Purpose

Under the supervision of the Fire Chief, an Assistant Chief will administer the daily operations, administration, or logistics of the Fire Department. Assigned as a Shift Commander, this sworn position will manage the day-to-day operation of fire stations within the city, on a specific shift (i.e.,

A, B, and C shifts). Within this capacity, battalion chiefs will report directly to the Assistant Chief, including all operational personnel in their respective stations/company assignments and work schedules as directed by the Fire Chief.

Class Characteristics

This is a senior-level classification that is primarily responsible for representing and supporting Operations philosophy and initiatives by assisting in identifying and supporting strategic operational objectives, ensuring a high level of operational readiness and effectiveness, and managing the performance and development of shift personnel. The Assistant Chief is expected to make positive contributions to the organization by assuring operational objectives are met through the communication and implementation of initiatives, the management of operational readiness through the enforcement of policies, procedures, and performance standards, the assurance of safety throughcontinuous inspection/evaluationof personnel and equipment as well as incident evaluation and debriefing, and the development of shift personnel through interactive performance management and focused personal and professional development.

Essential Job Functions

• Coordinates the daily routine activities across stations, responds to life-threatening emergencies such as structure fires, assumes command of the incident and all responding companies, and facilitates individual companies’ achievement of Department goals.
• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Coordinates, assigns, and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
• Participate in planning, developing policy, and resolving departmental problems and issues within the department and their area of assignment.
• Responsible for fiscal management and representing the Fire Chief and the department in various situations
• Provides customer service; investigates complaints and allegations.
• Exercises command of major events, emergencies, or disasters.
• Plan, initiate, carry out, and follow up on programs in fire department administration, training, fire prevention, and fire suppression, and relate the fire department programs to other municipal programs.
• Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the fire department’s operations, administrative, or logistics division.
• Lead, empower, motivate, supervise, and manage employees in a team setting.
• Provide effective supervision and leadership, and plan, assign, and efficiently direct the work of several subordinate operating units.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with civic groups, the public, and all City employees.
• Foster cooperative working relationships among staff members and emphasize positive customer relations approaches with citizens, vendors/suppliers, and those conducting business with Westminster.
• Coach and hold employees accountable for conducting their work and activities in a manner that embraces the City and Department’s values.
• Handle sensitive issues with tact, confidentiality, and diplomacy; must possess strong interpersonal, managerial, and negotiation skills
• Reviews requests for permits for events affecting the ability of fire personnel and apparatus to operate in and around the area where services are provided.
• Participates in the amendment of laws and ordinances related to fire safety; makes public addresses and meets with the media.
• Assists in identifying and preparing specifications for Fire Rescue apparatus and related equipment purchases.
• Assist in coordinating department activities with other City departments and local, state, and federal organizations as necessary or appropriate.
• Develop and implement departmental policy.
• Appropriately empower employees by:
• Conducting day-to-day business in an inclusive and participatory manner.
• Ensuring respectful, fair, consistent, and equal treatment of all employees, citizens, and business associates.
• Foster a working environment that is positive, open, friendly, and professional.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Internal Candidate:

Must currently hold the rank of Battalion Chief with SFD.

Requires a bachelor’s from an accredited college or university approved by the Department of Education supplemented by twelve (12) years of fire service experience, of which two (2) years as a Battalion Chief,

• or-

Fifteen (15) years of service with SFD, of which three (3) years as Battalion Chief

• or-

Possession of any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Requires

• Successfully complete Fire Officer IV within 24 months of promotion or the first available class.
• Successfully complete the NIMS-ICS 400 course within 24 months of promotion or the first available class.

Preferred (not Required)

• Executive Fire Officer (EFO) and Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation

Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

Additional Requirements

Background investigation, including supervised drug screen, post offer/pre-employment medical screen, and verification of education, certifications, and licenses required before employment.

External Candidate

• Experience: 12 years of broad and increasingly responsible experience in the fire service,
• Two (2) to Three (3) or more years in the rank of Battalion Chief, higher, or equivalent (is preferred)
• Minimum of a BS/BA degree from an accredited university.
• PQ Fire Officer IV Certification (is preferred)
• Requires NIMS ICS400 (is preferred)
• Executive Fire Officer (EFO) or Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation (is preferred)

Additional Information

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Modern principles, practices, and techniques of modern fire suppression, prevention, and emergency medical response, and the ability to apply this knowledge to varied fire control, prevention, EMS, and administrative problems
• Operation, capabilities,a nd maintenance of the various types of apparatus and equipment used in modern firefighting
• Rules and regulations of the department and the City, and fire prevention laws and ordinances
• Principles of public administration with reference to personnel administration, budget preparation and administration, and overall management concepts
• Current literature, research, and developments in the fields of firefighting, fire prevention, and fire administration
• Strategicadministrativeandmanagement principlesandmethods
• Knowledge of emergency incident management techniques.
• Knowledge of city budgeting guidelines.
• Skill in developing, implementing, and enforcing policies and guidelines.
• Skill in the operation of fire apparatus and the delivery of emergency medical services.
• Skill in the training and supervision of personnel.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Minimum Standards

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Fire Chief assigns work regarding department goals and objectives. The supervisor reviews work through conferences, reports, and observation of bureau operations.

GUIDELINES: Guidelines include the City of Savannah Policies and Procedures Manual, Savannah Fire Rescue policies and procedures, Chatham County emergency management operating plans, and NFPA standards. Their application requires judgment, selection, and interpretation.

COMPLEXITY: The work consists of varied managerial and technical duties. The need to respond to emergency and life-threatening situations contributes to the complexity of the position.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to assist in directing the operations of the Fire Department. Successful performance helps ensure the increased safety of life and property in Savannah.

PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with other department heads, other fire chiefs, business leaders, emergency management officials, members of the news media, elected and appointed officials, and the general public.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, to resolve problems, to motivate or influence persons, and to negotiate or settle matters.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table, or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguishes between shades of color.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed in an office, but may also be performed outdoors and at the scene of emergencies. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, irritating chemicals, inclement weather conditions, fire, heat, and toxic gases. The work requires protective devices like masks, goggles, or gloves.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: This position supervises all division personnel directly.

APPLICATION PROCESS SELECTION PROCESS

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Candidates must apply online through Government Jobs and include a resume and any required certifications with the application.

This posting will close on May 27, 2025, at 5 pm. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Candidates considered for employment will be required to undergo an extensive pre-employment background investigation, a thorough medical examination, and a pre-employment drug screening.

Only a limited number of persons whose application materials clearly demonstrate that they meet the needs of the SFD in terms of training, experience, education, and other job-related

Characteristics will be invited to participate in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation.

The Human Resources Office performs the Evaluate Applications element, which can take up to 15 days to complete. During this timeframe, HR employees evaluate, rate, and rank the applications received and notify the applicants of the results of their qualification review. Applicants who meet the “highly qualified” definition identified in the job announcement will be invited to continue in the selection process and notified by e-mail. Human Resources will review applications.

Candidates will then complete an Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i) assessment tool Dr. Reuven Bar-On developed to measure emotional intelligence. The EQ-i 2.0 is one of the most scientifically validated Emotional Intelligence instruments on the market today. It measures and reports on five (5) realms and 15 subscales, proven to affect personal, workplace, and leadership success. The assessment measures five (5) composites: self-perception, self-expression, interpersonal, decision making, and stress management.

The next step includes a panel interview conducted by Chief Officers from other City of Savannah Departments, who will evaluate, rate, and rank candidates.

To complete the process, the fire chief, deputy chief, and two outside officials will interview the top three to four candidates.

Depending on the number of candidates or due to administrative necessity, the selection process may be modified.

City Of Savannah Employee Benefits

Overview of Benefits

Paid Holiday

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Defined Benefit Retirement Pension Plan

Protective Services Retirement Plan (select positions)

Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan

Retirement Seminars

PPO Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Wellness Programs

Health & Wellness Incentives

Long Term Disability

Excellence and Service Recognition

Employee Development and In-Service Training

Educational Assistance Program

Uniform Allowance (select positions)

Employee Assistance Program

Discounts and Memberships

Employee Relations

Direct Deposit

Credit Union

Pretax Parking Deductions

Employer Assisted Home Purchase Program

Domestic Partnership Benefits

Healthcare

PPO Medical Plus Plan

PPO Medical Basic Plan

Dental Plus Plan

Dental Basic Plan

Vision Service Plan

Life Insurance

Basic Life and ADD

Supplemental Life Employee

Supplemental Life Spouse

Supplemental Life Child

Benefits costs are paid by the City of Savannah, by the employee or shared by both the City and the employee.

01

Do you have a valid driver’s license?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you currently hold the rank of Battalion Chief with the Savannah Fire Department?

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of fire service experience do you have?

• 12 – 14 years
• 15+ years
• less than 12 years

05

List all current certifications you hold relevant to this position (e.g., Fire Officer IV, NIMS ICS 400, EFO, CFO). If you are enrolled or planning to pursue any, please explain.

• Required Question