125 East Main Street

Grass Valley, CA 95945

Phone: 530-274-4311

Website: www.cityofgrassvalley.com

Salary: See Below

Application Deadline: 4/8/05

Grass Valley, California is a historic gold mining town which incorporated as a Charter City in 1893.  The Grass Valley Fire Department is steeped in tradition and was first organized in 1853 with the establishment of the Grass Valley Hook and Ladder Company. It is the third oldest active fire department West of the Mississippi River. In 1855, the city passed an ordinance proclaiming that every property owner shall provide 50 gallons of water and four buckets for each floor level they owned. This Ordinance was not too successful as the town of Grass Valley was destroyed by fire in 1855.

As western Nevada County’s business center, we provide a full range of services to our 12,000+ residents in 5 square miles.  Grass Valley is located 60 miles northeast of Sacramento in the Sierra Nevada Foothills.  With four distinct seasons, this area features an exceptional quality of life that includes diverse outdoor recreation, abundant cultural activities, low crime rates, excellent educational opportunities, a rich history and quaint town atmosphere.

Under administrative direction of the City Council and the general supervision of the City Administrator, this position plans, directs, supervises and coordinates activities of the Fire Department including suppression, fire prevention, emergency preparedness, public services and programs, and emergency medical assistance to the community.  This includes direction of 3 front line engines, 1 reserve engine, one OES engine, 1 -75’ Quint, 1 support unit and 5 staff vehicles.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Understands and can relate fire problems and priorities with City problems and priorities.

• Is effective at reaching out to the community and its residents.

• Can communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

• Has knowledge of principles and practices of organization, administration, budget and personnel/labor relations.

• Is competent in advanced methods, practices, and techniques of modern fire fighting, fire inspection, and fire prevention.

• Has familiarity with the operation of the types of apparatus and equipment used in modern fire fighting activities.

• Can readily direct the principles of first aid, rescue and resuscitation.

• Is familiar with geography, types of building construction, major fire hazards, water supply, fire and building laws and regulations.

Responsibilities Include:

ü      Plans, directs, supervises and coordinates the activities of Fire Department personnel in providing emergency service.

ü      Exercises overall management of emergency incidents.

ü      Manages and directs investigations to determine cause and origin of fires and assists in the prosecution of arsonists.

ü      Manages and directs the enforcement of Federal, State, and local fire and building codes and regulations.

ü      Manages and directs the formulation of a program of in-service training and enforces compliance.

ü      Formulates departmental rules, procedures and policies and insures their enforcement.

ü      Manages the requisition, maintenance and operation of fire fighting equipment.

ü      Manages the maintenance of records of fire calls and fire losses.

ü      Attends conferences, schools, and meetings to keep abreast of new developments in fire suppression, prevention, training and administration.

ü      Prepares and administers the department budget.

ü      Represents the City in the community and at professional meetings.

ü      Selects, supervises, trains, and evaluates staff.

ü      Coordinates Fire Department activities with other city departments and divisions and with outside agencies.

Experience and Education:

Ø      Ten years of broad and extensive experience in all major functions of a fire department, including three years in a responsible administrative or supervisory capacity at the Battalion Chief or higher rank, performing operations, budget, training  and personnel duties.

Ø      A bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline and possession of a Chief Officer certificate are highly desired.  Minimum requirement is an associate arts degree in Fire Science or related field and possession of Fire Officer Certificate.  A minimum of two years college required.

Ø      Must be free from any physical, emotional or mental condition which might adversely affect the ability to perform essential job duties.

Salary:

The Fire Chief reports to the City Council with general supervision from the City Administrator.  Compensation is negotiated and included in an employment agreement/contract.

Benefits Include:

v     Medical/Dental/Life/Vision and Disability Insurance

v     CalPERS retirement

v     Vacation

v     Holidays (14)

v     Management Leave (up to 72 hrs./yr.)

v     Voluntary Deferred Compensation

Applications are available from:

City of Grass Valley

125 East Main Street

Grass Valley, CA 95945

www.cityofgrassvalley.com

OR

For an application to be mailed to you,

call Human Resources at:

(530) 274-4311

City of Grass Valley

Human Resources Department

125 East Main Street

Grass Valley, CA  95945

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER