CITY OF BAKERSFIELD CLASS SPECIFICATION: 89400
UNIT: MANAGEMENT
EEO4: OFFICIALS/ADMINISTRATORS
CLASS TITLE: FIRE CHIEF
CLASS SUMMARY:
Under administrative direction, of the City Manager, directs all the activities of the Fire Department. Work involves planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating activities of the City’s comprehensive fire services and fire related programs, including administrative and fire command responsibilities, and performs other work as required.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
The following typical tasks and responsibilities are representative of this class. They are descriptive, not limiting.
Essential Duties:
Directs and manages all the divisions of the Bakersfield Fire Department including the administration of programs, policies and procedures and assignment of staff; Monitors developments related to fire service matters, evaluates their impact on the City operations, and implements policy and procedure improvements; Monitors, interprets, and implements applicable City, State and Federal regulations and ordinances;
Responds to major alarms and directs firefighting resources and service activities at the scene of major fires and disasters;
Monitors and directs employee relations and grievance procedures for the Department; Establishes and maintains effective firefighting and fire prevention programs, evaluates operations, and implements improvements when necessary; Develops, controls, and manages the budget for the department; Evaluates the need for and approves the purchase of apparatus and equipment; Plans and recommends proposed locations and construction requirements for fire stations;
Provides for staff development and training programs; Confers with the City Administration and elected officials in the pl anning and implementation of efficient and effective public safety measures, including disaster preparedness, designed to meet community expectations and needs; Prepare and submit reports and recommendations to the City Manager, City Council, Civil Service Commission, and others as directed;
Participates on a variety of boards, commissions, and professional groups; Serves as a spokesperson for the Fire Department at a variety of community events, meetings, and other public relations activities;
Acts as a l iaison between the Fire Department and the general public to ensure the promotion of goodwill, cooperation, and open communications; Participates in training and education to remain current on principles, and practices, and current trends related to fire and emergency services;
Cooperates with other city, county, state, and federal agencies in a variety of fire service matters.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
CLASS TITLE: FIRE CHIEF (Continued) 89400
The Fire Chief functions as a department head with responsibility for policy development, program planning, fiscal management, administration, and operational direction of the Fire Department. The incumbent is responsible for accomplishing department objectives and goals within guidelines established by the City Council and City Manager.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of:
Principles, practices, procedures, and apparatus used in modern firefighting and in the protection of life and property;
Principles and practices of fire prevention, suppression, containment, rescue, clean -up, and salvage;
Principles of fleet, equipment, and facilities management; Municipal and fire codes, ordinances, City policy, federal, and state regulating entities; Principles and applications of ethics, cultural diversity, socioeconomic statu s, and discrimination awareness;
Effective management and supervisory practices;
Management and public administrative principles and methods, including strategic leadership, planning, goal setting, program and budget development and implementation;
Related computer applications.
Ability to:
Organize, direct, and coordinate the activities of the Fire Department; Delegate responsibility and schedule work on a long-term basis; Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with City officials and staff , labor organizations, member s of boards and commissions and other fire service agencies;
Establish and uphold the community’s trust while effectively leading and commanding subordinates through Guiding Principles (C.A.R.E.S);
Analyze complex technical and administrative fire service s problems, and identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals;
Remain calm, act quickly in emergency situations, and make effective decisions; Provide effective training in all as pects of fire prevention, suppression , and emergency management;
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain a high level of discipline and morale.
Training and Experience:
A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Business or Public Administration, Fire Science, or related field; AND
Five (5) years of management experience in fire services ; OR Three (3) years of broad and increasingly responsible supervisory experience, demonstrated in assignments other than suppression, and two (2) years in a fire management position.
Licenses, Certificates or Special Requirements:
Possession of a valid California Class “C” driver's license. Must be able to pass a background check.
CLASS TITLE: FIRE CHIEF (Continued) 89400
Possession of a California State Chief Officer Certificate.
Physical Conditions or Special Working Conditions:
Standard office environment and working conditions.
Work with exposure to difficult circumstances, including exposure to dangerous situations.
Ability to, with or without reasonable accommodation, meet required physical abilities per the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Physical Requirements.
Additional Information:
The City of Bakersfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce div ersity. We are looking for individuals who represent and will uphold the values of our community. Fire Chief candidates who are professional, are respectful, demonstrate integrity, are dedicated, exude excellence, and possess a passion for public service a re highly encouraged to apply. The Bakersfield Fire Department strongly believes that hiring and retaining the best employees provides the best service to the community.
Approved by the Fire Civil Service Board: October 20, 2009 Approved by the City Council: November 4, 2009
Updated to Form: March 11, 2022
Approved by the Fire Civil Service Board: February 25, 2025 Approved by the City Council: