Fire Chief

Location:  City of College Station, TX Download:  City of College Station, TX - Fire Chief Brochure

City of College Station, TX
Fire Chief

The Community

The City of College Station is located in the heart of central Texas with a population of 107,000 people and ranks among the 15 fastest-growing metros in the country. The City of College Station is the home to Texas A&M University, the third largest public university in the nation.  Located only 100 miles from Houston and Austin and 160 miles from Dallas and San Antonio, College Station is within four hours driving time of more than 14 million people. A network of well-maintained highways and a nearby regional airport serviced by major international airlines facilitate quick transportation between College Station and the rest of the country.

College Station has been recognized as one of the nation's top 10 places for business, jobs, families and retirees. In addition, the city has been named America's No. 1 college town and was a finalist for the nation's friendliest.

College Station boasts one of the lowest property tax rates in Texas, and despite its exponential growth, has found a way to maintain a small-town feel while offering abundant entertainment and recreational opportunities in a safe and wholesome environment. 

College Station is the only city in the country with six nationally accredited core service departments -- parks, public works, water, fire, police and public safety communications. It is among the safest and most family-friendly places in Texas, consistently maintaining one of the state's lowest crime rates. Kiplinger's has also ranked College Station among the nation's 10 best places to raise a family. 

Accolades

  • Fastest-growing non-suburb in Texas and No. 15, Fastest Growing U.S. Metros -U.S. Census Bureau (2016)
  • No. 1, Best Small Texas Cities for Jobs--Forbes (2016)
  • No. 1, Most Exciting Cities in Texas-Gogobot.com(2015)
  • No. 1, Best Small Places in Texas forEducation-Forbes(2015)
  • No. 1, Best Small Places in Texas for Business and Careers-Forbes(2015)
  • No. 10, Top College Towns-American Inst. for Economic Research(2015) 

Government

The City of College Station incorporated in 1938 and operates under a council-manager form of government.

The council-manager form is the system of local government that combines strong political leadership, representative democracy through elected officials, and professional management. The form establishes a representative form of government by concentrating all power in the elected city council. The council hires a professionally trained and educated city manager to oversee the delivery of public services and the daily operations of the City.  Council members are part-time volunteers who serve as the policy making board for the City's government. 

The Department

The College Station Fire Department is a nationally accredited agency through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI).  The Fire Department is a fully paid, career department staffing six engines, one ladder tower, one Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle, four Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) capable ambulances, a Special Operations Apparatus vehicle and one command vehicle from six stations. The department is made up of 152 employees and manages a $16 million budget. 

The College Station Fire Department is deeply involved in Emergency Medical Services. The department staffs four first run ambulances with EMT-Paramedics and has two reserve ambulances. Response territory for EMS includes the City of College Station and the southern half of Brazos County. 

In addition, members of the College Station Fire Department, the Bryan Fire Department and personnel from Texas A&M University partner to form a Hazardous Material Response Team and the local USAR Team.  College Station is also home to the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service's Brayton Fire Training Field allowing the College Station Fire Department the opportunity to meet and work with agencies from around the world. 

The Position

The Fire Chief reports to the City Manager and is responsible for directing and supervising the divisions of the fire department to include fire administration, fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical services, and Emergency Management coordination.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

  • Establish policies, procedures and regulations for firefighting, fire prevention, and emergency medical services standards of the City.
  • Supervise subordinate personnel and coordinate activities of Municipal Fire Department.
  • Approve training of personnel and administer laws and regulations affecting the Fire Department.
  • Coordinate mutual fire protection plans with surrounding municipalities.
  • Prepare departmental budget.
  • Confer with officials and community groups and conduct public relations campaigns to present need for changes in laws and policies and to encourage fire prevention.
  • Oversee fire cause investigations and building inspections for fire hazards.
  • Work closely with local and state Divisions of Emergency Management for disaster preparedness for mitigation, planning, response and recovery efforts.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of the principles, procedures, equipment, and apparatus used in modern firefighting and in the protection of life and property from fire.
  • Knowledge of laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations concerning firefighting and protection.
  • Available for emergency response.

Education and Experience

Qualified applicants will have a Bachelor's Degree in fire science or a related field in addition to seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in a certified firefighting capacity, including five (5) years' experience in a supervisory or management role.  In addition, qualified applicants must have or be able to obtain a Master Certificate in Fire Protection issued by the Texas Fire Commission. 

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate should have a comprehensive understanding of emergency scene management, fire prevention and education programs, hazardous materials response, special tactical response, Homeland Security and emergency preparedness management.  Superior strategic planning skills, fiscal and budget management are critical to the success of this position.  Experience working in an accredited fire department is highly preferred.

The ideal candidate should possess excellent customer service skills and a strong ability to collaborate and build/maintain relationships with the entire organization and throughout the community. This person should be a visible leader who is able to display strong leadership, communication, decision-making, and negotiation skills and encourage these traits in all levels of the Fire Department.   Effective communication along with strong collaboration and team building skills will be necessary for this individual to be successful; advanced written and oral communication skills are imperative. The ideal candidate must have the capacity and interest to be an effective mentor for staff and to ensure adequate succession planning is put into place.

This individual must be able to adhere to the highest ethical and moral standards and be able to display transparency.  

Salary

The City of College Station is offering a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package. Relocation assistance will be available for the successful out of area candidate.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should forward a cover letter and resume to:

resumes@affionpublic.com
Reference: CSFC

Affion Public
2120 Market Street
Suite 100
Camp Hill, PA 17011
888.321.4922
Fax: 717-214-2205
www.affionpublic.com

 

The City of College Station is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. 

 

**Deadline to receive resumes is October 11, 2016

Posted: 03/22/2022