SOUTH KING FIRE INTERIM FIRE CHIEF

SOUTH KING FIRE
INTERIM FIRE CHIEF JOB DESCRIPTION

DEFINITION AND SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Interim Fire Chief operates under general guidance of the Board of Fire Commissioners. This role plans, organizes, directs and controls operational functions of the Fire District. Responsible for applying extensive knowledge to a wide variety of Fire District functions; to develop, implement and manage policies, guidelines, procedures and programs that are of optimum benefit to the District and community. The Fire Chief sets expectations and direction for progressive training and development programs for Firefighters, Company Officers, and Chief Officers. Supports Fire Service Public Information, education and community engagement programs. Supports Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs tailored towards recruitment and retention of South King Fire employees. Works in tandem with the Executive Director to secure funding measures to
maintain fire service business operations, equipment, technology and apparatus. Engages and forms positive relationships with neighboring fire service agencies, cities of Des Moines, Federal Way, King County government and State Legislative Representatives that serve the Fire District. Engages with civic and community groups and forms positive open relationships with local media partners. Works collaboratively with the Executive Director and Finance Division, to prepare the District’s annual budget and state report, as approved by the Board of Fire Commissioners. Establishes and maintains positive labor relations with IAFF Local #2024, as well as the non-
represented employees. Monitors and supports the District Negotiation Team in represented employee contract negotiations. The Interim Fire Chief serves as a top-level Executive Officer of the Fire District and is held to the highest standard of ethics, excellence, attention to detail and trust. This role is responsible for making sound decisions on matters impacting the Fire Operations of the District and for the efficient, effective and ethical performance of all Operations personnel. The position applies leadership and guidance to fulfill the District's mission, guiding principles and
development of a vision that embraces the trust and support of District members and the citizens/customers in the communities we serve.

SCHEDULED WORK HOURS AND WAGES:
The position is FLSA exempt. Work may require evening and weekend attendance at meetings and/or emergency recall for fire and/or large-scale emergency incidents or disasters. This position works under a Personal Services Contract with wages and benefits approved by the Board of Fire Commissioners.

Starting hourly wage $100.00 + depending on qualifications, negotiation of a professional services agreement that defines work arrangements, benefits, and the terms and conditions of employment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
The position reports directly to the Board of Fire Commissioners and provides leadership, coaching oversight and supervision to all Fire Operations division heads and staff. Responsible for setting a positive example and creating/maintaining an ethical, transparent, inclusive, responsible workplace environment and best practices based on the pillars of the Strategic Bridge Plan and Goals set within the District’s Strategic Planning.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Develop, recommend and implement policies, guidelines, procedures, goals and objectives, including elements of the District’s Strategic Plan affecting the overall operations of the District.
• Delegate and monitor supervisory duties as indicated in the District's organizational structure. Supervise uniformed and non-uniformed staff. Assign duties, projects, training and planning programs. Monitor work products to ensure completion of assigned tasks.
• Ensure positive and collaborative relations with uniformed and non-uniformed staff, to include proactive support of Joint Labor/Management (JLM) relations. Participate in JLM meetings with the Executive Director, Administration, Union Executive Board, and Board of Fire Commissioners on a frequent, mutually agreed schedule and unscheduled basis.
• Works with the Executive Director to provide ongoing administration of Collective Bargaining Agreements with represented employees and address non-represented employee matters or concerns.; informing the Board of Fire Commissioners regarding labor and employee relations issues. Assure the timely and complete unbiased investigation and resolution of employee concerns.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Finance Division on preparation of the annual District financial budget for final review and approval by the Board of Fire Commissioners.
• Assures the proper enforcement of District, County, State and National Fire Prevention codes and standards, as adopted and approved by the Board of Fire Commissioners.
• Submits agenda items in conjunction with the Executive Director, Executive Secretary and Board Chairman, for Commissioner meetings, and ensures the distribution of appropriate materials, financial statements and approved minutes thereof.
• Succession planning, career development programs and strategy for future leadership within the District. Provides avenues of professional development and education for employees to attain advanced degrees in Fire Service and Business Management related fields. Encourages ongoing career development and education for employees of the District. Fosters an environment where employees are eager to learn and proud to serve and grow personally and professionally.
• Ensures recruiting procedures for fire operations provide adequate opportunities for an inclusive hiring process reflective of the various cultures and diversity in the District. Demonstrates a clear and unequivocal commitment to cultural diversity as a core personal and organizational value within the District.
• Serves as the Chief spokesperson for the District during significant media events. May delegate media duties to the appropriate Chief Officer or Community Affairs Officer/PIO to represent the Fire District.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Excellent oral, written and public speaking communication skills.
• Experience and knowledge of all aspects of fire protection, emergency management, fire prevention, business operations and emergency medical service operations. Strong analytic and decision-making skills to achieve and provide optimum levels of service in all responsible areas, utilizing a team approach in decision making processes.
• Knowledge of Federal and Washington State requirements related to Employment Laws relative to Union represented and non-represented personnel; (i.e., Americans with Disabilities Act, Equal Employment Commission, (EEOC), Department of Labor and Industries and other such agencies and their mandates.)
• Knowledge of Washington State statutes, laws and regulations governing Fire Districts under WAC 296-305; RCW Title 52 and Title 84; Collective bargaining / union represented employees under RCW Title 41.

• Understanding of Washington Survey and Rating Bureau (WSRB) insurance classifications. Emphasis on importance to maintain the District’s “Class 2” Insurance Rating. Understanding of impacts a Class 2 rating has on local businesses and citizens, and why a Class 2 is important to all within the Fire District.
• Experience with city Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations, and partnerships needed with the cities and municipalities in the District, during local area and/or regional disaster events. Understanding and use of the Department Operations Center (DOC).
• Experience in long-range planning of financial management and budgeting programs, anticipating the vision and future fiscal needs of the District.
• Effective application of political acumen, diplomacy, tact and integrity in building coalitions with public partners, community groups and elected officials.
• Strong and dedicated commitment to collaborative teamwork. Decisive, results-oriented track record as an administrator of Fire District programs.
• Understanding of current social, cultural and economic issues and challenges impacting the communities served by the District. Engage and share ideas with local officials for improving conditions in the community where most needed.
• Perform special or related assignments as developed or directed by the Board of Fire Commissioners.
• Recognize and understand when to seek guidance from the Board Chair for direction on legal and/or risk management situations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Business Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field.
• Minimum 10 years of extensive and progressive management, administrative and supervisory leadership experience, with at least Five (5) years of experience as a Fire Battalion Chief, (or above), with a Fire District/Department of similar demographics, size, structure and funding.
• Years of job experience, progressive leadership and education, within a comparable Fire District or Fire Department, may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree, under the guidance of the Board of Fire Commissioners. (Job Applicants shall provide a detailed written explanation of how their job experience, progressive leadership and other education compares or satisfies the college degree requirement.)

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Leadership or a related field is desirable through a recognized accredited higher educational institution.
• Chief Fire Officer Designation (CFOD), through the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE).
• Successful completion/enrollment in the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Certification program.
• Completion of Incident Command Systems (ICS) 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 and 800 programs with certificates.

• Knowledge and understanding of Critical Incident Stress and importance of the need for quality mental health training. Recognizes the importance of critical incident stress debriefings and supports participation in Zone Mental Health/Fitness debriefings for all involved in a critical type incident.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
• Within one year of employment, requires residency within a reasonable commute to the District’s boundaries.
• Must be legally eligible for employment in the US.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver's license and driving record free of suspensions, revocations and/or driving misdemeanors or felonies.
• Must provide certified record of completing an EVIP program within the last 3 years, or successfully complete a Washington State EVIP program within 60 days of employment and maintain a current EVIP certification.
• Be insurable by District insurance carrier.
• Must pass a District required baseline health and drug screening and executive focused psychological exam.
• Must pass a credit check, criminal background and employment reference check.
• No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Work is performed in an office environment utilizing computers, peripherals, computer software, emergency radio, phones, copiers, etc. A vehicle is provided with this position for official district use only, governed by district policy. Vehicle is equipped with emergency response technology, emergency radios, and a mobile data computer (MDC).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work is performed primarily indoors in an office environment or may be performed outside at an emergency scene and observing training operations.

The examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. South King Fire is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type toward current and prospective employees in accordance with federal, state, and local law.

Interim Fire Chief Job Description -January 2025