Deputy Chief of EMS Services

The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. About one-quarter of the City's square miles have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you are interested inworking for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Deputy Chief position.

An Overview
The Deputy Chief of EMS Services assists the Assistant Fire Chief or Fire Chief in overall division operations for the Fire Department and is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating programs and services. Responsible for a division, the Deputy Chief will determine operational methodologies, commit resources, and develop effective strategies to support the direction and mission. This position may serve as a liaison between the Department and other jurisdictions, committees, and outside agencies; providing highly responsible and complex administrative support; as well as representing the Department in the absence of the Assistant Fire Chief. Work will be evaluated by an Assistant Fire Chief or Fire Chief.

The Opportunity

• Oversees a major division or functional area of the Fire Department including personnel management, development of plans and objectives for improving the level of operations, support services, and ensuring compliance within established rules, regulations, codes, policies, and procedures. Coordinates and supports new initiatives and evaluates current policy and procedures with the Assistant Fire Chief. Monitors and ensures Federal, State and City-wide reporting requirements are being met.
• Ensures City-wide service delivery of prompt, effective and professional emergency services through proper scheduling and staffing of personnel, and by proper allocation of related resources. Responds to major fire, emergency medical service, rescue incidents, and other emergency service calls; operates in an incident command structure (may assume command and general staff positions as needed). Serves as a staff duty officer on a rotational basis.
• Procures and maintains facilities, offices, supplies, equipment, and apparatus that supports the division. This includes conducting and/or overseeing inspections of assets, resources, and vehicles for operational readiness. Develops the training and needs assessments for their assigned division.
• Communicates performance expectations, evaluates performance in a timely manner. Provides feedback and guidance to employees by recommending training and education, administering corrective action, coaching, and counseling team members. Addresses employee personal/performance issues, conflict management, and participates in the grievance process.
• Assists in the development, administration and monitoring of the division budget including providing background information and data interpretation. Prepares and reviews forms, reports, schedules, and other administrative documents in order to brief Assistant Fire Chief(s) or the Fire Chief routinely on division matters. Coordinates and communicates with fellow division leadership on matters related to, but not limited to, accidents, injuries, loss or damage to property, etc..
• Keeps abreast of new developments and public safety changes related to departmental operations. Coordinates training and educational opportunities to keep staff current with latest management, leadership, and technological advances. Evaluates and manages training and development programs, policies, and initiatives.
• When public relations matters arise, acts as a liaison for the Fire Department, bringing employee and citizen complaints to resolution in a timely manner. In addition, represents the department in at civic, business and community events, participating on committees as appropriate, and acts as a representative to government subdivisions of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Federal government and relevant local/regional advisory and policy groups.
• May be expected to create and maintain partnerships with organizations in the region related to health, safety and the medical community. Develops, approves, and participates in community programs which Fire Department personnel interact with residents and visitors of the City. May also serve as a point of contact for media related communications.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

What You Should Bring
We're looking for a proven professional leader with the energy, vision, desire, and passion to help lead our department. Theposition requires strong division management performing a wide range of complex duties involving strategic development,communication, and partnership. This includes providing leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion as a major component in fire department professional development, training, and administrative and operational activities.

About the Department
"Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other"
The Alexandria Fire Department provides fire, emergency medical services, and special operations such as technical rescue, hazardous materials and marine response operations with additional capabilities including fire prevention, inspections, protection, and investigation to a 15 square mile city. The Alexandria Fire Department employs more than 320personnel, which include firefighters, paramedics, fire prevention staff and administrative support. A network of ten stations protects 15 square miles. Among the department's specialized teams are the Northern Virginia Regional Hazardous Materials Team, Technical Rescue, Marine Operations, and the Special Operations Team. The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is also a city-wide function within the Alexandria Fire Department.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Candidates for this class must have HS Diploma, GED or equivalent; 30 credits at an accredited college or university and have completed all certification requirements listed in this section. Must successfully complete a criminal background check, pass a drug test and pass an NFPA 1582 medical physical. Must have two years of experience at the level of battalion chief or greater in a fire/emergency services department of comparable or greater size that Alexandria, including demonstrated executive-level competence (command, operations, planning, logistics or administration); or an equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Required Certifications and/or Requirements (all must be obtained prior to eligibility to apply for position):

• NFPA Fire Fighter II certification (ProBoard or IFSAC- recognized by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs or ability to obtain reciprocity)
• NFPA Fire Officer II certification (ProBoard or IFSAC- recognized by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs or ability to obtain reciprocity)
• NFPA Instructor II certification (ProBoard or IFSAC- recognized by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs or ability to obtain reciprocity)
• Emergency Medical Technician Basic recognized by the Virginia Office of EMS or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (NREMT-B) (EMT-B)
• CPR Healthcare Provider Certification
• NIMS ICS 200, 300, 400, 700, 703, 800
• Must possess a valid driver's license

Other Certifications and/or Requirements by Specialty/Division Area:

• EMS
  • Must maintain Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (EMT-P) recognized by the Virginia Office of EMS or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (NREMT-P).
  • Must be cleared by the Operational Medical Director to practice ALS skills
• Emergency Management and Homeland Security
  • Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) from the International Association of Emergency Managers or certification by the Virginia Emergency Management Association as a Professional Emergency Manager (PEM).
  • Completion of the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) training course

Preferred Qualifications

This class specification provides a generalized representation of positions in this class. It is not intended to reflect essential functions pursuant to ADA, nor is it intended to list every specific function and task of this class title. A job class may also have a medical standard associated with specific physical or mental requirements that must be met.