Definition: Under general to limited supervision, oversees and is responsible for the fire department operations and EMS program of all fire suppression, emergency medical services staff and volunteers. Works in cooperation with Fire Department Management and Medical Director in developing and implementing Fire Department Operations and EMS programs. Assigned to work with all shifts in order to evaluate training and safety needs of the department. This position is part of the Fire Department management team. Responsible for the supervision of all firefighting and ambulance activities of the City. Work involves planning, organizing, staffing, equipping and training a force up to a sufficiently high level of operating efficiency to provide adequate protection and service to the City. Work involves the planning, direction, and control of all ambulance and Fire Department activities and programs including the training, assigning, discipline and supervision of all department members.

Qualifications

We're looking for a highly experienced and dedicated individual to join our team. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in fire suppression and EMS, coupled with proven leadership abilities and relevant certifications.

Required Experience & Education

• Eight (8) years of full-time experience in fire suppression and EMS.

• Four (4) years of full-time supervisory experience in fire and emergency medical services.

• High school diploma or GED.

• In-depth knowledge and experience in firefighting, fire prevention, emergency medical services, fire protection-training program(s), and/or fire administration, including departmental supervisory experience.

Essential Certifications & Training

• Paramedic or higher certification from the State of New Mexico EMS Bureau (must possess and maintain AHA BLS).

• Successful completion of the following job-related courses (meeting appropriate NFPA standards). A combination of experience and education that meets the minimum requirements may be substituted, as determined by the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief:

• Firefighter II

• Fire Instructor II

• Fire Officer III

• Fire Inspector II

• Public Education/Prevention

• Hazardous Materials Operations (Technician preferred; technician-qualified candidates will be given priority)

• Valid Exempt Class driver's license (must possess and maintain).

• Successful completion of an EVOC course.

Essential Functions: (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may vary among positions, but may include the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in the classification.)

Tasks:

• While this position is not considered a first responder, the Division Chief of Operations may be on scene of fires, accidents, ambulance calls and other emergencies on all shifts in order to observe and identify safety related issues and training and operational needs.

• May be called to respond to major emergencies as necessary. Will be allowed to use an emergency response vehicle to respond, assuming one is available, and is not otherwise in use or assigned.

• Based on observation of personnel performance, develops implements operations and EMS programs.

• Regularly reports the status of Operations/EMS programs and personnel progress to the Deputy Fire Chief, Fire Chief and elected officials.

• Coordinate, plan and organize the emergency medical services within the City of Artesia.

• Review regulations, literature, OSHA requirements, medical updates and current procedures.

• Make policy determinations to upgrade emergency medical procedures and practices.

• Write protocols, drug policies, ambulance specifications, standing orders and related projects.

• Perform data collection, analysis, Quality Assurance and reporting for internal use or for dissemination to outside agencies or the public.

• Provide for complete EMS education and training for department personnel.

• Maintain a current inventory for all medical supplies.

• Coordinate and plan for EMS coverage of special events in the community.

• Maintain medical records of Fire Department personnel.

• Responsible for insuring that all personnel receive the required amount of training hours.

• Coordinates training activities for fire department, ambulance service and rescue squads.

• Conducts training for all shifts and employees, including training new recruits and members of the Volunteer Department, maintains shift training records, completes and files reports.

• Performs routine inspections of all equipment, facilities, policies, procedures and practices to insure compliance with all OSHA and other safety regulations.

• Responsible for creating, implementing and maintaining a replacement/repair program and schedule for all fire and EMS safety related equipment and/or supplies.

• Answers phone and operates 2-way radios to facilitate effective and timely response to emergency calls.

• Attends and participates in a variety of training activities to maintain and improve the level of fire suppression and emergency medical skills and general physical conditioning.

• Employees may be called out in emergency and non-emergency situations. When contacted, the employee is expected to report to work unless there are special non- recurring circumstances. Outside employment or the operation of a business is not considered a special circumstance.

• Keep immediate supervisor fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.

• During emergency situations, but not as a regular part of this position’s duties, perform the following:

• Performs a variety of fire suppression activities at the fire scene, including laying and connecting hose, operating a pumper and directing water streams, raising and climbing ladders, and utilizing a variety of equipment, including pike poles, smoke ejectors, and forcible entry tools.

• Administers first aid, at the Emergency Medical Technician level, at fires, accidents, and other emergency/rescue scenes.

• Responds to fire, ambulance and rescue calls as appropriate to ensure that services are being provided safely, efficiently, effectively and in a timely manner.

• Performs a variety of fire suppression, ambulance and rescue tasks.

• Drives and operates fire and emergency response vehicles, equipment, and apparatus as necessary.

• Other tasks and duties in related work not outlined as needed for department efficiency.

• Attend meetings, conferences, workshops, training sessions, and review publications to become, and remain current, on the principles and practices of new developments in EMS and assigned work areas.

• Respond to citizen’s questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.

• Communicate regularly with all personnel to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.

• Serve as liaison between Medical Director, medical community and our EMS service.

• Perform other activities and program oversight as assigned by the Fire Chief.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills and Other Characteristics:

• Knowledge of fire suppression principles, methods, techniques and practices.

• Knowledge of training techniques.

• Ability to effectively communicate information.

• Knowledge of OSHA and other related safety regulations.

• Knowledge of Emergency Medical Services Program.

• Knowledge of NFPA safety recommendations.

• Knowledge of equipment requirements for effective fire suppression.

• Knowledge of fire prevention and safety standards, methods, practices and procedures, including Fire Inspection and Fire Prevention Safety Codes.

• Knowledge of fire investigation principles, methods, techniques and procedures.

• Knowledge of basic principles of employee training and supervision.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, City officials and the public.

• Ability to understand and interpret complex standards, regulations and guidelines.

• Ability to respond to calls at any time and under any weather or hazardous conditions.

• Ability to do maintenance and minor repairs to apparatus, equipment, building and grounds.

• Ability to lift and move objects weighing more than 75 pounds.

• Skill in operating a variety of fire suppression, ambulance and rescue equipment.

Physical Functions:

• Ability to sit all day with opportunity to stand/walk intermittently during normal workday.

• Ability to crouch, kneel, and/or bend up to one half hour per normal work day.

• Ability to stand, walk, crouch, climb, kneel, crawl, bend at waist, or remain in a prone position during an emergency situation.

• Ability to work with arms bent up to two-thirds of working day, and with arms extended up to one-third of normal working day.

• May be required to have arms extended for a longer period of time during an emergency situation.

• Ability to push and pull with arms with a force of up to two pounds for one half hour each normal working day.

• May be required to push and pull with arms with greater than fifty pounds of force during emergency situation.

• May be required to twist and rotate arms during and emergency situation.

• May be required to lift and carry heavy emergency equipment weighing up to seventy pounds during an emergency situation.

• May be required to balance with legs during an emergency situation. May be required to push and pull with legs with a force of greater than fifty pounds during an emergency situation.

• Ability to grasp and manipulate objects, and perform fine finger dexterity movements for up to one-third of normal working day. This work involves eye-hand coordination and some bilateral coordination. May be required to grasp and manipulate objects and perform finer finger dexterity work with exceptional speed and bilateral coordination during emergency situations.

Working Conditions:

• Indoor duty performed in a controlled temperature environment. However, may be exposed to extreme temperatures or humid conditions during an emergency situation.

• May be exposed to noisy environments during emergency situations.

• May be exposed to vibration of body during emergency situations.

• May be exposed to hazardous materials, chemicals, fire, infectious disease, and burns.

• May be exposed to exhaust or chemical fumes, smoke odors, dusts, mists, and gases during emergency situations.

• Performs work mainly on even carpeted and tiled floor surfaces. May work on asphalt, concrete, or natural ground during an emergency situation. May be required to work on inclines or ramps, catwalks or scaffolding, or stairs and ladders. Working surface is mainly dry, but may be wet or greasy during emergency situations.

• Performs work with direction. May work with one or two other people. May work with a large group of people.

• Work is conducted during any time of day or night as needed for emergencies.

• Employee is required to have an operational telephone in his/her residence at all times.

Equipment, Tools, and Materials:

• Telephone, computer, radio, copy machine, FAX machine, city vehicle, all EMT and rescue equipment, and firefighting equipment.

• Use all safety aids related to EMS, rescue, and firefighting during emergency situations.