Deputy Fire Chief and EMS

Summary / Objective

Under the direction of the Fire Chief, the Deputy Chief of Fire/EMS serves as the Department's Training and Safety officer, second-in-command and is responsible for providing leadership, direction, and oversight of the Barre City Fire & Ambulance Department's. The Deputy Chief leads the development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive training and professional development programs that ensure all personnel maintain proficiency in fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, incident command, and other operational disciplines.

The Deputy Chief directs the Department's occupational health and safety program by promoting risk reduction, regulatory compliance, firefighter and EMS wellness, and the continual evaluation of operational practices to enhance responder safety and organizational effectiveness. Working closely with command staff, the Deputy Chief develops and implements policies, procedures, and best practices that support safe and efficient emergency operations.

In addition to training and safety responsibilities, the Deputy Chief assists in overseeing the Department's day-to-day operations, including personnel supervision, emergency response coordination, administrative functions, policy implementation, and resource management. The position exercises considerable independent judgment and discretion in managing personnel, developing departmental initiatives, and ensuring the efficient delivery of fire, rescue, emergency medical, prevention, and support services consistent with the Department's mission and strategic goals.

In the absence of the Fire Chief, the Deputy Chief assumes full authority for the administration and command of the Barre City Fire & Ambulance Department, ensuring continuity of leadership and operational effectiveness.

Essential Functions

The following duties are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the individual assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as necessary.

• This position is responsible for fostering a culture of continuous improvement, operational readiness, accountability, and professional excellence while ensuring compliance with all applicable local, state, and national standards.
• Develop and oversees department-wide training programs for Fire, EMS, and Special Operations and Safety Programs.
• Ensures regulatory compliance.
• Serves as the first-line authority within the administrative command structure for department members.
• Reviews, research, and analyzes department operations; provides recommendations to the Fire Chief.
• Collaborates with the Fire Chief in the development and administration of policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and memoranda of agreement.
• Develops and implements complex and/or high-visibility programs, reports, and special projects.
• Evaluates the performance of department officers to ensure fulfillment of the department’s mission and objectives.
• Acts as Personnel Officer when designated by the Fire Chief; makes recommendations and/or acts on personnel matters including hiring and discipline.
• Serves as a liaison to fire and law enforcement agencies, neighboring jurisdictions, and state and federal entities.
• Attend training sessions and conferences relevant to the responsibilities of the position.
• Represents the department on inter-agency committees and in cooperative programs as assigned.
• Assists in the development and revision of department policies and guidelines.
• Schedules staff and assign daily duties to ensure adequate operational coverage.
• Makes initial command decisions at emergency scenes regarding fire attack, ventilation, salvage, overhaul, and fire-ground support.
• Serves on the Town Emergency Management Team; assumes the role of Emergency Management Director in the Fire Chief’s absence during large-scale emergencies.
• Responds to emergency medical incidents and performs duties as a certified EMT, AEMT, or EMT-P in accordance with state and national protocols.
• Commands and participates in specialized emergency rescue operations including water, high-angle, trench, auto extrication, and building collapse incidents.
• Assumes full operational command of the department in the absence of the Fire Chief.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Fire Chief.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Minimum of Associate’s degree in Fire Science or related field, Bachelor’s Degree preferred or a similar combination of education (non-field related degree) and experience. Graduate of National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program, or the ability to enroll is desired.

• Pro Board or IFSAC Fire Officer II Certification or ability to obtain.

• Fire Instructor I or higher.

• Must have a valid Vermont Driver License.

• Must possess a current EMT license.

• National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) certifications required.

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification required.

• Possesses ability to perform highly responsible duties of a complex nature requiring considerable initiative and judgment particularly in emergency situations which do not fall clearly within established practices or precedents.

• Minimum of ten years of career fire service experience including five years in a supervisory or command position within a fire department with administrative responsibility and possesses ability to meet requirements and obtain certifications necessary for subordinate positions within Fire Department.

• Minimum of five years of emergency medical experience including three years in a supervisory or command position within a fire department or emergency medical services department with administrative responsibility and possesses ability to meet requirements, obtain certifications and maintain continuing education as required to maintain licensure.

• Comprehensive knowledge of firefighting and fire prevention principles, emergency medical service principles, practices and equipment and possess familiarity with principles of construction.

• Knowledge of code enforcement as specified under Vermont Law and City ordinances. Ability to review, understand and ensure compliance with the City Ordinances.

• Comprehensive knowledge of departmental policies and regulations and of the laws and ordinances affecting fire department and emergency medical services operations.

• Possesses ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, the general public, and city officials; to organize, assign and direct the work of subordinates.

• Possesses ability to manage and maintain confidential information to include patient medical information, criminal matters and fire and arson investigations which are sensitive in nature and confidential.

• Knowledge of OSHA/VOSHA rules and regulations, advanced working knowledge of traffic control as it relates to Emergency Operations.

• Knowledge of supervisory techniques.

• Possesses ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing and orally.

• Possesses competency in using a computer and business software, computer-based incident reporting systems and other software.

• Ability to manage with a high degree of consensus building and to ensure successful team decision-making.

• Strong motivating, leadership and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to handle competing priorities.

• Proven ability to be organized, detail oriented and accurate.

• Comprehensive knowledge of emergency medical services and ambulance transportation systems.

• Comprehensive knowledge of State and Federal Emergency Management Agency systems, laws and regulations.

• Demonstrated ability to manage and direct large scale operations of personnel and equipment under emergency conditions.

• Residency with reasonable proximity to primary response area.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Deputy Chief of Fire and EMS will have supervisory authority for all staff of the fire and EMS Department, which includes the Fire Marshall and Code Enforcement personnel.

Physical Demands

Work may include frequent strenuous physical effort required in performing assigned duties in situations of severe personal danger with exposure to hazardous conditions, in environments deemed an Immediate Danger to Life and Health (IDLH) and adverse weather conditions. Environmental conditions may include all the following:

Physical activity requirements

• Extreme fluctuations in temperature. Must perform physically demanding tasks in extreme heat while wearing personal protective equipment, which impairs the body's cooling system.

• May perform duties in sub-zero weather and contend with wind chill factors.

• May often work in wet, muddy or icy areas.

• May frequently work on slippery or uneven surfaces such as roof tops, ladders, and icy ground surfaces.

• Must perform work on or about moving machinery or equipment or in the vicinity of vehicles in motion (i.e., emergency vehicles, power tools, cutting torches, etc.).

• Makes contact and provides emergency medical care to sick and injured patients, with frequent exposure to illnesses, body fluids and potential blood and airborne pathogens.

• Face exposure to hazardous substances.

• Exposure to higher-than-normal noise levels (i.e., when riding in emergency vehicles).

• Functioning under poor/no visibility.

• Exposure to sharp objects.

• Exposure to vibration when riding in emergency vehicles or operating power tools.

• Required to perform work in confined spaces or cramped body positions.

• Exposed to possibility of burn injuries.

• Exposure to smoke and dust.

• Exposure to oil and grease, especially during maintenance and repair of firefighting equipment.

• Exposure to uninsulated or unshielded electrical equipment.

• Exposure to radiation hazards.

• Exposure to a variety of stressors:

o Critical decision making in life threatening situations

o Performance of complex tasks during life threatening situations

o Dealing with critically injured/ill people and their families/friends

o Tight time frames

o Tasks requiring long periods of intense concentration

o Unpleasant or traumatic situations (i.e., critically injured people, death, mass casualty incidents, mass fatality incidents, injury to self or co-workers, etc.)

o Working in unknown situations

• Must be constantly prepared to respond to emergency situations without warning.

• Required to wear personal protective equipment weighing 50-70 lbs., depending upon situation.

• Exposure to all weather elements (i.e., sun, heat, rain, sleet, snow, ice, etc.).

• Exposure to noxious odors.

Primary Physical Requirements

Other Physical Requirements

Lift up to 10 lbs.:

Performed regularly

Twisting

Performed regularly

Lift 11 t0 25 lbs.:

Performed frequently

Bending

Performed frequently

Lift 26 to 50 lbs.:

Performed frequently

Crawling

Occasionally performed

Lift over 50 lbs.:

Performed occasionally

Squatting

Occasionally performed

Kneeling

Occasionally performed

Carry up to 10 lbs.:

Performed frequently

Crouching

NA

Carry 11 to 25 lbs.:

Performed frequently

Climbing

Occasionally performed

Carry 25 to 50 lbs.:

Performed frequently

Balancing

Occasionally performed

Carry over 50 lbs.:

Occasionally

Work Surfaces

Reach above shoulder height

Occasionally performed

Reach at shoulder height

Performed frequently

In Avg. 8 hour Day Employee is Required to:

Reach below shoulder height

Performed frequently

Sit

Consecutive Hrs.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Push/Pull

Performed frequently

Total Hrs.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Hand Manipulation

Stand

Grasping

Performed frequently

Consecutive Hrs.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8…