City of Decatur Fire Chief Recruitment Site
About the City of Decatur
Located just minutes east of Atlanta, the City of Decatur is one of the most densely populated urban cities in Georgia. The City is 4.2 square miles with approximately 20,000 residents. The population expands 24,000 during business hours.
The City of Decatur is well known in the metropolitan area as a “City of Excellence”. The City is a leader in developing progressive programs and is currently stressing sustainability, active living and maintaining and creating physical infrastructure that is attractive and practical. The corporate culture stresses respect and integrity in all business activities. Its strong sense of community can be seen by the high participation of residents in special events and volunteer programs.
About the City of Decatur Fire Department
Established in 1909, with eight people, the department currently consists of a diverse staff of thirty-six who work a 24-hours on/48-hours off shift. The department also includes administrative staff consisting of a Fire Chief and two Assistant Fire Chiefs.
The department emphasizes fire prevention and education, and conducts classes for schools, high-rise residential homes, business groups, civic groups, and childcare providers in addition to currently maintaining an ISO Class Two Fire rating. The department operates two fire stations equipped with pumper trucks, a quint, a rescue truck, and an air-and-light truck.
About the Position
The successful candidate must have the core competencies and qualifications stated below:
Core Compentencies:
- Strategic Leader - must demonstrate the ability to coach/mentor staff and work collaboratively to define and implement programs to sustain the future of the Fire Department; must have the ability to think strategically and maintain accountability while seeking departmental input, create a shared vision, and translate these ideas into reality; must be creative in seeking new revenue sources, partnerships, and new ways to continuously improve or deliver current fire services.
- Communications Skills - must have strong listening skills and the ability to articulate and negotiate well in verbal and written formats, including using electronic media; must be able to speak clearly and confidently and maintain confidentiality.
- Change Management - must have the ability to support organization-wide initiatives and communicate changes in a way to engage the staff and gain buy-in.
- Interpersonal Skills - must have the ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with departmental staff, city management team members, and the general public; must be able to build and facilitate high performing teams and lead and command effectively in emergency situations; must be professional and ethical.
- Independent Administrator – must have the ability to work independently with little supervision and direction; must be able to complete routine and complex administrative tasks including producing correspondences, memorandums, reports, spreadsheets, etc. with little administrative assistance; must lead by doing and have limited need for expecting respect through title and rank.
Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, management or related field is highly preferred; however, an associate’s degree from an accredited college with major coursework in fire science, fire administration, public or business administration, or related field and extensive experience is acceptable.
- Possession of, or the ability to possess, the following or similar certifications: GA State Fire Fighter certification, EMT certification, NPQ Hazmat Technician, Fire Instructor Certification, Arson Investigation Certification, Fire Inspection Certification, management/leadership training, and a valid State of Georgia drivers’ license.
- A minimum of 10 years of progressively more responsible fire service experience with at least 5 years in a supervisory / leadership capacity.
Why Work for the City of Decatur?
The City of Decatur offers a highly competitive employee benefits program including medical, dental, vision, employer paid short term disability and life insurance benefits, tuition assistance, training opportunities, a defined benefit retirement program, generous paid sick and vacation leave, comp time, and paid holidays.
The City also offers a variety of voluntary benefits including employee paid supplemental and dependent life insurance, long term disability, flexible spending account programs, 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Program, and a Roth IRA.
The City offers flexible work schedules and provides the opportunity for dedicated employees to thrive.
Starting Annual Salary: $72,259 - $83,803 DOQ
Application & Selection Process
Due to the numerous applications that are received, the City will only contact the most highly suitable candidates to be invited to the next phase of the selection process. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement in the selection process.
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and completed application to: City of Decatur Personnel Office,
PO Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031.
Download an Application (PDF)
The deadline to submit application materials is Friday, September 12, 2008.
Prior to any offer of employment, a thorough background check will be done (including a fingerprint check), pre-employment physical and drug screen, and the selected candidate must be able to provide proof of legal right to work within the United States.
Position to be filled by early January 2009
The City of Decatur values its diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity employer.
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