Deputy Fire Chief

The City of Kirkland's Fire Department is seeking to hire a Deputy Fire Chief!

Deputy Fire Chief - Recruitment Brochure


Job Summary
Under the general direction of the Fire Chief, the Deputy Chief manages a major division of the Fire Department. This position assists the Fire Chief in the strategic planning, development, implementation, and prioritization of department goals, objectives, short- and long-range work plans, and initiatives specific to the Department, in addition to city-wide initiatives. The Deputy Chief also provides community, inter-departmental, labor relations, and recruitment support.

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Deputy Chief reports to the Fire Chief and establishes a chain of command in the administrative division of the Fire Department, assisting in key areas across divisions. They may supervise additional divisions, or complete other tasks as assigned by the Fire Chief. The Deputy Chief of Operations manages a major division of the Fire Department including emergency response operations, shift battalion chief support, regional coordination, personnel issues, Civil Service, volunteers, and mobilizations. The Deputy Chief of Support Services manages a major division of the Fire Department including strategic goals, training division, health and wellness, Mobile Integrated Health, asset management, King County Emergency Medical Services liaison, recruitment, and facilities.

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, organizes and directs the activities of their assigned division(s) or unit(s) consistent with established Department goals and objectives. Actively promotes and reinforces City and departmental goals, values, and objectives when interacting with residents, subordinates, and other City departments.
• Fosters the core values of the Fire Department by maximizing community involvement, promoting a total service orientation among employees, and encouraging a proactive problem-solving approach to Fire and EMS services.
• Monitors the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned division(s) or unit(s) to ensure that Department performance and operating standards are being successfully achieved. Provides ongoing evaluation of the costs and benefits of programs and operations, and periodically recommends changes to the Fire Chief.
• Prepares performance evaluation reports on immediate subordinates and reviews performance evaluations prepared by their subordinates.
• Represents the Department and the Fire Chief on various panels and committees, and at special functions and ceremonies.
• Develops and oversees diversity recruitment activities and advocates for diverse candidate pools.
• Participates in the personnel selection process across divisions in the Fire Department. Makes recommendations on appointments, promotions, transfers, disciplinary actions, and discharge.
• Assists the Fire Chief in areas of labor relations and contract negotiations and interpretations.
• Works directly with the Fire Chief on the development and maintenance of the Fire Department professional standards and departmental performance standards, including Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau rating.
• Acts as liaison between their assigned division and the City Council and Mayor, City Manager Office, City Attorney Office, and Human Resources.
• Coordinates Division activities with other Department work units, other City departments/divisions, and other emergency service agencies.
• Acts as the Fire Department liaison for capital improvement projects and facility decisions.
• Hires, trains, evaluates, and disciplines division staff. Manages appropriate uses of personnel and budgetary resources.
• Prepares a variety of narrative and statistical reports and other written materials.
• Research specialized topics.
• Exercises authority in a positive manner for the maintenance of departmental objectives.
• Develops, reviews, and implements policies within the area of responsibility.
• Analyzes and recommends improvements to existing facilities, equipment, and operating systems of the Department.
• Fills a position within the City's Emergency Operations Center and returns to work in the event of a disaster.
• Responds to emergency incidents as needed or as requested by the on-scene incident Commander.
• Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, contributing to an environment of respectful living and working in a multicultural society.

• May serve as the Fire Chief in their absence.
• Attends meetings, training sessions, and other functions as applicable to keep abreast of modern fire service methods, techniques, and administrative procedures.
• Maintains availability to respond to large-scale incidents to support field command at extended operations.
• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.
• Responsible for developing measurable implementation plans that achieve the City's initiatives in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Roadmap.

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of public disclosure laws, records management, project management, and grant writing.
• Knowledge of various forms of Fire/EMS related technologies.
• Skilled in public relations, negotiations, labor relations, and supervision.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrates the knowledge of and adherence to a high standard of personal and professional ethics.
• Be innovative and flexible in approach to duties and possess the ability to readily adapt to a changing community and Department needs. Ability to work confidentially with discretion.
• Ability to make informative and persuasive presentations to individuals and groups, conduct public meetings and participate in public forums.
• Advanced working knowledge of budget preparation and monitoring.
• Advanced analytical skills to comprehend, interpret, and explain rules, regulations, legal requirements, and policies.
• Possess tact, diplomacy, and the ability to deal effectively with individuals, groups, and organizations representing a wide variety of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs.
• Basic PC proficiency and knowledge of technology applications pertinent to the Department's operations and management systems requirements.
• Extensive knowledge of management principles and practices.
• Extensive knowledge of employee and public relations.
• Extensive knowledge of organizational and planning concepts.
• Extensive knowledge of Civil Service regulations, labor agreements, and RCW and WAC rules that have direct application to administration of the Fire Department.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Experience: 7 years of increasingly responsible experience in a fire department or similar environment. 5 years of progressive supervisory/managerial experience, with advanced leadership knowledge. If overseeing Operations, 2 years of experience as Fire Battalion Chief preferred.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

• Certifications or licenses in field of expertise preferred.
• Must meet minimum medical standards and be able to move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must have a valid Washington State Driver's license and ability to remain insurable under the City's insurance to operate motor vehicles.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Work is primarily performed in an office environment under time-sensitive, constantly changing deadlines. This position may be called into work on short notice. On infrequent occasions when duties are performed in the field, they are performed at community meetings, Department functions, and the emergency operations center.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at711.