Fire Chief

The City of Bangor seeks applicants for the position of Fire Chief. This position is a highly visible and responsible leadership role as the senior fire department official for the City.   

The FIre Chief is responsible for managing all administrative, operational, and fiscal aspects of the Fire Department. They ensure the protection of lives and property within the City from uncontrolled fire and medical emergencies. The Fire Chief also serves as the City’s Emergency Management Director. This position reports directly to the City Manager.

Duties:

• Represents the City and works closely with outside emergency response agencies; works directly with the City Manager and other Department Directors to implement and support citywide projects and initiatives.
• Supervises and directs various department operations, including fire prevention and suppression, investigations, emergency medical services, equipment / vehicle acquisition and maintenance, buildings and facilities upkeep, and training.
• Enforces local, state, and federal laws by implementing effective policy for the prevention and investigation of arson and other violations, for the safety and protection of the public; assumes command and control of major emergency activities as directed by the City Manager.
• Monitors employee morale and well-being; actively advocates for and takes measures to focus on job satisfaction, retention, and employee physical and mental health.
• Maintains regular communication with departmental staff regarding City-wide and departmental activities; offers technical assistance and advice to staff as needed; ensures that City Personnel Rules and Regulations, contract articles, and practices are appropriately and fairly applied; and takes an active interest in employee training and development.
• Prepares written reports for the City Manager as requested and regularly advises the City Manager of needed policies, goals and objectives; maintains a sound and productive working relationship with all employees and City departments.
• Attends City Council sub-committee and full City Council meetings; prepares agenda items and informational reports as required; develops and presents policy and operational recommendations to the City Manager/City Council; responds to requests from the City Manager and City Council members regarding departmental inquiries.
• Creates, implements, and updates the City’s comprehensive Emergency Management plan; identifies and coordinates the procurement of appropriate emergency supplies and equipment for use in times of disaster; responsible for the readiness and operations and coordinates with appropriate local, county, state, and federal agencies and representatives in times of disaster for preparedness response and recovery activities.
• Participates in union-management meetings, assists in negotiating collective bargaining agreements, oversees step one grievances and assures proper execution of terms.
• Directly supervises the positions of Deputy Chief, Assistant Chiefs, EMS Manager, and Administrative Assistant.
• Supervises the recruitment, training, evaluation, development, and discipline of department personnel.
• Appropriately delegates tasks and supervision to subordinate officers as situations demand; follows up on matters as necessary and takes appropriate action.
• Continuously reviews on-going departmental operations and activities in order to identify areas where service improvements can be made or where cost efficiencies can be realized.
• Determines Fire Department budgetary needs, prepares budget recommendations, including evaluating department needs and recommends expenditures for all equipment, supplies, capital improvement projects, and submits to City Manager.
• Develops annual and five-year departmental capital programs; supervises departmental capital improvement programs once approved and funded by the City Council.
• Responds to citizen and media questions and complaints concerning department operations and personnel.
• Prepares and makes department public relations presentations to various community groups, media, and other stakeholders, such as schools and civic organizations.
• Attends and makes policy recommendations at various levels of government, including but not limited to City Council, statewide fire organizations, and the Maine Legislature.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of and ability to make practical application of the customary practices, procedures, rules and regulations of the department, and to take authoritative action as situations demand.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable City and State laws, guidelines and accepted firefighting practices, procedures and training programs.
• Knowledge of, and ability to administer, all established policies of the City and Department.
• Familiarity with standard principles of budget administration and ability to prepare and administer department budget. Knowledge of and ability to use all department equipment.
• A two or four degree and/or significant firefighting and/or EMS training and experience, supplemented by a demonstrated record of senior level command experience, and ability to meet all departmental hiring and retention requirements.
• Knowledge of applicable collective bargaining processes and labor law related to a unionized work environment.
• Supervisory experience developing, training, and leading employees.
• Ability to effectively communicate with the public, other officials, and agencies.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a license to legally operate all department equipment and vehicles.

Pay range $50.38 to $67.67 per hour (based on 40.0 hours/week). Benefits for this position include health, dental, and vision insurance as well as a retirement plan with employer contribution, group life insurance, and accrued leave time. Applications will be reviewed as received and interviews may be conducted following application review. A City application is required and available on the City’s website at: www.bangormaine.gov/employ. Resumes and accompanying materials can be submitted during the application process. Questions can be directed to apply@bangormaine.gov. Thank you for your interest and time in applying!

A completed City of Bangor application and resume may be sent to the Human Resources Office, Bangor City Hall, 73 Harlow Street, Bangor, Maine 04401. Applications and resume by email, sent to apply@bangormaine.gov, are appreciated or use our new online/mobile-friendly application:  City of Bangor - Application for Employment (Page 1 of 7) (office.com). 

Equal Opportunity Employer