GovHRUSA

Fire Chief, Clearwater, FL (pop.117,292). Clearwater is the vibrant and growing county seat of Pinellas County, FL located to the west of Tampa and north of St. Petersburg Fl, most commonly known as the Tampa Bay area. Clearwater is a great place to live because of its many outdoor activities, and lovely warm weather all year long. The city is well-known for its pleasant climate, abundant employment opportunities, and cultural diversity. Clearwater’s beach and famous sugar-white sands are voted among the best in the country annually. The city has a variety of entertainment and features the Annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday, musical performances at the BayCare Sound, Ruth Eckerd Hall, and historic Capital Theatre. Clearwater is the spring training home for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Clearwater Threshers minor league baseball team. The city features plenty of parkland for those who want to spend time outside away from the shore. The city is home to many great schools that are sure to offer children the very best in education. There are colleges and universities in the city including St. Petersburg College, Pinellas Technical College, and the National Aviation Academy A&P School. Within 20-miles of Clearwater there are other options such as the University of South Florida, University of Tampa, the Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic medicine, and Hillsborough Community College. Clearwater is also home to a number of golf courses and is known for its offshore fishing and great local seafood restaurants.
 
Clearwater has a council/manager form of government with a city council consisting of the Mayor and four (4) council members elected at large who serve 4-year terms. The City Council is the legislative and policy-making body of the city, responsible for approving the budget and determining the ad valorem tax rate on all real and personal property within the corporate limits of the city.
 
The City seeks a fire service and EMS leader prepared to meet the demands of a community undergoing significant redevelopment and revitalization. The next Fire Chief will be an individual with a clear and dynamic vision for providing excellent, proactive emergency services. The Fire Chief position offers the ideal candidate the chance to build on a strong tradition of excellence. Clearwater’s department is a modern, all hazards fire/EMS (ALS) service agency. 
 
  • The department consists of eight (8) fire stations, covering 40.7 square miles with a staff of over 200 personnel. They staff (8) engine companies, (2) truck/tower companies, (5) EMS/Rescue companies, (2) marine units and (1) squad.
  • The department is made up of Fire Administration, Emergency Management, Fire Prevention Services, Fire Operations, Health and Safety, and Clearwater Beach Patrol. The staff includes the Chief, supported by the Deputy Chief of Operations. Under the Deputy Chief of Operations are (6) District Commanders, an Assistant Chief of Administration, Division Chief of Training, Division Chief of EMS and the Fire Marshal/Fire Prevention Services. Shift operations include (45) Lieutenants and (129) Fire Medics, Firefighters and Driver Operators (see brochure for more details).
  • The department has a Class 1 ISO rating, and a budget of more than $37 million. 
  • The agency typically responds to over 45,000 service and emergency requests annually.
  • Fire Operations is budgeted under two separate programs: Fire Operations and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Pinellas County contracts with the City to provide emergency medical services on their behalf and costs are budgeted separately for reporting and accounting purposes.
  • Fire Operations personnel provide basic and advanced life support services as well as fire services. Additional responsibilities include response to hazardous materials conditions to stabilize the incident with help from the Pinellas County Hazardous Materials team. Fire Operations include specialized teams such as the Marine Response Team, Special Operations Response Team, Technical Rescue Team, and Dive Team for critical incidents.
  • The Division of Fire Prevention conducts over 10,000 fire and life safety fire code reviews annually for commercial properties. The department is dedicated to advocating and sustaining a leading emergency service organization with a focus on quality, cost-effectiveness, and all-hazards mitigation.
Qualified Candidates:
  • The City is seeking an experienced, innovative, collaborative fire/EMS leader with demonstrated managerial, interpersonal and customer service skills. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate a balance of commitment to the organization as well as the senior management team of the city with a genuine confidence and approachable personality to residents, business, and governmental leaders. This position requires the ability to act with honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, and dependability at all times.
  • It is particularly important the next Fire Chief be an integral and engaged leader of the Fire Department, with a strong background in modern fire, EMS, Community Risk Reduction, emergency management and all hazards’ practices. 
  • The new Fire Chief must understand the need to use data for problem solving, assessing community risk and vulnerabilities with exceptional computer skills.
  • The Fire Chief should have a positive track record of strong bargaining relations with proven experience in fostering collaboration with Bargaining Unit members. 
  • The ability to mentor and foster leadership roles within the staff, succession planning, and a global vision of the community’s needs and vision are critical. Creativity and the ability to guide and balance change is a must. 
  • The capability to be an active participant in operations and training to safely function as a command officer on incident scenes.
  • The ability to develop strong relationships with surrounding Fire/EMS agencies supporting regional response planning and programs.
  • The next Fire Chief will also have a demonstrated record of fairness, transparency, and consistency in the administration of Departmental policies and procedures and the willingness to address issues in a positive and timely manner. This position requires well-developed writing, public speaking skills, and the utmost integrity.
Minimum Qualifications:
State of Florida Firefighter Certification (or equivalent under Florida Law – 69A-37.054 Out of State Firefighter Certificate of Compliance and Special Certificate of Compliance) with EMS experience; State of Florida Certified Paramedic or at least 8-10 years of prior paramedic experience; bachelor’s degree in public or business administration or a related field from an accredited program (Masters Degree preferred) and eight to ten (8-10) years’ experience in a fire department at a responsible command level; Executive Fire Officer (EFO), Chief Fire Officer (CFO – CPSE) program graduate/certification highly desirable.
 
The starting salary range is $139,590 – $181,500 +/- DOQ, and an excellent benefit package is offered. Residency in the city limits is encouraged but not required.
 
Candidates should apply by December 21, 2024 @ 1700 hours CST with resume, cover letter and contact information for five work-related, or professional references. Questions may be addressed to the attention of T.E. Sashko, MGT Approved Independent Executive Recruiter, (847) 380-3240 x 123. The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
 
The State of Florida has strong public record laws. Candidates are advised to be aware that all aspects of this recruitment are open to public records requests throughout the process.

Application Deadline: December 21, 2024
 

Posted: 2024-11-21

To apply for this job please visit www.govhrusa.com.