DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF

Code: 01506 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction of the Fire Chief, assists in the management and discipline of the fire department designed to provide fire protection for persons and property; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• At fires, takes charge of responding companies, deploys firefighting forces, orders needed reenforcements, and supervises the use of firefighting forces, equipment, and apparatus.
• Makes inspections of firefighting personnel and equipment to ensure efficient performance.
• Inspects the quarters of department personnel for cleanliness/orderliness, and available equipment and materials for service ability.
• Supervises fire prevention control.
• Conducts training classes for subordinates, officers, and firefighters.
• Makes investigations of violations of fire laws, ordinances, codes, and fire hazards, and institutes needed action.
• Prepares reports.
• Has charge of the fire department in the absence of the Fire Chief.
• Supervises the establishment and maintenance of personnel and fire records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from high school, vocational high school, or possession of an approved high school equivalency certificate.

Experience

Four (4) years of supervisory fire experience involving the extinguishing of fires.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

<b>MEDICAL EXAMINATION</b>

As a prerequisite for appointment, appointees may be required to pass a thorough medical and psychiatric examination to be administered by the appointing authority. Any psychological, medical, or physical condition or defect which would prevent efficient performance of duties of the position, cause the appointee to be a hazard to himself/herself or others, or become aggravated as a result of performance of these duties, will be cause for rejection.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of laws and ordinances which are significant from the fire prevention point of view.
• Knowledge of methods of fighting various types of fires.
• Knowledge of the use of firefighting equipment and apparatus.
• Knowledge of the location of schools, large buildings, streets, and fire alarm boxes in the municipality after a period of training.
• Knowledge of the types of communication available for departmental use.
• Knowledge of procedures likely to be effective in enlisting support of citizens and others in taking fire preventative measures.
• Ability to analyze and interpret laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, standards, and procedures, and to apply them to specific situations and cases.
• Ability to supervise the maintenance and repair of fire department buildings/equipment.
• Ability to note and initiate action and to obtain new/improved equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Ability to remain calm/decisive/alert in emergency situations.
• Ability to supervise the efficient performance of firefighters at fires, and the use of equipment and apparatus.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups on subjects relating to fire prevention, and procedures used in fighting fires.
• Ability to make investigations of fire hazards and violations of fire laws.
• Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

The age requirement does not apply in those jurisdictions whose members are not enrolled in the Police &amp; Fire Pension systems.

When an applicant has reached his/her 35th birthday, (s)he is considered to be over 35 years old. Age limits are based on the announced closing date for filing Department of Personnel applications.

CERTIFICATION

In accordance with NJAC 5:73-1.6(b), c &amp; (d), effective February 17, 2000, applicants for this position must possess a valid Incident Management Level 1 certification issued by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety, Department of Community Affairs.

<b>AGE:</b>

Not less than 18 nor more than 35 years of age at the announced closing date for filing applications for the position. In determining maximum age eligibility of veterans, the time spent in active military service during the periods specified in Civil Service Law and Rules will be deducted from the attained age.