Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal

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Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal

Salary

$136,634.94 - $173,550.52 Annually

Location

Public Safety Center, Paso Robles

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

22/23-09

Department

Fire and Emergency Services

Opening Date

11/29/2022

Closing Date

1/17/2023 8:00 AM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

Description

Increased wages now reflected in flyer! 

The City of Paso Robles is seeking an individual who is passionate about joining the leadership of the Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services Department by bringing experience, authenticity, and a desire to mentor our amazing crew. They will be enthusiastic about our fire prevention programs and committed to fostering community engagement surrounding disaster preparedness. This sworn exempt position assists, organizes, oversees, and coordinates the operations of the Fire and Emergency Services department; reviews the work of staff performing difficult and complex technical and office support related to fire prevention and other departmental functions; performs professional work such as analyzing cost, revenue, and relevant economic data; assumes responsibility for the oversight, maintenance, and improvement of a variety of programs, projects, and special assignments; fire prevention and inspection functions, arson investigations, serves as the City Disaster Preparedness Officer; and performs related work as required. 

The Community
El Paso de Robles, or "The Pass of the Oaks," is located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, in San Luis Obispo County. Paso Robles is surrounded by scenic rolling hills and California’s premier wine regions and is only 27 miles from beautiful beaches. This thriving community of over 30,000 actively engaged residents possesses the benefits of a suburban-rural community while retaining a small-town feel and is one of California’s best kept secrets. With over 200 wineries nearby and a bustling downtown with a variety of excellent restaurants and specialty retail, Paso Robles is fast becoming one of the most desirable and places to live, work, and play.

Paso Robles has a long history of agriculture and hospitality which have combined to create strong work ethics and an enjoyable quality of life. Once hailed as the “Almond Capital of the World”, Paso Robles is now known for top quality food, wine, beer, distilled spirits, and an annual calendar filled with events that celebrate everything from wine to pioneers to classic cars. Paso Robles has been honored by the national media, including Country Living’s “10 Best Small Towns in America”; Travel and Leisure Magazine’s “Best Small Towns to Retire to in America”; the Today Show’s “Top Summer Destination for 2021”; a New York Times “Must Visit Region”; Sunset Magazine’s “Best Travel Spots for 2021”; and Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s “Wine Region of the Year”.
 
The City understands the importance of business development and works hard to attract commerce in a diverse array of industries. The economic outlook for Paso Robles continues to be strong. The housing market is robust and offers a wide array of housing choices including new neighborhoods, houses with acreage, infill, and charming Victorian homes, with a median home price of about $634,500. Paso Robles also has excellent schools, both public and private. Approximately half an hour away is the nationally ranked Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, and within the city of Paso Robles is accredited Cuesta College (North County Campus).

City Government
The City was incorporated in 1889 as a general law City that operates under the Council-Manager form of government with a general population of 31,176 as of January 1, 2022. The governing body consists of a five-member City Council and, beginning in 2020, the City is now divided into four voting districts, each district represented by one City Councilmember residing in that district; the Mayor’s position remains at-large. The voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, is the Chief Executive Officer, and is empowered to appoint all non-elected employees, except for the City Attorney.

The City has a total annual budget of $147.15 million for fiscal year 2022/2023, and a total of 276.34 FTEs across the departments of: Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities. The Fire and Emergency Services Department currently consists of 43 budgeted positions, 40 of which are sworn, and a budget of $9.6 million.

In November 2020, the voters of Paso Robles approved Measure J-20, a one percent supplemental sales tax beginning on April 1, 2021 and ending on March 31, 2033. It has the potential to generate approximately $10 million each year in sales tax revenues. The main priorities for this revenue are fire and emergency services, police services, and street repair and maintenance. For fiscal year 2022/2023, Measure J-20 is funding 12 Firefighters, a Deputy Fire Chief, Administrative Fire Captain, and Fire Prevention Specialist; construction of a third fire station; one Type 1 fire engine; and preliminary design of a public safety training facility.

The Department
The Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services Department provides a variety of services including fire protection, emergency medical services at the paramedic level, rescue services, hazardous materials mitigation, public services, community risk reduction, disaster preparedness, and response to the community.

The department has automatic and mutual aid agreements with Cal Fire and other surrounding municipal departments. The City and these agencies provide a clearly defined response plan for dispatching the nearest fire and EMS personnel and equipment to an emergency. The City operates four fire stations: two staffed stations, a third station under construction, and one unstaffed station at the airport.

Department administrative staff consists of the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Fire Marshal/Battalion Chief, two Fire Prevention Specialists, an Administrative Fire Captain, and an Emergency Services Coordinator. The Operations Division is staffed daily with a minimum of one Battalion Chief, three Fire Captains, three Fire Engineers, and three Firefighters who staff three response resources on a 48/96 schedule.

Typical Duties

  • Oversees the development, implementation, and management of community risk reduction and disaster preparedness programs for the City
  • Provides incident command and control of fire suppression, medical emergencies, rescue and hazardous materials spills and releases and related activities as needed
  • Participates in planning, organizing, and directing personnel in training relating to community risk reduction/ code enforcement, hazardous materials emergencies, disaster preparedness, fire protection system operation/maintenance, repair and testing and other departmental activities with specific focus on fire prevention
  • Enforces fire safety standards in the construction, operation, and maintenance of commercial and industrial establishments, and in the storage and handling of hazardous chemicals, radioactive materials, explosives, and flammable liquids
  • Inspects buildings to ensure compliance with state and local fire codes, ordinances and regulations, including State facilities as mandated by the State Fire Marshal
  • Inspects sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, hood suppression systems, and other fire protection systems
  • Writes local ordinances for approval by the Fire Chief and City Council; participates in the development and implementation of department policies, goals, objectives and priorities
  • Plans, develops, and coordinates public education and information programs, including media releases
  • Plans, schedules, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of assigned staff, including periodic inspection of fire prevention equipment and facilities
  • Prepares and maintains records and reports pertaining to assigned duties
  • Performs plan checks on new construction, remodels, tenant improvements, and demolition as assigned and in compliance with adopted codes
  • Oversees fire investigations to determine the cause, including preparing reports on corrective actions needed, gathering evidence and working on case development with legal staff in arson cases
  • Acts as the liaison to other public agencies and private organizations relevant to the assigned project and department; develops and participates in activities/programs with community partners
  • Interacts with the public and/or community groups in response to citizen complaints of fire code violations, requests for information, and conflict resolution
  • May act as the Fire Chief on a relief or assigned basis
  • Performs related duties as assigned

Employment Standards & Special Requirements

Knowledge of:

  • Fire protection, life safety systems, disaster preparedness, and safety
  • Technical fire protection and inspection practices and procedures
  • Federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to fire prevention
  • State and local codes that include Title 19 and Title 24 of the California Administrative Code, Uniform Fire Code, California Penal Code, and Uniform Building Code
  • Principles, practices, and methods of handling, transporting, and storing hazardous materials
  • Basic construction methods and material
  • Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, supervision and leadership of staff
  • Principles, practices, and procedures of modern firefighting and emergency medical services
  • Principles and practices of public agency budget development, administration, and accountability
  • Computer applications related to the work, including word processing, spreadsheet, and data base applications
  • Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures
  • Records management principles and practices, and basic investigation principles 
  • Techniques for providing a high level of customer service and dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff, in person and over the telephone
Ability to:
  • Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards
  • Oversee and participate in the management of fire suppression, prevention, emergency medical services training and disaster preparedness services and activities
  • Select, train, and provide professional development to staff in work procedures
  • Interpret, apply, and explain complex laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances
  • Perform complex, analytical, and legal research work and analysis
  • Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations
  • Use initiative and independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines
  • Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials
  • Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines
  • Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work
Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in a related field, and seven years of increasingly responsible full-time experience in an agency providing a full range of urban fire protection services or current status as a Chief Officer.
 
Additional experience as outlined above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the educational requirement up to a maximum of two years.  

Licenses and Certifications:

Requires the possession of the following:
 
  • Company Officer certification issued by the California Office of the State Fire Marshal
  • Advanced Incident Command System for Command and General Staff (I-400)
  • Valid CPR certificate
  • Valid California class C driver license and have a satisfactory driving record
  • Hazardous Material First Responder Incident Commander certification within one year of appointment, opportunities permitting
At the Fire Chief’s discretion, required certifications above may be substituted with other state and/or federal certifications for current Chief Officers with a minimum of two years of experience. If substituted, completion of a Company Officer certification issued by the California Office of the State Fire Marshal must be completed within two years of appointment.
 
Possession of the following are desirable:
 
  • Chief Fire Officer certification
  • Executive Chief Fire Officer certification
  • Qualification under the National Wildfire Coordinating Group guidelines in one or more ICS positions
  • Fire Marshal certification
  • Plans Examiner
  • Fire Inspector 1 and 2
  • Fire Investigator 
The full job description for Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal can be viewed on the City's website here.

Selection Procedure & Application Process

To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, please submit an employment application, resume, and cover letter describing your interest and how your skills and experience relate to the position by Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 8:00 am. This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. 

Application materials received by the filing date will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and job-related qualifications.  A limited number of persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the assessment process described below. All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge. 

Assessment Process: The assessment process will include an interview as well as emergency incident simulations. The simulation exercises will evaluate your ability to assess an incident, establish strategic priorities and control objectives, assign first alarm resources, order additional resources, and overall incident command of emergency incidents using proper ICS terminology as the first due Chief Officer. Reference material for the simulations can be found in the downloads section of the SLO County Fire Chief's website here: https://slocountyfirechiefs.org/. Upon being selected to participate in the assessment center, additional reference materials will be provided to candidates.

Appointment is subject to successfully passing a pre-employment physical, psychological exam, background, and criminal history check. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity, authorization to work in the United States and a DMV driving record. The City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify (more information can be found at www.PRCity.com/HR). Following appointment, a 12-month probationary period may be required as the final phase of the appointment process. 

The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (805) 227-7234, or by email at Jobs@PRCity.com.
 
All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as "disaster service workers" as defined in the California Government Code section 3100 and 3101.
 
City of Paso Robles is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
 
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract.

Vacation: Accrual of 80-200 hours per year based on years of City service

Sick Leave: Accrual of 96 hours per year

Holidays: 14 days per year

Administrative Leave: 56 hours per year

Retirement: 

  • CalPERS
    • Classic Tier 1 members participate in a formula of 3% at 55, with the employee paying an 9% member contribution, plus a 10% cost sharing contribution, for a total of 19%. The highest year is used for final compensation calculation. 
    • Classic Tier 2 members participate in a formula of 3% at 55, with the employee paying a 9% member contirbution, plus a 10% cost sharing contribution, for a total of 19%. An average of the 3 highest years is used for final compensation calculation. 
    • PEPRA members participate in a formula of 2.7% at 57, with the employee paying one-half of the normal cost (currently 13%) contribution, plus a 36% cost sharing contribution, for a total of 19%. An average of the 3 highest years is used for final compensation calculation. 
  • 457 Deferred Compensation: The City will contribute $161.54 per pay period on the employee's behalf
  • Social Secuity: Both the City and employee contribute to Social Security

Health Insurance:

  • Medical: City pays $702.49/month of employee premium, $1,355.99/month of premium for employee with one dependent, and $1,768.69/month of premium for employee with two or more dependents
    • Employees who opt out of health coverage may be eligible for a payment of $300/month. 
  • Dental: City pays full premium for employee and partial premium for family
  • Vision: City pays full premium for employee & family 
Life Insurance: Employee only coverage of $200,000 paid for by the City

Long Term Disability: The City pays the full premium for employee only coverage

Flexible Spending Account: Allows you to pay for dependent care and un-reimbursed medical expenses on a pre-tax basis

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The City pays the full premium for employee and family 

Uniform Allowance: $1,200 per year

Bilingual Pay: Spanish verbal skills: $100 per month; Spanish written skills: $25 per month. 

Education Reimbursement: Reimbursement up to $3,000 per fiscal year for educational costs directly related to occupational field or for promotion within City service

Retiree Health Reimbursement: Up to $500 per month reimbursement of health premiums for employees who retire from the City with at least 20 years of service until the age of 65. 

01
Please give an overview of your current or most recent position and scope of responsibilities, along with an overview of the organization itself (i.e., population served, annual budget, number of employees, number of stations, annual call volume, etc.). Please limit your response to 500 words.
02
Please explain your qualifications for the Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal position and why you are looking to move on from your current position. Please limit your response to 500 words.
03
Please explain the importance of community risk reduction within the City of Paso Robles and how it differs from traditional fire prevention. Please limit your response to 500 words.
04
Please describe your leadership style and your philosophy on how you lead/motivate people, develop/mentor employees, mitigate conflict in the workplace, and inspire a team atmosphere. Please limit your response to 500 words.
05
Describe your experience with the development or management of a department budget. Please give examples of what your specific responsibilities were regarding the budget. Please limit your response to 500 words.
06
A resume and cover letter describing how your skills and experience related to the position of Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal and why you are interested in the position is REQUIRED. Failure to do so may disqualify you from proceeding in the application process. Have you uploaded both a resume and cover letter?
  • Yes
  • No
07
Have you uploaded a copy of all required certifications as well as any desired certifications you may have? Failure to provide all required certifications prior to the application deadline may disqualify you from the application process. *NOTE: At the Fire Chief's discretion, required certifications may be substituted with other state and/or federal certifications for current Chief Officers with a minimum of two years of experience. If substituted, completion of a Company Officer certification issued by the California Office of the State Fire Marshal must be completed within one year of appointment. Please check the certifications that you have included with your application.
  • Company Officer certification issued by the California Office of the State Fire Marshal (required)*
  • Advanced Incident Command System for Command and General Staff - I-400 (required)
  • Valid CPR certificate (required)
  • Hazardous Material First Responder Incident Commander certification (desired)
  • Chief Fire Officer Certification (desired)
  • Executive Chief Fire Officer Certification (desired)
  • Qualification under the National Wildfire Coordinating Group guidelines in one or more ICS positions (desired)
  • Fire Marshal certification (desired)
  • Plans Examiner
  • Fire Inspector 1
  • Fire Inspector 2
  • Fire Investigator

Required Question

Agency
City of Paso Robles
Address
821 Pine Street, Suite A

Paso Robles, California, 93446
Phone
(805) 227-7234
(805) 237-3962
Website
http://www.PRCity.com/HR
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