Deputy Fire Chief

About us

The City of St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in race, equity, and inclusion. As one of the city’s strategic priorities, the city seeks to ensure all practices, programs, policies, and services of the city are fair, inclusive, and equitable. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences, and our strategic vision includes hiring and retaining racially diverse and racially conscious staff across all levels of our organization.
 

About the position 

Participate in all short and long range strategic planning activities which define organizational goals and objectives consistent with the mission of the St. Louis Park Fire Department.  Manage and oversee all daily operations. Provide assistance to the Chief in all areas including planning, coordination, administration, and leadership of efficient and effective all hazard, EMS and fire protection services.  Perform the duties of the Fire Chief in his/her absence.

 Duties and Responsibilities:

• Public safety:
  • Responsible for ensuring readiness of an efficient, effective and capable all hazard, EMS and fire protection response consistent with the mission and philosophy of the department.
  • Collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure ongoing maintenance, compliance testing and repair of  facilities, apparatus, vehicles, equipment, supplies, uniforms, protective equipment, communication systems and supporting technologies.
  • Coordinate ongoing development and review of emergency procedures and Standard Operating Guidelines, ensuring effective and consistent implementation.
  • Oversee review of serious or complex emergency calls and revise procedures as needed.
  • Recommend and implement resource strategies regarding replacement and design for all operational and capital areas within department.
  • Respond to calls and emergencies as needed.
• Supervision:
  • Provide direct supervision for the Battalion Chiefs and other staff as assigned.
  • Responsible for all aspects of human capital inclusive of recruiting, selection, hiring, retaining, training, professional development, oversight, management and governance.
  • Promote a culture/work environment that fosters collaboration, partnership building and a “See It, Own It, Solve It, Do It” problem solving approach.
  • Identify training and development needs of staff and ensure creation and implementation of department training.
  • Facilitate collaboration between shifts, stations, divisions, other City personnel, public organizations, community groups, neighboring fire departments, and other groups.
  • Evaluate performance and engagement of staff, provide direction and mentoring, demonstrate by example high standards of ethical conduct, and recognize, encourage, and reward outstanding performance.
  • Ensure the delivery of an effective ongoing, firefighter physical & mental health, wellness and safety program.
  • Support and/or provide corrective action, investigation of complaints or performance issues, and disciplinary action as needed to correct unsatisfactory performance.
  • Manage and review all resource allocation and assignment issues within operations area, including but not limited to, scheduling, training, supervision, and special assignments.
  • Represent the Fire Department as a confidential management representative for personnel issues including, but not limited to, contract negotiations, grievances, disciplinary investigations, mediation and arbitration.
• Budget:
  • Prepare annual operating and capital budget in collaboration with command team.
  • Manage ongoing operations and capital budget.
  • Process invoices, contracts and purchases as needed.
  • Provide development and execution oversight for all contracts awarded/retained by the department following established city guidelines.
• Administration and communication:
  • Measure and evaluate organizational progress regarding strategic planning goals.
  • Ensure compliance with local, regional, state and federal laws and regulations.
  • Research, develop, recommend, and review department directives, guidelines, procedures and policies.
  • Communicate effectively with the Chief regarding decisions affecting operations and policy.  Make recommendations where appropriate based upon analysis of service delivery.
  • Work closely with other department supervisors and the Chief to ensure overall communication to staff, coordination of activities, and the establishment and implementation of goals.
  • Develop, review, and present reports to City Council.
  • Attend meetings, make presentations, and serve on task forces and committees representing the department.
  • Perform the duties of Fire Chief in his/her absence.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

 Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have at least 7 years of experience in progressively responsible fire service positions, with at least 5 years of experience in a fire service leadership or operational management role.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field or associate degree in fire science or related field with 2 years of fire service experience.
• Blue Card certified, or equivalency, or the ability to obtain one within 1 year of employment.
• Knowledge of State and Federal laws, City ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
• Ability to:
  • Physically perform all essential functions and requirements of the SLPFD Firefighter job description and secure a Minnesota firefighter license within 1 year of employment.
  • Manage resources effectively and within budget constraints.
  • Lead and manage personnel in an emergency setting, and during non-emergency times provide leadership, motivation, mentorship, and training.
  • Orchestrate departmental activities effectively, use independent judgment, make decisions, and solve problems.

 Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated cultural competence and comfort with supporting the city’s strategic objectives for advancing racial equity.  
• Bachelor’s degree in fire science/public administration.
• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience and knowledge in management and labor relations in a union environment.
• Executive Fire Officer (EFO) or Chief Fire Officer Certification.