. Since every duty connected with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in the job description sheet. AT ANY TIME, AN EMPLOYEE MAY BE ASKED TO ASSIST ANOTHER DEPARTMENT WHERE NEEDED AND IN PERIODS OF DOWN TIME.




The City of Neenah is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Keywords: City of Neenah, Oshkosh , Assistant Chief - Prevention/Inspection/Fire Marshal, Other , Neenah, Wisconsin