Deputy Chief of Training and Prevention

Start Date: February 14, 2025 | End Date: March 03, 2025
County: York County
Job Type: Public Safety - Fire
More Information: Click here

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chief will be responsible for overseeing, supervising, managing, and directing the administration and operation of the Saco Fire
Department’s Training and Prevention division. The Deputy Fire Chief of Training and
Prevention plays a critical role in ensuring the community's safety through comprehensive training programs and preventive measures. This position is responsible for developing,
implementing, and overseeing fire training programs for all personnel, managing fire prevention initiatives, conducting life safety inspections, and reviewing building plans for compliance with fire codes and safety regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES
1. Assist the Fire Chief in planning, organizing, and directing fire department operations.
2. Responds as needed to fire and EMS calls, in compliance with established SOG’s and directives; functions as part of the Incident Command (IC) structure.
3. Serves as the agency’s representative and liaison by coordinating with other state, county, and/or local and regional emergency response agencies in emergencies and such incidents as they arise.
4. Acts as an advocate and proponent of the Saco Fire Department; and as part of the administrative team, will assist with strategic planning and operational budgeting; mentoring officers and other line staff as needed.
5. Completes root cause investigations for incidents, accidents, or near misses.
6. Supervise and provide guidance to fire captains, lieutenants, and other personnel, fostering a positive work environment and promoting teamwork.
7. Manages fire department personnel training and professional development, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.
8. Develop, implement, and monitor a strategic plan for delivering fire education and training based on established goals and objectives that ensure competent, skilled, and professional emergency providers.
9. Develop, implement, and evaluate fire and EMS prevention strategies and initiatives.
10. Lead community outreach programs that educate the public on fire and EMS safety practices and prevention measures.
11. Complete fire safety inspections of commercial, residential, and industrial properties to ensure safety compliance.
12. Conduct thorough risk assessments for all structures and facilities, analyzing potential fire hazards and response challenges.
13. Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of comprehensive fire preplans that identify hazards, critical infrastructure, and strategic response protocols for various types of emergencies.
14. Work closely with the city’s code department, architects, engineers, and developers during planning to integrate fire safety measures into new constructions and renovations
15. Assist in creating and implementing policies and procedures related to Community Risk Reduction (CRR) and fire and EMS prevention.
16. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of CRR programs and initiatives, making recommendations for improvements.
17. Prepare and present reports on community risk reduction efforts and outcomes to department leadership and community stakeholders.
18. Shall participate in the on-call administration rotation.
19. Other Duties as assigned by the Fire Chief

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY
1. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organizations and human resource policies and all applicable laws.
2. Responsibilities may include interviewing, assisting with the hiring and training of new employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees as outlined by the collective bargaining agreement and human resource best practices; and addressing and resolving complaints or problems.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
This position demands a dynamic and experienced leader who can integrate and manage multiple emergency response disciplines to safeguard the community effectively.

Education and Experience
• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in the fire service and pre-hospital emergency medical services, including supervisory and management roles or equivalent combination of experience and training required.
• Associate’s degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, and/or Public Administration; bachelor’s preferred.
• Fire Officer I & II, Certification Pro Board or Equivalent
• Certified Fire Inspector preferred.
• Certified Fire Plan Examiner preferred
• Must hold and maintain a valid Maine EMS License; paramedic preferred.
• FEMA NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400 and 700
• Vocational education to include but not limited to ICS/Fireground Command, Hazardous Materials, Marine Fire/Rescue Operations, Wildland Fire, and Special Rescue Operations
• Experience in local, state, and national Community Risk Reduction education and training programs.
• Must hold and maintain a valid Maine Driver’s license.

DESIRED MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
• Strong Leadership and Management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to lead and coordinate emergency response teams
• Experienced in budget management and financial analysis
• Experienced user of Fire Services records Management programs, CAD interface with fire service operations, municipal budget programs, and Microsoft Office programs.
• Proven fire service leader

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit or stand and talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. Employee is frequently required to lift heavy objects, move large equipment, walk, run, climb stairs and perform all other physical actions necessary in a fire or rescue operation.
• May be required to work in hazardous conditions, such as inclement weather, fires, and other emergency situations.
• May be required to travel to attend meetings, training events, or emergency responses.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually normal for business conditions to extremely loud, dangerous and stressful conditions. Employees are occasionally exposed to extremes in weather conditions.

SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them form the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Saco is strongly committed to diversity in its workforce. We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, veteran or disability status, religion, age, gender orientation or other protected status.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Please contact David Hamel, Fire Chief, with any questions about the position at (207)282-3244 or [email protected]. A complete application will include a letter of intent, resume, and
references. Applications may be submitted here.