Town of Avilla Fire Department

Position Title: Fire Chief

Reports to: Town Council

Employment Status: Part-Time                              

Position Description: Under the general direction of the Town Council, the Fire Chief performs supervisory, administrative, operational, and maintenance functions related to the Fire Department. This position is considered a working chief, requiring both office and field work.

Job Responsibilities:

• Administers and supervises the department's operations; prepares department budget; establishes and enforces policies and procedures.
• Coordinates and responds to emergency service activities, including fires, medical emergencies, water rescues, hazardous material incidents, and vehicle accidents.
• Develops and implements all firefighting and emergency response policies in accordance with municipal, state, and federal laws.
• Maintains, inventories, and ensures the operation and maintenance of all fire department equipment and facilities.
• Supervises the recruitment, training, and performance of department personnel, making decisions on discipline and/or termination.
• Attends Town Council meetings, Noble County Fire Chiefs meetings, and Volunteer Firefighter meetings, presenting reports and policy recommendations.
• Oversees labor relations, including interactions with Fire Administration and Union.

Essential Functions:

• Plans and schedules work assignments, delegates supervision to subordinate officers, and ensures the proper training and use of equipment.
• Investigates all fires for cause and origin and supervises efforts to enforce local and state fire laws.
• Prepares and maintains records and reports on all areas of firefighting and emergency response activities for the Town Council.
• Manages the department's budget, monitoring expenditures and adjusting as necessary.
• Responds to emergency situations and takes command to ensure safe and effective operations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma required; Bachelor or Master’s Degrees in Fire Sciences, Public Administration, or related field preferred.
• Valid State of Indiana Certifications – Firefighter I/II required; Emergency Medical Responder minimum; EMT-B preferred.
• Extensive experience in firefighting and safety, with at least 10 years of service in fire operations, including significant supervisory and administrative experience.
• Must have an understanding of building construction, fire prevention, and hazardous materials operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong leadership and personnel management skills.
• Proficient in administrative practices, local, state, and federal fire laws, training programs, and safety policies.
• Ability to communicate effectively, prepare comprehensive reports, and present findings and recommendations.
• Capable of sound decisions in emergency situations and managing complex projects.
• Willing and able to use diplomacy in interactions with the community, town council, town departments, and other area fire departments and EMT organizations.

Certifications Required:

• State of Indiana Firefighter I and II
• Emergency Medical Responder
• Hazmat Awareness and Operations
• NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800

Physical and Working Conditions:

• Work involves walking, talking, hearing, lifting, and occasionally performing maintenance and repair on fire department vehicles and equipment.
• Exposed to toxic gases, and extreme weather; requires physical endurance and agility.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid Indiana Driver’s License.
• Ability to pass a physical stress test as necessary.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours and remain on-call 24/7.

Note: This position description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked to perform other instructions and duties. You will be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. Rate of pay is commensurate with experience and training.

Applicants may email or submit a cover letter/resume in person by June 14, 2024 at 4pm to:

Adam Dunlap, Avilla Town Manager

108 S Main Street, Avilla, Indiana 46710

(260)897-2781

            Adunlap@townofavilla.com