4.5. SR 10-21-2013 City of
Elk Request for Action
River
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 4.5
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Consent October 21, 2013 T. ohn Cunnin ham,Fire Chief
Item Description Reviewed by
Fire Department On-Call Captain and Lieutenant Cal Portner, City Administrator
Positions Reviewed by
Action Requested
Approve by motion the following position descriptions:
• On-Call Captain (Station)
• On-Call Captain (Training& Safety)
• On-Call Captain (Special Operations)
• On-Call Lieutenant
Approve by motion the following adjustments to the city compensation plan:
• On-Call Captain (all assignments): $16/hour
• On-Call Lieutenant: $14.25/hour
Background/Discussion
Part of the 2013-2017 Fire Department Strategic Plan is the development of formal position descriptions
for all ranks within the department. This action continues the implementation of the Strategic Plan as
well as movement towards implementing a new organizational structure that provides better oversight,
accountability, and span-of-control.
As discussed on pages 24 and 25 of the Strategic Plan, a copy attached hereto,is the creation of a more
structured leadership team to assist with running the day-to-day operations of the organization. The
captain and lieutenant positions are being brought forward for approval as these positions provide direct
front-line supervision and leadership for the department's operational firefighting force.
Position Description Review Process
The attached job descriptions are the result of a comprehensive review of the department's previous
"position guidelines" and "position analysis" documents that outlined the duties and responsibilities of
officers. Also as part of this review was a comparison of similar job descriptions for volunteer/on-call
fire departments and a survey/position evaluation completed by current officers. As the organization
transitions from bylaws to formal policies and procedures, all position descriptions are being reviewed
and brought to the City Council for formal approval and adoption.
This review process also included an evaluation of previously listed minimum qualifications for
appointment to an officer position. The proposed position descriptions take into account current state
certification offerings,industry best practices and an educational succession plan to provide firefighters
and officers with clearly defined expectations with respect to what is required to obtain a rank.
P a w E R E U 6 Y
NaA f RE]
Captain Position Descriptions
Being proposed is the establishment of four captain positions that,in addition to sharing many common
essential functions/responsibilities,will each be assigned to specific functional areas within the
department. A captain will be assigned to each station to provide general oversight of the station (2
total),its equipment, and personnel. A captain will also be assigned to help coordinate the department's
training and safety programs,which will include the coordination of the new firefighter orientation and
training programs. A captain will also be assigned to oversee the department's special operations
programs, such as the Technical Rescue Team.
Lieutenant Positions
The Lieutenant is considered a front-line supervisor and is the entry point into the department's on-call
leadership team. Lieutenants will be responsible for providing direct supervisory and leadership direction
at the fire station.
Officer Selection Process
The actual selection process of new officers will be outlined in department policy. The selection process
will include the establishment of an eligibility list of qualified candidates that have completed the
application process and have been scored during a panel review process. The intent is to use this list to
fill on-call officer vacancies as they occur.
Financial Impact
The increase in pay will not have an impact on the current (2013) or proposed (2014) budget. No budget
increase requests are proposed.
Attachments
• On-Call Captain (Station) Position Description
• On-Call Captain (Training& Safety) Position Description
• On-Call Captain (Special Operations) Position Description
• On-Call Lieutenant Position Description
• Pages 24 and 25 of the 2013-2017 Strategic Plan
N:\Public Bodies\Agenda Packets\10-21-2013\Final\x4.5 sr FD Officer Position Descriptions.docx
L;Z City of Elk River
Elk On-Call Captain (Station)
River Position Description
Department: Immediate Supervisor:
Fire Fire Chief
Pay Grade: FLSA Status: Last Updated: (date)
Per City Com ensation Plan Non-Exem t 10/2013
Positions Supervised:
Lieutenant (s), firefighters
Position Summary
Under direction, functions as the fire station commander,with overall responsibility for station
management and assigned resources;plans, organizes, coordinates and directs emergency and non-
emergency activities; commands individual resources and/or incident scenes. Provides fire
suppression,rescue,medical and other emergency care in accordance the rules and regulations,
administrative policies and operational procedures of the department. Helps keep the department in
a constant state of readiness and assists with fire prevention and public education.
Essential Functions
1. Responds to emergencies as required.
A. Commands single and multiple-unit/company responses to emergency fire,rescue,
medical, hazardous material, or other incidents.
B. Fills incident management roles as necessary, as assigned, and/or as
required/outlined by department policies or procedures at fire,medical,hazardous
materials, rescue or other emergencies until relieved by a higher command authority.
C. Delegates responsibilities and assignments as necessary for efficient operation on and
off emergency scenes.
D. Performs firefighting activities,including laying and pulling hose, retrieving and/or
setting up equipment, forcible entry, search and rescue,ventilation and other fire-
scene responsibilities.
E. Performs rescue/extrication by retrieving and/or setting up equipment, operating
equipment or performing other duties.
F. Renders medical care.
G. Performs hazard identification and mitigation activities.
H. Investigates alarms.
I. Drives and operates firefighting apparatus and equipment.
J. Regularly participates in the department's Duty Officer Program.
K. Performs other duties as directed.
2. Manages assigned fire station including facilitates, resources and personnel.
A. Responsible for the general oversight of the fire station,its resources and assigned
personnel.
B. Maintains the assigned fire station to assure that it is compliant with state building
and fire codes as well as OSHA and other regulations.
C. Periodically checks equipment to assure proper maintenance has been performed.
Reports and/or schedules required maintenance as needed/required. Reacts
accordingly to requests made by lieutenants/firefighters as to the condition of
Page 1
equipment.
3. Performs various supervisory and administrative duties.
A. Provides clear expectations and sound leadership.
B. Supervises subordinate personnel through the chain of command;maintains
standards; coordinates activities; allocates personnel; assists in the selection of new
on-call firefighters and recommending employees for promotion;manages employee
issues; recommends and/or carries out employee discipline as outlined in city and
department rules and regulations and administrative policies.
C. Reviews the work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy; evaluates and
makes recommendations as appropriate; offers advice and assistance as needed.
D. Maintains discipline and develops documentation pertaining to employee
performance;provides performance feedback and prepares performance reviews for
assigned staff; counsels assigned staff on performance, training and personal
development needs.
E. Prepares a variety of documents,including incident reports, schedules, directives,
work orders,memos and correspondence. Assures proper reports are complete and
accurate prior to submitting them to the administrative office.
F. Ensures that city and department rules and regulations, administrative policies and
operational procedures are followed.
G. Suggests budget items and prepares budget recommendations for purchase.
4. Participates in and assists with the coordination of training.
A. Participates in drills and other department training activities to maintain and upgrade
firefighting,leadership and command skills.
B. Attends outside training activities such as fire schools, sectional schools, etc.
C. Participates in extra training as required for this position.
D. Assists with the planning and delivery of training programs and activities.
5. Performs fire prevention and public education.
A. Assists with conducting fire prevention,public education, community outreach and
other related assignments.
B. Promptly reports suspected fire code/life safety violations to the Fire &Building
Safety Division.
6. Performs other essential job duties.
A. Regular and timely work attendance.
B. Follows all safety procedures. Maintains due regard for the safety and welfare of
department personnel and the public.
C. Participates in safety training.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
❑ Knowledge of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident
Command System (ICS).
❑ Extensive knowledge of firefighting techniques and procedures.
❑ Extensive knowledge of the Elk River fire district, fire stations,resources and equipment.
❑ Knowledge of Microsoft Word/Excel and the department's records management system.
❑ Skill and ability to apply firefighting techniques and procedures.
❑ Skill in operating and directing various firefighting apparatus and equipment.
❑ Ability to work under pressure in environments that are less than comfortable.
❑ Ability to communicate well through written and verbal means.
Page 2
4.5 at 1 On-Call Captain(Station)
❑ Ability to follow and enforce city and department rules and regulations, administrative
policies and operational procedures.
❑ Ability to maintain required attendance and training requirements as both a Firefighter and
Captain.
❑ Ability to speak in front of a crowd and to make a presentation.
❑ Ability to maintain trustful relationships among city leaders and mutual aid partners.
❑ Ability to correct actions of personnel without defacing their value.
❑ Ability to present a positive and professional image of the city and the fire department.
❑ Ability to attend additional meetings and trainings as required as a Captain.
Minimum Qualifications
❑ Meets all the requirements of the City of Elk River On-Call Firefighter.
❑ Two years' experience as a Lieutenant with the Elk River Fire Department OR seven years'
experience as an Elk River On-Call Firefighter.
❑ Minnesota State certified NFPA 1001 Firefighter II,NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials
Operations,NFPA 1041 Fire Instructor I and NFPA 1021 Fire Officer I.
❑ Minnesota State certified First Responder.
❑ Completed the following National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses: IS 100, IS
200, IS 700.
Preferred Qualifications
❑ College-level coursework in fire science,public administration,public safety or a closely
related field.
❑ B1ueCard Command certification.
❑ Completion of National Fire Academy coursework.
❑ Experience in emergency management.
Time Commitment (non-incident related activities)
❑ 6-10 hours/week (approximately)
This Position Description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is within the City of Elk River's discretion
to assign additional duties and responsibilities or remove duties and responsibilities at any time.
This Position Description does not constitute a Contract of Employment.
Page 3
4.5 at 1 On-Call Captain(Station)
�' City of Elk River
Elk .,.� On-Call Captain (Training & Safety)
River Position Description
Department: Immediate Supervisor:
Fire Fire Chief
Pay Grade: FLSA Status: Last Updated: (date)
Per City Com ensation Plan Non-Exem t 10/2013
Positions Supervised:
Lieutenant (s), firefighters
Position Summary
Under direction, assists with the development and implementation of the department's training and
safety programs. Plans, organizes, coordinates and directs emergency and non-emergency activities;
commands individual resources and/or incident scenes. Provides fire suppression,rescue,medical
and other emergency care in accordance the rules and regulations, administrative policies and
operational procedures of the department. Helps keep the department in a constant state of
readiness and assists with fire prevention and public education.
Essential Functions
1. Responds to emergencies as required.
A. Commands single and multiple-unit/company responses to emergency fire,rescue,
medical, hazardous material, or other incidents.
B. Fills incident management roles as necessary, as assigned, and/or as
required/outlined by department policies or procedures at fire,medical,hazardous
materials, rescue or other emergencies until relieved by a higher command authority.
C. Delegates responsibilities and assignments as necessary for efficient operation on and
off emergency scenes.
D. Performs firefighting activities,including laying and pulling hose, retrieving and/or
setting up equipment, forcible entry, search and rescue,ventilation and other fire-
scene responsibilities.
E. Performs rescue/extrication by retrieving and/or setting up equipment, operating
equipment or performing other duties.
F. Renders medical care.
G. Performs hazard identification and mitigation activities.
H. Investigates alarms.
I. Drives and operates firefighting apparatus and equipment.
J. Regularly participates in the department's Duty Officer Program.
K. Performs other duties as directed.
2. Assists with managing the department's multi-faceted training programs.
A. Assists with the development and implementation of training programs, covering
topics such as fire training, special operations,technical rescue, emergency medicine,
physical fitness, safe work practices,promotional and leadership development, etc.
B. Assists with the development of teaching outlines and lesson plans.
C. Assists with the development and research of training materials;prepares and
distributes materials including announcements,handouts, tests, evaluations and
visual aids including online curriculum.
Page 1
D. Assists with the coordination of entry and advanced level training academies and
programs.
E. Assists with the planning and coordination of live fire training programs.
3. Performs various supervisory and administrative duties.
A. Assists with initial recruitment, candidate evaluation, and orientation training for new
employees.
B. Provides clear expectations and sound leadership.
C. Supervises subordinate personnel through the chain of command;maintains
standards; coordinates activities; allocates personnel; assists in the selection of new
on-call firefighters and recommending employees for promotion;manages employee
issues;recommends and/or carries out employee discipline as outlined in city and
department rules and regulations and administrative policies.
D. Reviews the work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy; evaluates and
makes recommendations as appropriate; offers advice and assistance as needed.
E. Maintains discipline and develops documentation pertaining to employee
performance;provides performance feedback and prepares performance reviews for
assigned staff; counsels assigned staff on performance, training and personal
development needs.
F. Prepares a variety of documents,including incident reports, schedules, directives,
work orders,memos and correspondence. Assures proper reports are complete and
accurate prior to submitting them to the administrative office.
G. Ensures that city and department rules and regulations, administrative policies and
operational procedures are followed.
H. Suggests budget items and prepares budget recommendations for purchase.
I. Assists the administrative office with scheduling personnel assigned to the
department's specialized teams and units to various events and functions as
authorized by the fire chief and/or his/her designee.
4. Participates in and assists with the coordination of training.
A. Participates in drills and other department training activities to maintain and upgrade
firefighting,leadership and command skills.
B. Attends outside training activities such as fire schools, sectional schools, etc.
C. Participates in extra training as required for this position.
D. Assists with the planning and delivery of training programs and activities.
E. Schedules, develops and delivers training for the department's specialized teams and
units; schedules cross-training opportunities for the department,mutual aid partners
and other teams.
5. Performs fire prevention and public education.
A. Assists with conducting fire prevention,public education, community outreach and
other related assignments.
B. Promptly reports suspected fire code/life safety violations to the Fire &Building
Safety Division.
6. Performs other essential job duties.
A. Regular and timely work attendance.
B. Follows all safety procedures. Maintains due regard for the safety and welfare of
department personnel and the public.
C. Participates in safety training.
Page 2
4.5 at 2 On-Call Captain(Training&Safety)
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
❑ Knowledge of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident
Command System (ICS).
❑ Extensive knowledge of firefighting techniques and procedures.
❑ Extensive knowledge of the Elk River fire district, fire stations,resources and equipment.
• Knowledge of technical rescue operations in accordance with NFPA 1670.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word/Excel and the department's records management system.
• Skill and ability to apply firefighting techniques and procedures.
• Skill in operating and directing various firefighting apparatus and equipment.
❑ Ability to work under pressure in environments that are less than comfortable.
• Ability to communicate well through written and verbal means.
• Ability to follow and enforce city and department rules and regulations, administrative
policies and operational procedures.
• Ability to maintain required attendance and training requirements as both a Firefighter and
Captain.
❑ Ability to speak in front of a crowd and to make a presentation.
• Ability to maintain trustful relationships among city leaders and mutual aid partners.
• Ability to correct actions of personnel without defacing their value.
• Ability to present a positive and professional image of the city and the fire department.
• Ability to attend additional meetings and trainings as required as a Captain.
Minimum Qualifications
❑ Meets all the requirements of the City of Elk River On-Call Firefighter.
❑ Two years' experience as a Lieutenant with the Elk River Fire Department OR seven years'
experience as an Elk River On-Call Firefighter.
❑ Minnesota State certified NFPA 1001 Firefighter II,NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials
Operations,NFPA 1041 Fire Instructor I and NFPA 1021 Fire Officer I.
❑ Minnesota State certified First Responder.
❑ Completed the following National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses: IS 100, IS
200, IS 700.
Preferred Qualifications
❑ College-level coursework in fire science,public administration,public safety or a closely
related field.
❑ B1ueCard Command certification.
❑ Completion of National Fire Academy coursework.
❑ Experience in emergency management.
Time Commitment (non-incident related activities)
❑ 6-10 hours/week (approximately)
This Position Description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is within the City of Elk River's discretion
to assign additional duties and responsibilities or remove duties and responsibilities at any time.
This Position Description does not constitute a Contract of Employment.
Page 3
4.5 at 2 On-Call Captain(Training&Safety)
City of Elk River
City On-Call Captain (Special Operations)
lk
River Position Description
Department: Immediate Supervisor:
Fire Fire Chief
Pay Grade: FLSA Status: Last Updated: (date)
Per City Compensation Plan Non-Exempt 10/2013
Positions Supervised:
Lieutenant (s), firefighters
Position Summary
Under direction,responsible for the coordination,planning, training and direction of the
department's specialized teams and units,including the Technical Rescue Team. Plans, organizes,
coordinates and directs emergency and non-emergency activities; commands individual resources
and/or incident scenes. Provides fire suppression,rescue, medical and other emergency care in
accordance the rules and regulations, administrative policies and operational procedures of the
department. Helps keep the department in a constant state of readiness and assists with fire
prevention and public education.
Essential Functions
1. Responds to emergencies as required.
A. Commands single and multiple-unit/company responses to emergency fire,rescue,
medical, hazardous material, or other incidents.
B. Fills incident management roles as necessary, as assigned, and/or as
required/outlined by department policies or procedures at fire,medical, hazardous
materials, rescue or other emergencies until relieved by a higher command authority.
C. Delegates responsibilities and assignments as necessary for efficient operation on and
off emergency scenes.
D. Performs firefighting activities,including laying and pulling hose, retrieving and/or
setting up equipment, forcible entry, search and rescue,ventilation and other fire-
scene responsibilities.
E. Performs rescue/extrication by retrieving and/or setting up equipment, operating
equipment or performing other duties.
F. Renders medical care.
G. Performs hazard identification and mitigation activities.
H. Investigates alarms.
I. Drives and operates firefighting apparatus and equipment.
J. Regularly participates in the department's Duty Officer Program.
K. Performs other duties as directed.
2. Oversees specialized teams and units,including the Technical Rescue Team.
A. Responsible for the general oversight and direction of department's specialized units
and teams,including the Technical Rescue Team.
B. Periodically checks equipment and resources assigned to the department's specialized
teams and units to assure proper maintenance has been performed. Reports and/or
Page 1
schedules required maintenance as needed/required. Reacts accordingly to requests
made by subordinate personnel.
C. Strives to keep the department's specialized teams and units in a constant state of
readiness.
3. Performs various supervisory and administrative duties.
A. Provides clear expectations and sound leadership.
B. Supervises subordinate personnel through the chain of command;maintains
standards; coordinates activities; allocates personnel; assists in the selection of new
on-call firefighters and recommending employees for promotion;manages employee
issues;recommends and/or carries out employee discipline as outlined in city and
department rules and regulations and administrative policies.
C. Reviews the work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy; evaluates and
makes recommendations as appropriate; offers advice and assistance as needed.
D. Maintains discipline and develops documentation pertaining to employee
performance;provides performance feedback and prepares performance reviews for
assigned staff; counsels assigned staff on performance, training and personal
development needs.
E. Prepares a variety of documents,including incident reports, schedules, directives,
work orders,memos and correspondence. Assures proper reports are complete and
accurate prior to submitting them to the administrative office.
F. Ensures that city and department rules and regulations, administrative policies and
operational procedures are followed.
G. Suggests budget items and prepares budget recommendations for purchase.
H. Assists the administrative office with scheduling personnel assigned to the
department's specialized teams and units to various events and functions as
authorized by the fire chief and/or his/her designee.
4. Participates in and assists with the coordination of training.
A. Participates in drills and other department training activities to maintain and upgrade
firefighting,leadership and command skills.
B. Attends outside training activities such as fire schools, sectional schools, etc.
C. Participates in extra training as required for this position.
D. Assists with the planning and delivery of training programs and activities.
E. Scheduled, develops and delivers training for the department's specialized teams and
units; schedules cross-training opportunities for the department,mutual aid partners
and other teams.
5. Performs fire prevention and public education.
A. Assists with conducting fire prevention,public education, community outreach and
other related assignments.
B. Promotes the department's specialized resources and capabilities to the public.
C. Promptly reports suspected fire code/life safety violations to the Fire &Building
Safety Division.
6. Performs other essential job duties.
A. Regular and timely work attendance.
B. Follows all safety procedures. Maintains due regard for the safety and welfare of
department personnel and the public.
C. Participates in safety training.
Page 2
4.5 at 3 On-Call Captain Special Operations
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
❑ Knowledge of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident
Command System (ICS).
❑ Extensive knowledge of firefighting techniques and procedures.
❑ Extensive knowledge of the Elk River fire district, fire stations,resources and equipment.
• Knowledge of technical rescue operations in accordance with NFPA 1670.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word/Excel and the department's records management system.
• Skill and ability to apply firefighting techniques and procedures.
• Skill in operating and directing various firefighting apparatus and equipment.
❑ Ability to work under pressure in environments that are less than comfortable.
• Ability to communicate well through written and verbal means.
• Ability to follow and enforce city and department rules and regulations, administrative
policies and operational procedures.
• Ability to maintain required attendance and training requirements as both a Firefighter and
Captain.
❑ Ability to speak in front of a crowd and to make a presentation.
• Ability to maintain trustful relationships among city leaders and mutual aid partners.
• Ability to correct actions of personnel without defacing their value.
• Ability to present a positive and professional image of the city and the fire department.
• Ability to attend additional meetings and trainings as required as a Captain.
Minimum Qualifications
❑ Meets all the requirements of the City of Elk River On-Call Firefighter.
❑ Two years' experience as a Lieutenant with the Elk River Fire Department OR seven years'
experience as an Elk River On-Call Firefighter.
❑ Two years' experience as a member of the Elk River Fire Department Technical Rescue
Team. Maintains active status on the Technical Rescue Team during appointment.
❑ Minnesota State certified NFPA 1001 Firefighter II,NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials
Operations,NFPA 1041 Fire Instructor I and NFPA 1021 Fire Officer I.
❑ Completed NFPA 1006 coursework and has demonstrated experience in technical rescue
operations, specifically rope and confined space rescue.
❑ Minnesota State certified First Responder.
❑ Completed the following National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses: IS 100, IS
200, IS 700.
Preferred Qualifications
• College-level coursework in fire science,public administration,public safety or a closely
related field.
• B1ueCard Command certification.
• Completion of National Fire Academy coursework.
• Experience in emergency management.
Time Commitment (non-incident related activities)
❑ 6-10 hours/week (approximately)
This Position Description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is within the City of Elk River's discretion
to assign additional duties and responsibilities or remove duties and responsibilities at any time.
This Position Description does not constitute a Contract of Employment.
Page 3
4.5 at 3 On-Call Captain Special Operations)
�' City of Elk River
Elk .Z On-Call Lieutenant
River Position Description
Department: Immediate Supervisor:
Fire Captain
Pay Grade: FLSA Status: Last Updated: (date)
Per City Com ensation Plan Non-Exempt 10/2013
Positions Supervised:
Firefighters
Position Summary
The On-Call Lieutenant is an entry-level supervisory position and works under the general
supervision of a Captain. The Lieutenant provides front-line supervision to the firefighter and
conducts fire suppression,rescue,medical and other emergency care in accordance the rules and
regulations, administrative policies and operational procedures of the department. Helps keep the
department in a constant state of readiness and assists with fire prevention and public education.
Essential Functions
1. Responds to emergencies as required.
A. Typically commands a single unit at emergency fire,rescue, medical, hazardous
material, or other incidents.
B. Fills incident management roles as necessary, as assigned, and/or as
required/outlined by department policies or procedures at fire,medical,hazardous
materials, rescue or other emergencies until relieved by a higher command authority.
C. Delegates responsibilities and assignments as necessary for efficient operation on and
off emergency scenes.
D. Performs firefighting activities,including laying and pulling hose, retrieving and/or
setting up equipment, forcible entry, search and rescue,ventilation and other fire-
scene responsibilities.
E. Performs rescue/extrication by retrieving and/or setting up equipment, operating
equipment or performing other duties.
F. Renders medical care.
G. Performs hazard identification and mitigation activities.
H. Investigates alarms.
I. Drives and operates firefighting apparatus and equipment.
J. Regularly participates in the department's Duty Officer Program.
K. Performs other duties as directed.
2. Maintains departmental and personal equipment.
A. Maintains tools, apparatus, and equipment in functioning condition.
B. Assists the Captain(s) with ensuring that the station(s) and premises are neat, clean,
and in good order at all times.
C. Directs and assists firefighters to ensure that fire apparatus and equipment is in
operational order.
D. Conducts regular inspections of personal protective equipment (PPE) issued to
firefighters to ensure equipment is in operational order and free of noticeable
defects.
Page 1
3. Performs various supervisory and administrative duties.
A. Provides clear expectations and sound leadership.
B. Supervises subordinate personnel through the chain of command;maintains
standards; coordinates activities; allocates personnel; assists in the selection of new
on-call firefighters; manages employee issues; recommends employee discipline to
superior officers as outlined in city and department rules and regulations and
administrative policies.
C. Reviews the work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy; evaluates and
makes recommendations as appropriate; offers advice and assistance as needed.
D. Maintains discipline and develops documentation pertaining to employee
performance;provides performance feedback and prepares performance reviews for
assigned staff; counsels assigned staff on performance, training and personal
development needs.
E. Prepares a variety of documents,including incident reports, schedules, memos and
correspondence. Assures proper reports are complete and accurate prior to
submitting them to the administrative office.
F. Ensures that city and department rules and regulations, administrative policies and
operational procedures are followed.
4. Participates in and assists with the coordination of training.
A. Participates in drills and other department training activities to maintain and upgrade
firefighting,leadership and command skills.
B. Attends outside training activities such as fire schools, sectional schools, etc.
C. Participates in extra training as required for this position.
D. Assists with the planning and delivery of training programs and activities.
5. Performs fire prevention and public education.
A. Assists with conducting fire prevention,public education, community outreach and
other related assignments.
B. Promptly reports suspected fire code/life safety violations to the Fire &Building
Safety Division.
6. Performs other essential job duties.
A. Regular and timely work attendance.
B. Follows all safety procedures. Maintains due regard for the safety and welfare of
department personnel and the public.
C. Participates in safety training.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
❑ Knowledge of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident
Command System (ICS).
❑ Knowledge of firefighting techniques and procedures.
❑ Knowledge of the Elk River fire district, fire stations, resources and equipment.
❑ Knowledge of Microsoft Word/Excel and the department's records management system.
❑ Skill and ability to apply firefighting techniques and procedures.
❑ Skill in operating and directing various firefighting apparatus and equipment.
❑ Ability to work under pressure in environments that are less than comfortable.
❑ Ability to communicate well through written and verbal means.
❑ Ability to follow and enforce city and department rules and regulations, administrative
policies and operational procedures.
Page 2
4.5 at 4 On-Call Lieutenant
❑ Ability to maintain required attendance and training requirements as both a Firefighter and
Lieutenant.
❑ Ability to speak in front of a crowd and to make a presentation.
❑ Ability to maintain trustful relationships among city leaders and mutual aid partners.
❑ Ability to correct actions of personnel without defacing their value.
❑ Ability to present a positive and professional image of the city and the fire department.
❑ Ability to attend additional meetings and trainings as required as a Lieutenant.
Minimum Qualifications
❑ Meets all the requirements of the City of Elk River On-Call Firefighter.
❑ Three years' experience as an Elk River On-Call Firefighter.
❑ Minnesota State certified NFPA 1001 Firefighter II and NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials
Operations.
❑ NFPA 1041 Fire Instructor I and NFPA 1021 Fire Officer I within two years of
appointment.
❑ Minnesota State certified First Responder.
❑ Completed the following National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses: IS 100, IS
700.
Preferred Qualifications
❑ B1ueCard Command certification.
❑ Completion of National Fire Academy coursework.
Time Commitment (non-incident related activities)
❑ 4-8 hours/week (approximately).
This Position Description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is within the City of Elk River's discretion
to assign additional duties and responsibilities or remove duties and responsibilities at any time.
This Position Description does not constitute a Contract of Employment.
Page 3
4.5 at 4 On-Call Lieutenant
NEW ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The cornerstone of a first-class fire department is a strong leadership and
organizational structure. Trained and prepared for often the most difficult and
dangerous tasks, whether it be the result of a man-made or natural occurrence,
firefighters are called to perform under the most adverse conditions. Professionalism,
teamwork, personal discipline, dedication and loyalty are the personal characteristics
that form the cultural foundation of the fire service.
As a safety-oriented organization, we have adopted a paramilitary style organizational
structure. Evidence of this is seen in the use of the National Incident Management
System (NIMS) and the utilization of the Incident Command System (ICS) at emergency
events. This type of structure provides for strategic and tactical level direction,
ensures accountability and maintains an appropriate span-of-control.
We are in the customer service business!
While the ICS is considered the
backbone of any incident response, a
strong organizational structure is also Mitigation
important for day-to-day operations. In
years past, the fire service often had a
limited mission, which was to suppress
fires. Today, we are a full-service
emergency and non-emergency Recovery Preparedness
customer service organization that cares
about the overall safety and well being of
our community.
The modern era fire service focuses on Response
four specific service areas: mitigation,
preparedness, response and recovery.
This is reflected in the Elk River Fire Department's new mission statement.
Planning for the Future
As responsibility and demand increase, it is important that this department reviews its
organizational structure to ensure that it appropriately meets the expectations of its
stakeholders.
The Fire Service Task Force spent considerable time reviewing the current
organizational structure of the department, taking into consideration the recent
merger of the building safety and code enforcement divisions. This review included
looking at organizational structures of other departments (both large and small) and
functional areas of responsibility outlined in job descriptions from other cities.
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River
NEW ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Based on this research, the Fire Service Task Force has recommended a new
organizational structure, which includes the creation of two major functional areas,
both of which will be overseen by a full-time deputy fire chief. The Operations Division
will oversee day-to-day emergency response operations, including the direct
supervision of the department's on-call leadership staff. The second is a Training and
Safety Division, which will direct the fire department's training program, including the
creation of an internal fire academy for new recruits, and will also coordinate the city's
overall safety program.
These changes provide for a more manageable span-of-control, greater accountability,
clear next-in-line authority, expansion flexibility and long-term succession planning.
The creation of two deputy chief positions will also enhance the city's emergency
management capabilities and, by enhancing the department's training program, provide
future revenue generating opportunities.
The following is the department's new organizational structure as recommended by
the Fire Service Task Force, which is supported by the fire chief. Implementation
methodologies are discussed later in the plan.
Administrative
Assistant
Operations Training & Fire : Building - - -
..- -[Deputy -
Official]
Captain ..tain Captain L Captain
Operations][Station#1] [Station#2) [Special
I I
Lieutenant(s) Lieutenant(s) L Lieutenant(s)
LFirefighters L Firefighters
•
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River