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Urbandale, IA (45,580) is a city located in Dallas and Polk Counties in the western portion of the Des Moines metropolitan area and is Iowa’s 12th largest city.  Bounded by its south side by U.S. 6, Urbandale is a fast-growing suburb and you can reach downtown Des Moines, and its slew of attractions, in a matter of minutes. A soring landmark for Urbandale is a 120-foot tower erected at the entrance to the Paragon Office Park in 2007.  Climbing above a plaza and reflecting pool, it is clad with the largest glass mosaic mural in the United States consisting of over 1.8 million tiles.  The city features the Merle May Mall and is the oldest in the state with regular redevelopments.  It hosts a myriad of well-known branded retailers and is the home of the Des Moines Buccaneers, part of the US Hockey League, a premiere development league. 
 
The city is seeking candidates for the position of Fire Chief/Emergency Preparedness Director in preparation for the retirement of current Chief who has served the department and the City of Urbandale and surrounding communities for over 25 years.  Urbandale is governed by The Mayor and the five (5) City Council Members who are the official governing body for the city. The Mayor and Council Members are elected to 4-year terms, and there is no limit on the number of consecutive terms one can serve. The day-to-day administration is carried out by the appointed City Manager and city staff including the Fire Chief.  The city provides a complete municipal service profile like many communities in metro area.  The fire department prides itself on being a “mission driven; customer focused” all service all hazards agency with the goal of exceeding customer expectations.  Urbandale covers an area of 22.55 square miles.
 
  • The Fire Chief/Emergency Preparedness Director reports to the City Manager and is supported by an Assistant Chief of Operations, an Assistant Chief of Training (open), an Assistant Chief of EMS, a Fire Marshal, and Administrative Specialist.  The department employs a total of fifty-eight (58) career personnel and four (4) part-time personnel. Shift operations are staffed by three (3) Captains (Station 42) and six (6) Lieutenants (Stations 41 and 43). Career personnel are represented by IAFF Local 4 (current contract 2021 – 2024).
  • The department responded on 5,584 calls for service including mutual aid calls in 2022, operating from three (3) fire stations (stations are regionally numbered, 41, 42 and 43).
  • Apparatus includes three (3) engines, two (2) ladders, one (1) rescue, one (1) brush truck, four (4) ambulances and (4) staff SUV’s and two (2) utility vehicles.
  • The department operates from its current Strategic Plan with an ISO Class 2/2X rating.
  • The department has shared service agreements with neighboring communities providing joint operations from Clive IA.
  • Fire And Safety Training (F.A.S.T) building located at Station 42. A shared training facility containing a four-story tower and a two-story residential annex with burn rooms. The FAST Center is a collaborative partnership with the Clive Fire Department and the Windsor Heights Fire Department. Costs are shared on basis of 60% Urbandale, 30% Clive and 10% Windsor Heights.
  • 9-1-1 Service is provided by WestCom 9-1-1 Dispatch serving the cities of Clive, Norwalk, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines and Windsor Heights.
 
The Fire/EMS Chief position is a very visible member of the senior leadership team of the City and requires well-developed leadership abilities and management skill sets that are based upon consensus building and problem-solving.  He/she must be a highly motivated, self-starting, and confident individual with excellent, genuine, and trustworthy interpersonal skills.  The City is seeking progressive candidates committed to excellence in delivery of fire/EMS, Specialized Response and Emergency Management services.  
 
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration, Fire Science, Public Administration, EMS/Public Administration or equivalent.  Master’s Degree in Public Administration preferred.
  • Five to eight years of related experience in fire suppression, fire investigation, fire prevention and EMS.
  • 8-10 years of management experience in a combination career/volunteer Fire Department
  • Fire Fighter I certification or equivalent
  • Iowa Fire Fighter II certification within 12 months of employment
  • Iowa EMT or NREMT Certified (Previous Paramedic experience preferred)
  • Valid Iowa Drivers' License
  • Basic Life Support Certification
  • Emergency Vehicle Operator
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment offer background check including credit history check.
  • Ability to act with honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, and dependability at all times
  • Excellent leadership and management ability
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including interpersonal communication and presentation skills
  • Ability to work effectively with little direct supervision
  • Accurate mathematical skills
  • Sound judgment, problem solving, multi-tasking and decision-making skills, sometimes under stressful/   emergency situations
  • Actively support efforts to maintain and improve cooperation, communication and collaboration between employees, partners and the community
  • Ability to handle confidential information in a sensitive manner
 
KNOWLEDGE
  • Thorough knowledge of supervision, fire/rescue techniques and advanced emergency medical treatment practices including, but not limited to: HazMat and technical rescue training
  • Proficiency with personal computer software and applications
  • General knowledge of tools and equipment including electronic equipment, heavy equipment, fire equipment, air monitoring equipment, emergency equipment and hand/power tools.
  • General knowledge of office equipment, including facsimile, photo copier, telephone, calculator and shredder
  • Thorough knowledge of city geography
 
COMPENSATION
The salary range is $133,850 – $172,078. The starting salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. The City participates in the Municipal Fire & Police Retirement System of Iowa (MFPRSI) for eligible employees. The City offers a competitive benefits package which includes: medical, dental, life, deferred compensation including employer contribution; along with other voluntary benefits and paid time off.  Candidates interested in applying for the position should submit their résumé and cover letter electronically by June 20, 2023 along with contact information for five (5) work-related and/or professional references.  Questions may be addressed to consultant T.E. Sashko, Vice-President via phone at (847) 380-3240 x123. 
 
The City of Urbandale, IA is an equal opportunity employer. 

Application Deadline: June 20, 2023

Posted: 2023-05-03

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