Chief of Fire & Rescue

## Overview **Disclaimer** Bedford County maintains a safe, drug-free workplace for its employees. Drug screening, driving record check, a criminal background check, and previous employer references are required for all positions as conditions of pre-employment. Bedford County, VA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Bedford County is a certified Virginia Values Veterans (V3) employer. We are committed to implementing nationally recognized best practices in recruiting, hiring, and retaining highly skilled and dependable Veterans. The V3 Program is an official Commonwealth of Virginia Program, authorized under the Code of Virginia (§ 2.2-2001.2) ## Description Performs a combination of difficult professional, administrative, and fieldwork involving the management of the combination paid/volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. Has the responsibility of lead role for efficiency in operations and establishing and/or performing all functions of incident command systems; plans, directs and coordinates departmental goals, objectives and operations; conducts studies and research; procures equipment; maintains records and files; prepares budgets and reports. Promotes community and fire safety awareness. Does related work as required. Work is performed under the general direction of the Deputy County Administrator with latitude for independent judgement and action. Supervision is exercised over all department personnel. ***\*First review of applications will occur in early July\**** Essential Duties & Responsibilities: - Oversees, directs, and coordinates all activities of the Department including administration, communications, emergency medical, hazardous materials, fire prevention, fire investigation and training. - Implements strategic plan by translating the department’s long-term vision into measurable operational success. - Responds to serious fires, explosions, disasters, hazardous materials incidents and medical emergencies; assumes command of the situation. - Prepares budget estimates and supervises and controls the expenditure of all departmental funds. - Formulates administrative and operational policies, standard operating procedures, rules and regulations governing departmental activities, prescribes work methods and procedures, and adjusts departmental policies and methods to meet new situations or to improve existing operations. - Requisitions and purchases necessary supplies and equipment for the Department; develops specifications. - Enforces departmental rules and regulations and takes appropriate disciplinary action; counsels employees in regards to personnel problems, career development, motivation and problem solving. - Receives and responds to citizen inquiries; resolves internal and external conflicts involving citizens and/or volunteers. - Provides and implements educational and service delivery programs. - Supports recruitment, retention and educational needs of career and volunteer fire suppression personnel. - Serves as a member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee. - Represents the County as a Public Safety Official at functions, meetings, and events as necessary. - Attends meetings and/or presents to the Board of Supervisor as required. - Accomplishes all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested by management. - Participate in employee meetings and training as needed. - Performs special projects as assigned. - Meets attendance requirements and maintains the highest level of dependability. - Consistently demonstrates ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner in order to meet current needs, and reprioritizes work as necessary. ## Requirements Education / Experience: Requires education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, EMS, Public Administration/Business Administration or related field, supplemented by advanced level course work in modern methods of Fire Suppression and Rescue. Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in the fire and emergency medical se…