Exhibit 8A Return to Agenda

Fire Chief
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Department: Administration
Reports To: City Administrator

Supervisory Duties: Yes

FLSA Status: Full-time regular position, Exempt

Benefits: Qualifies for full-time benefits
Union Status: Non-Union
Last Updated: August 2022

Position Details
The Fire Chief performs a variety of technical, administrative, and supervisory work in planning, budgeting,
organizing, directing, and implementing fire prevention, fire suppression, technical and specialized rescue,
hazardous materials and emergency medical services. Establishes partnerships and response strategies to
minimize the loss of life and impact to property in the City and the departments’ rural service area. Work
involves setting policies and goals under the direction of the City Administrator. Departmental supervision is
exercised over all personnel within the department. Works cooperatively with the City Administrator and
Council and assists with Emergency Management functional duties.

Administrative Responsibilities
• Responds to major fire emergencies, evaluates needs and resources, organizes emergency
scene through directing the placement of personnel and equipment, and assumes command
of fire scene when appropriate.
• Directs, plans, coordinates, supervises and evaluates Fire Department operations for the City
of Detroit Lakes and all contracted areas. Formulates and implements fire service policies,
procedures, rules, regulations, and programs.
• Assists the State Fire Marshal’s Office and local law enforcement agencies with the
investigation of suspected arson fires and other related matters as may be necessary to
determine probable cause and prepares required reports.
• Directs, supervises, and evaluates the maintenance and procedures of records and materials
associated with fire administration activities and department activities.
• Establishes and maintains mutual aid agreements with neighboring fire departments to
ensure adequate response for emergency situations.
• Coordinates and cooperates with other public safety agencies.
• Subject to call out 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Perform fire service duties as required including fire prevention, suppression, emergency
services, training, and investigation.
• Performs general maintenance of all apparatus, tools, equipment, and facilities.
• Collects information regarding fire services and needs of the community; reviews and
evaluates new concepts, techniques, and equipment to determine applicability to services;
makes recommendations to Council.
• Maintains a liaison relationship with other fire agencies, EMS agencies, Emergency 911
Communications, Becker County Sheriff, community groups, City officials, staff and citizens
regarding fire services and fire prevention issues and objectives, departmental policies and
operations.

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• Establishes and maintains effective community relations including speaking at various

engagements and working with school officials, civic and business groups, and residents.
• Performs inspections and oversees inspection programs to ensure appropriate inspections of
buildings and other properties occur related to fire/life safety hazards and the enforcement
and application of Fire Code and related City Ordinances. Works closely with Community
Development Director, Building Official, Code Enforcement Official and other departments
related to problem properties and new construction as necessary.
• Meets with architects, engineers, contractors, and others involved in development and
construction activities which affect the fire code; reviews, interprets and explains provisions of
fire and life safety codes, city ordinances and state statutes to building inspector and fire
prevention staff, building contractors and residents.
• Serves as Emergency Management contact for the City of Detroit Lakes and coordinates
disaster preparedness with Becker County.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Supervisory Duties and Responsibilities

• Determines organizational structure; assesses department needs; coordinates assignment of
staff to special functions and projects; provides recommendations to the City Administrator.
• Develops, schedules and manages a comprehensive training program for professional
development, skills development and physical fitness; conducts or oversees training and
maintains accurate records; ensures the Fire Department is in compliance with all state and
federal regulations.
• Develops, supervises, evaluates and trains department personnel; researches legal
information to ensure that services provided are in accordance with laws and their current
interpretations.
• Under the direction and/or authority of the City Council oversees all Fire Department
personnel policies and actions, oversees and/or participates in the selection of
employees; evaluates employees and recommends salary adjustments.
• Directs, plans, coordinates, and supervises Fire Department Staff; acts as final authority on
all personnel actions subject to approval of City Council on hiring, severe disciplinary action,
and dismissal.
• Assists in the recruitment, selection and promotion of department personnel.
• Directs, evaluates and takes appropriate action on complaints regarding conduct of
department personnel and/or regarding department policies and procedures.
• Supervises all Fire Department staff directly or indirectly through department supervisors.

Budget and Finance

• Develops annual budget proposal and controls budgeted expenses for the department;
plans, reviews and maintains department equipment, supplies and facilities; develops
capital improvement program, and implements short- and long-range planning goals and
programs.
• Seeks and applies for grants, alternative funding, and other innovative financing
opportunities.

While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will
be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the City.

Position Requirements
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Comprehensive knowledge of the codes, regulations, and ordinances concerning the fire

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service including principles and practices of fire prevention, inspection, suppression and
emergency services.
• Comprehensive knowledge of departmental rules and regulations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the operation and maintenance of apparatus and equipment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the City’s Service Territory geographical layout and knowledge of
particular fire problems presented by types of buildings, locations of streets and available
water supply.
• Ability to effectively supervise personnel in fire and emergency situations.
• Ability to prepare and review reports.
• Resourcefulness and sound judgment in emergencies; demonstrated integrity; tact.
• Ability to operate personal computer including some knowledge of applicable software
packages.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City officials, public
safety agencies, associates and with the general public.
• Leadership, decision making, strong interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree with coursework in fire service management, emergency service
management, public administration and business administration or closely related field.
• Extensive experience firefighting with at least four (4) or more with supervisory,
administrative and management responsibility; or equivalent combination of education and
experience.

Special Requirements
• State certified Firefighter II upon hire
• Must possess a valid MN Class B driver’s license.
• IFSAC or Proboard certified FFI, FFII, NIMS ICS 400,EMR certified, NFA leadership
certifications, and Hazmat 472.
• EMSRB prehospital care level responder of Emergency Medical Responder or higher.
• Certified Emergency Manager.
• Successful completion of fire alarm training class (minimum of 12 hours) or ability to obtain
within one (1) year of hire.
• Successful completion of fire sprinkler plan review and inspection training class (minimum
of 28 hours) or ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire.
• Live within a 4 mile radius or an 8 minute drive time of the Detroit Lakes Fire Station at 417
Main Street West.
• Complete 72 hours of continuing education every three (3) years.

Physical and Mental Requirements

This work requires the regular exertion of up to 25 pounds of force, frequent exertion of up to 50 pounds
of force and occasional exertion of over 100 pounds of force; work regularly requires lifting and
occasionally requires standing, walking, sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to manipulate, handle or
feel, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms,
tasting or smelling, pushing or pulling and repetitive motions; work has specific vision requirements; such
as close, distance, color, peripheral, depth visons; vocal communication is required for expressing or
exchanging ideas by means of the spoken words and conveying detailed or important instructions to
others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word
levels and to receive detailed information through verbal communications and/or to make fine distinctions
in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines, operating
motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work frequently requires

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exposure to outdoor weather conditions and occasionally requires wet, humid conditions (non-weather),
exposure to risk of electrical shock, working with explosives, exposure to vibrations, wearing a self-
contained breathing apparatus and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear
specialized personal protective equipment; work is generally in a loud noise location.

The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable
accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.

Working Conditions
Most work is performed in an office environment, fire station and throughout the community involving
use of a personal or City-appointed vehicle. Some travel is required. Frequently uses office
equipment.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee
encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be
made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Department Head Competencies

Leadership
• Oversees all department operations and work activities, including the staff of the department in
alignment with the vision and directives of the City.
• Leads the operation of the department, ensures City policies/safety/rules/procedures are followed,
assists staff with problem solving issues, performs appropriate decision making, and follows
through on projects to ensure work product is consistently high quality.
• Clearly defines responsibilities and authority limits to employees.
• Inspires others to achieve results by promoting involvement, participation and cooperation.
• Works respectfully and effectively with managers and leadership of the department and creates a
work environment among reporting staff that encourages and provides impactful outcomes through
teamwork.
• Creates and supports effective working relationships within and between City departments,
divisions and outside agencies.
• Researches best practices, literature, and data to synthesize for department policy and budget
development.
• Interprets laws, rules, and regulations at the City, State, and Federal level.
• Directs implementation of laws and regulations in accordance with City, State, and Federal laws
and regulations.
• Conducts regular department meetings with supervisors and line staff to inform them of significant
issues, events, policies, or legislative changes.
Fiscal Responsibility
• Determines fiscal goals and objectives; establishes program areas, service needs, and allocates
department resources.
• Prepares annual operating Department budget by providing comprehensive justifications for
budgetary requests.
o Prepares and presents five-year capital budget.
o Prepares and monitors budgets for special projects.
o Researches, prepares, and monitors grant applications for State, Federal and related
funding.
• Controls and monitors operating costs, expenditures and revenues by effectively utilizing staff,

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materials, and equipment; approves invoices submitted to the City Council for payment.
o Recognizes and initiates actions for possible changes and/or enhancements in
Department procedures, processes, housekeeping, and/or safe practices, improving cost
effectiveness, productivity and/or overall results.
Outcomes and Measurements
• Directs strategic planning, quality improvement and performance management activities.
• Establishes departmental goals and performance measures as well as communicates, supports,
and evaluates the achievement of those set goals and measures.
• Assists in the development of long-range capital improvement projects and programs, and
coordinates the goals, objectives, and priorities of the Department.
• Oversees and/or manages Department data records and reporting.
Safety Conscious
• Promotes and supports safety and loss control programs to ensure a safe and healthy working
environment that will minimize hazards and/or risks that could result in personal injury, illness,
and/or property damage.
• Keeps abreast of accident/injury trends within the Department, ensuring proper action was taken to
investigate incidents/accidents in determining causes and reducing injuries.
Liaison to City Council and/or Public Utilities Commission
• Develops and recommends policies affecting the Department legislative platform to the City Council
and Public Utilities Commission.
• Provides reports and presentations to the Council and Public Utilities Commission.
• Conducts effective meetings and public forums with composure, professionalism, and discretion.

Supervisor Competencies
Supervision
• Manages and directs the Department staff and the work activities of the employees in alignment
with the vision and direction of the City.
• Provides effective supervision, training and guidance for assigned personnel; is approachable;
anticipates changes and manages challenges.
• Promotes teamwork and cooperation.
• Serves as a positive role model of successful performance and ethical conduct.
• Monitors and documents the work performance of assigned personnel on a timely and continual
basis, conducts effective coaching, reviews performance, and takes corrective action whenever
necessary.
• Delegates responsibility and authority.
• Responsible for scheduling work assignments, tracking, and approving hours of work.
• Recommends for hiring, disciplining, and terminating employees.
Staff Development and Motivation
• Conducts or oversees training for current and new employees to ensure established procedures are
clearly understood and followed.
• Continually monitors results being achieved in assigned areas, providing the necessary tools and
coaching to create a cohesive team.

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• Creates a working climate in which assigned personnel are motivated to develop their working
knowledge, skills, and abilities, and demonstrates by personal example the desired standards of
conduct and work performance.
Safety Conscious
• Enforces all safety rules, regulations and procedures. Provides training as necessary.
• Processes incident/accident reporting within time constraints, investigates incidents/accidents to
determine causes.
• Actively participates in and supports the safety and health programs.
• Makes certain that equipment, tools, and machinery are used and maintained properly.

Competencies Common to All City Positions

• Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with, all departmental and
applicable City policies and procedures
• Demonstrate, by personal example, the spirit of service, excellence and integrity expected from all
staff.
• Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willingness to
assist newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as possible.
• Confer regularly with, and keep immediate supervisor informed of, all important matters which
pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities.
• Represent the City of Detroit Lakes in a professional manner to the public, outside contacts and
constituencies.
• Possess an innovative spirit which can identify, develop and support improved methods,
procedures or technologies.

City of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota