Metro Paramedic Services, Inc., is a subsidiary of Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Services, Inc. We contract with local municipalities to provide Emergency Medical Services, Rescue and/or Fire Services. Much of our proven success is attributable to the exceptional, compassionate customer service provided by our employees.   

We are currently seeking a full-time Fire Chief for our South Beloit contract.  Annual pay is $110,240.

Nature and Scope

The Fire Chief leads and manages all fire protection, prevention and emergency response operations while overseeing a team of fire and emergency response personnel. This role ensures the safety of personnel, protection of property and compliance with all applicable fire safety laws and regulations. 

The Fire Chief shall assist in the planning, directing, and administering of the activities of the fire department. The Fire Chief shall assume the responsibility for the duties charged and delegated to them by law or by the policies and regulations of the Company and/or fire department.

The Fire Chief shall be in command of all shifts, personnel, and stations. 

The Fire Chief shall have the authority, in the interest of the employees, to effectively recommend procedures, transfer, suspend, discipline employees and recommend promotions and discharge.

The Fire Chief shall be responsible for the direction of Emergency Medical Services, Fire Suppression and Life Safety Division activities of the fire department including the development of recommendations and planning for the protection of life and property.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Fire Chief shall, where applicable, perform the essential duties and possess the skills and qualifications of a Paramedic/Firefighter. In addition, the essential duties and responsibilities of the position of the Fire Chief shall include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Supervisory and Leadership Duties
   1. Organize and direct the administration of services and programs provided by the fire department. Continually review and identify the requirements of fire department and develop and implement an effective fire service program to protect the lives and property.
   2. Assist in developing short- and long-term objectives designed to maintain the continued protection of life and property.
   3. Assign special projects to subordinate officers and supervise their work.
   4. Maintain order, discipline, and morale amongst all personnel.
   5. Evaluate as well as direct and oversee the performance evaluations of all employees.
   6. Ensure compliance with all polices, and rules and regulations.
   7. Train, develop and mentor all employees.
   8. Encourage teamwork and participation by all employees.
2. Fire Suppression and Prevention
   1. Ensure that firefighters receive the proper training by reviewing and assisting the training programs.
   2. Study firefighting trends and direct planning to meet the new trends. Attend meetings, seminars, and conferences to keep apprised of the latest developments in firefighting methods and administration, when approved by the Operations Manager.
   3. Direct allocation of staffing and equipment for maximum effectiveness with due regard to safety.
   4. Respond to and take part in command at major fire alarms and direct firefighting activities.
   5. Assure professional investigation of each fire to determine its cause, and in cases of suspected arson, secure and preserve all evidence in cooperation with the authorities.
   6. Periodically review and analyze the accident and injury statistics, and develop or change any program or procedure to better protect or prevent injury or damage to property.

Qualifications

1. Candidates for Fire Chief should preferably meet the following desired prerequisites:
1. Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Fire Science, Fire Administration, or Public Administration
2. Certified as Chief Fire Officer
3. Supervisory or command experience in the fire service
2. The Fire Chief shall have and maintain knowledge of the following skills:
1. Comprehensive knowledge of modern methods and skills of fire department operations and administration.
2. Comprehensive knowledge of modern firefighting, emergency medical techniques and problems, and application thereof. Considerable knowledge of fire hazards and firefighting resources such as personnel, water supply, and communications.
3. Considerable skill in evaluation of tactical and operation requirements and conflagration situations.
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
5. Excellent leadership skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
6. Excellent judgment skills.
7. Ability to perform strenuous or peak physical effort during emergency training or station maintenance activities for prolonged periods of time under conditions of extreme heights, confined spaces, intense heat, cold or smoke.
8. Ability to act effectively in emergency and stressful situations.

3. The Fire Chief will also be required to hold and maintain the following:
   
   1. Valid Driver’s License & good driving record
   2. Valid CPR Card
   3. Consent to criminal background check, and able to pass the pre-employment testing including a complete physical & lifting agility examination, pre-employment drug screen along with a successful interview. 
4. Considerable skill in the application of administrative and management methods and procedures to departmental activities.