10.2. SR 09-04-2018
Request for Action
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 10.2
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Work Session September 4, 2018 Cal Portner, City Administrator
Item Description Reviewed by
Review of Fire Chief Position Description Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Discuss and provide staff direction.
Background/Discussion
At the August 13, 2018, Special Council Meeting, Mayor Dietz stated he has received calls from
concerned fire fighters regarding the job position description for the fire chief and requested the position
description be reviewed at the September 4 council meeting. He stated the fire fighter concerns were that
they’ll be hiring an administrative-type chief and he wants to make sure the job description is sufficient.
The Council expressed their consent to discuss.
Financial Impact
N/A
Attachments
Red Lined Version of 2018 Fire Chief Position Description
Fire Chief Recruitment Profile
Police Chief Position Description
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
City of Elk River
Fire Chief
Position Description
Department: Immediate Supervisor:
Fire City Administrator
Pay Grade: FLSA Status: Last Updated: (date)
15 Exempt 20087/2018
Positions Supervised:
Deputy Chief of Operations, Administrative Assistant,Fire Marshal, Fire Prevention Specialist, Paid
On-Call Firefighter
Position Summary
The Fire Chief administers and coordinates activities of the fire department for fire protection,
suppression, and prevention in the City of Elk River and contracting jurisdictions. Responsible for
the Ttrainsing and supervision of ses firefighters to ensure an effective and efficient operation;
surveys building, grounds, and equipment to determine departmental needs; investigate cause of
fires. The Fire Chief serves Management Director.
Essential Functions
1.Performs administrative activities.
A. Plans, coordinates, supervises and evaluates fire department programs.
B. Creates and manages department budget.
C.Plans the staffing, organization, and f
ensure an efficient and effective program for fire prevention and protection.
D. Oversees the work of department employees.
E. Actively participates as a member of the city leadership team to define, establish, and
attain the goals of the organization, elected officials, and community.
D.F. Serves as a trustee on the Elk River Fire Relief Association.
E.G. Performs timely annual performance reviews of all regular employees supervised.
F.H. Evaluates the fire department training program.
G.I. Establishes and maintains mutual aid agreements with neighboring fire departments.
H.J. Establishes and implements a public information program for adult and youth
regarding fire safety, prevention, and emergency activities.
I.K. Establishes policies and procedures to implement directives from the Ccity
Aadministrator or City Council.
J.L. Develops, revises and implements internal policies, procedures, schedules and other
operating practices, rules and regulations consistent with City Council directives,
citywide policies and ordinances.
K.M.Prepares and presents a variety of reports and makes presentations verbally and in
writing concerning activities of the Ffire Ddepartment to the City Council, public
commissions, other governmental agencies or community groups.
L.N. Directs and conducts ongoing research into new fire service technologies and trends,
and recommends implementation of programs to the Ccity aAdministrator and the
department to achieve its objectives more efficiently.
O. Identifies federal, state and private research and development grants; determines the
Page 1
scope of work for which finds are needed; prepares proposals to obtain grants;
administers grant funds accordingly.
M.P. Maintains a positive working relationship with Elk River Ambulance and the
communities and officials of contractual fire services.
2.Coordinates and manages fire suppression activities.
A. Maintains department in a continual state of readiness in order to effectively deal
with emergencies.
B.Performs as Incident Commander by directingfirefighters at scene of fires and
emergencies.
C.B. Evaluates fire prevention and controls policies by keeping abreast of new methods
and incorporates appropriate new methods in department's operation.
D.C. Maintains appropriate records on fire occurrences, equipment, personnel, training,
and all items relating to the fire department.
E. Investigates fire code complaints and issues corrective orders when appropriate. Comment \[WL1\]: Is also in 3C.
3.Enforces related codes and ordinances.
A. Coordinates with the building and zoning department the enforcement of state and
local fire codes when building permits are issued.
B. Reviews plats prior to final approval.
C.Investigates fire code complaints and issues corrective orders when appropriate.
D. Coordinates changes in the fire department or fire code ordinances.
4.Performs Mangages inspection activities.
A. Implements inspection program that complies with the InternationalFire Code.
B. Conducts and oversees code enforcement and maintenance inspections of multi-
family, commercial and industrial buildings, properties and fire protection systems.
5.Administers Ccmanagement plan.
A. Serves as the Ccity's Eemergency mManagement Ddirector.
B. Establishes procedures to respond to hazardous material emergencies.
C.Coordinates duties and responsibilities with the Ccity Aadministrator in order to
effectively respond to an emergency situation.
D. Maintains and monitors the emergency warning sirens to ensure adequate coverage
in case of an emergency.
E. Maintains the CcEmergency Operation Plan.
F. Maintains the cC
6.
A. Directs all city safety programs.
B. Leads the safety committee meetings and activities.
C.Enforces safety policies and procedures.
D. Recommends safety policies.
E. Recommends safety equipment and supply purchases.
7.6.Performs budget and financial activities.
A. Compiles, prepares and recommends to the cCity Acadministrator the annual
budget for the fire department including fire prevention and inspections, emergency
management, safety committee, and capital improvement plan.
B. Manages, monitors and controls the overall departmental expenditures.
Page 2
Fire Chief PD - redlineFire Chief
8.7.Performs other essential job duties.
A. Regular and timely work attendance.
B. Follows all safety procedures.
C.Participates in safety training.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of firefighting equipment practices, principles, methods and techniques.
Knowledge of fire codes and fire prevention laws and regulations.
Knowledge of OSHA safety regulations, training requirements and etc.
Ability to prepare and implement operating and capital improvement budgets.
Ability to effectively communicate with the public, departmental personnel, city staff, City
Council, and other governmental agencies.
Ability to prepare technical reports and present reports to the city staff and City Council.
Ability to provide leadership and promote morale among the firefighters.
Ability to develop cooperative relations with the public.
Ability to use a computer.
Ability to train and supervise staff.
Minimum Qualifications
field.
Seven years training and experience with a fire department, sevenyears of which must have
been equivalent to Fire Captain of higher.
Certified Firefighter 2 II by the Minnesota State Certification Board.
Certified Fire Officer 1 I and II by the Minnesota State Certification Board.
Certified First Responder.
Emergency Management Director Certification. A candidate who does not hold this
certification will be required to obtain certification within a period of time that will be
determined at time of hire.
Demonstrated experience in leading training programs.
Must live within a 3-mile radius of the main Elk River Fire Station.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous Fire Chief experience.
Certified Fire Instructor II by the Minnesota State Certification Board.
Emergency Medical Technician.
This Position Description is not intended to be all-
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
Fire Chief PD - redlineFire Chief
City of Elk River
Minnesota
Fire Chief
(Applications accepted starting July 12, 2018, until July 27, 2018)
The Elk River Fire Department is seeking a well-rounded and experienced professional to lead its
progressive, full-service emergency response and public safety agency. The perfect candidate for this
position will have the desire and capacity to look outside the traditional fire service to meet community
protective servicesneeds. The Fire Chief serves as an innovative and supportive member of the senior
management and is also the city’s Emergency Management Director, ensuring critical response in times
of community emergencies.
The CommunityRecreation and Culture
Elk River is located just 35 miles northwest of The city has 44 parks totaling nearly 1,300 acres ranging
Minneapolis-St. Paul between the Twin Cities and St. from neighborhood and community parks, playfields,
Cloud on the Mississippi River. As the Sherburne and beaches to vast acres of primitive green space. A
County Seat, the city covers an area of 44 square miles river city, the community has public access to the
making it one of the largest land-based cities in the state Mississippi and Elk Rivers as well as Lake Orono.
and the largest city within the county with nearly 24,000
residents. The city continues to develop while retaining Elk River has 75 miles of paved and unpaved walking
its historical perspective and small-town flavor. trails including access to the Mississippi River Trail
Highways 10, 169, 101, nearby Interstate 94, and the (MRT). The MRT courses along America’s backbone,
Northstar Commuter Rail provide fast and easy access the Mississippi River, from its headwaters in Itasca,
to the greater metropolitan area as well as the gateway Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
to Minnesota’s lake country.
A truly Powered by Nature community, Elk River offers
Designated a Minnesota Energy City, Elk River is numerous seasonal outdoor activities including hockey,
internationally recognized for innovative and ice skating, and downhill sledding at the historic
progressive leadership in energy conservation, Handke Pit, disc golf, Hillside Park mountain bike
alternative energy, public education, and environmental course, trails, cross-country skiing, fishing, swimming,
stewardship. beach volleyball, lake and river boat launches and a
splash fountain.
Elk River is a great place to live and work. The city has
invested in parks, facilities, and recreation opportunities Rivers Edge Commons Park, overlooking the
for all ages to enjoy. Educational opportunities exist at Mississippi River in the historic downtown district, is
highly-regarded public, charter, and private schools host to free weekly outdoor summer concerts that are a
serving residents from kindergarten to post-secondary favorite of young and old alike! The city also owns,
education. The community is proud of its full spectrum operates, and programs an indoor ice arena, a senior
of housing options for all ages and lifestyles. activity center and a LEED-certified library.
ERFD is led by a fulltime fire chief who reports directly
The Organization
to the city administrator. Staff reporting to the fire chief
Elk River is a Minnesota Statutory Plan A city governed
includes a fulltime deputy chief of operations and an
by a mayor and four-member city council.
office assistant. Each Station has a captain(s) and
lieutenant(s) chosen from within the department.The
The council is advisedby commissions and boards,
department’s Technical Rescue Team and Honor
including: Planning Commission, Parks & Recreation
Guard are hallmarks of the department’s commitment
Commission, Economic Development Authority,
to the community.
Energy City Commission, Heritage Preservation
Commission, Ice Arena Commission, Housing &
The department has two state of the art fire stations to
Redevelopment Authority, and Library Board.
effectively serve the citizens. Station 1 is located at 415
Jackson Avenue and Station 2, built in 2003, is co-
City departments include Administration, Finance,
located with the city’s public safety building at 13073
Community Operations and Development, Police, Fire,
Orono Parkway. To meet service needs,Station 3 is
and Parks and Recreation, Economic Development and
being considered and may be operational by 2022. The
Redevelopment, and Human Resources. City staff
Fire Department works closely with a non-profit
workscooperatively with Elk River Municipal Utilities
ambulance service that is located at Station 1 and
whose activities are overseen by the Elk River
numerous firefighters serve as emergency medical
Municipal Utilities Commission.
technicians for the ambulance service.
Elk River Fire Department
Elk River Fire Department is a prevention oriented
The Elk River Fire Department has a rich history in this
department,with 3 full time staff members, and 45 on-
community. With its formal inception dating back to
call employees. In keeping with the prevention oriented
1881, ERFD proudly serves the City of Elk River, the
theme of ERFD, public outreach and education on fire
City of Otsego, and a portion of Big Lake Township. It
safety is a top priority. The department also holds
serves a total population of approximately 35,000and
frequent fire academy programs for new firefighters in
66 square miles of fire coverage area.
Elk River and the surrounding communities with the
goal of graduating firefighters to carry forward a
tradition of excellence.
Fire Department Organizational Chart
City Council
City Administrator
Fire Chief
Emergency
Response Education/Training Administration
Management
The Position–Essential Functions
1. Performs administrative activities.
a.Plans, coordinates, supervise and evaluate fire department programs.
b.Creates and manages department budget.
c.Plans the staffing, organization, and function of department’s human resources to ensure an efficient and
effective program for fire prevention and protection.
d.Oversees the work of department employees.
e.Actively participates as a member of the city leadership team to define, establish, and attain the goals of the
organization, elected officials, and community.
f.Serves as a trustee on the Elk River Fire Relief Association.
g.Performs timely annual performancereviews of all regular employees supervised.
h.Evaluates the fire department training program.
i.Establishes and maintains mutual aid agreements with neighboring fire departments.
j.Establishes and implements a public information program for adult and youth regarding fire safety,
prevention, and emergency activities.
k.Establishes policies and procedures to implement directives from the city administrator or City Council.
l.Develops, revises and implements internal policies, procedures, schedules and other operating practices,
rules and regulations consistent with City Council directives, citywide policies and ordinances.
m.Prepares and presents a variety of reports and makes presentations verbally and in writing concerning
activities of the Fire Department to the City Council, public commissions, other governmental agencies or
community groups.
n.Directs/conducts ongoing research into new fire service technologies and trends, and recommends
implementation of programs to the city administrator to achieve its objectives more efficiently.
o.Identifies Federal, State and private research and development grants; determines the scope of work for
which finds are needed; prepares proposals to obtain grants; administers grant funds accordingly.
p.Maintains a positive working relationship with Elk River Ambulance and the communities and officials of
contractual fire services.
2. Coordinates and manages fire suppression activities.
a.Maintains department in a continual state of readiness in order to effectively deal with emergencies.
b.Evaluates fire prevention and controls policies by keeping abreast of new methods and incorporates
appropriate new methods in department's operation.
c.Maintains appropriate records on fire occurrences, equipment, personnel, training, and all items relating to
the Fire Department.
3. Enforces related codes and ordinances.
a.Coordinates with the building and zoning department the enforcement of State and local fire codes when
building permits are issued.
b.Reviews plats prior to final approval.
c.Investigates fire code complaints and issues corrective orders when appropriate.
d.Coordinates changes in the Fire Department or fire code ordinances.
4. Manages inspection activities.
a.Implementsaninspection program that complies with the International Fire Code.
5. Administers city’s emergency management plan.
a.Serves as the city's emergency management director.
b.Establishes procedures to respond to hazardous material emergencies.
c.Coordinates duties and responsibilities with the city administrator in order to effectively respond to an
emergency situation.
d.Maintains and monitors the emergency warning sirens to ensure adequate coverage in case of an emergency.
e.Maintains the city’s Emergency Operation Plan.
f.Maintains the city’s Emergency Resource Manual.
6. Performs budget and financial activities.
a.Compiles, prepares and recommends to the city administrator the annual budget for the Fire Department
including fire prevention and inspections, emergency management, and capital improvement plan.
b.Manages, monitors, and controls the overall departmental expenditures.
7. Performs other essential job duties.
a.Regular and timely work attendance.
b.Follows all safety procedures.
c.Participates in safety training.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of firefighting equipment Ability to prepare technical reports which
practices, principles, methods and techniques. then are presented to city staff and council.
Knowledge of fire codes and fire prevention Ability to provide leadership and promote
laws and regulations. morale among the firefighters.
Knowledge of OSHA safety regulations, Ability to develop cooperative relations with
training requirements, etc. the public.
Ability to prepare and implement operating Ability to use a computer.
and capital improvement budgets.
Demonstration experience in leading training
Ability to effectively communicate with the programs
public, departmental personnel, city staff, city
Ability to train and supervise staff.
council, and other governmental agencies.
Minimum Qualifications Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Fire Previous fire chief experience.
Administration, Fire Services Management or
Certified Fire Instructor II by the Minnesota
related field.
State Certification Board.
Seven years training and experience with a fire
Emergency Medical Technician.
department, seven years of which must have
been equivalent to fire captain of higher.
Salary
Certified Firefighter II by the Minnesota State
Anticipated hiring range is $96,482 to $113,508
Certification Board.
annuallyDOQ.
Certified Fire Officer I and II by the
Minnesota State Certification Board.
To Apply
Certified First Responder.
Apply online at www.ElkRiverMN.gov/jobs. Please
Emergency Management Director
be sure to include a resume and cover letter with your
Certification. A candidate who does not hold
online application.
this certification will be required to obtain
certification within a period of time that will
be determined at time of hire.
Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
If you require accommodation with the application process, please call 763.635.1000.
The City of Elk River is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Page 1
City of Elk River
Police Chief
Position Description
Department:
Police
Immediate Supervisor:
City Administrator
Pay Grade:
16
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Last Updated: (date)
12/2014
Positions Supervised:
All Police Department employees and the Elk River Police Reserve Unit.
Position Summary
The Police Chief directs and coordinates the law enforcement activities of the city's police
department, including enforcing traffic law, investigating crime and various community relations
activities. Overall supervision of the Police Department and the Police Reserve Unit.
Essential Functions
1. Performs management activities.
A. Establishes operational plan, goals and objectives for the department.
B. Evaluates the effectiveness of department and its programs.
C. Evaluates, selects and manages vendors.
D. Responsible for the complete and timely submission of mandated reports.
2. Performs law enforcement supervisory activities.
A. Supervises maintenance and restoration of public order.
B. Prepares for extraordinary emergency situations; supervises extraordinary law
enforcement situations.
C. Supervises the enforcement of traffic laws, reviews traffic statistics or reports, plans,
directs, and assigns resources to enforce traffic law.
D. Plans, directs, and allocates resources to ensure the performance of non-emergency
police duties.
E. Supervises the investigation of crimes, the preparation of investigation plans and the
gathering of information from various sources.
F. Supervises the department's participation in civil or criminal court systems.
3. Performs crime prevention and community relations activities.
A. Oversees and delivers crime prevention education.
B. Maintains community relations through public speaking, exhibitions, tours, and
various community engagement programs.
C. Participates in emergency preparedness activities.
D. Represents department to media and provides press releases as appropriate.
4. Performs financial activities.
A. Compiles, prepares, and recommends overall budget for the police department.
B. Monitors and controls overall departmental expenditures.
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10.2 at Police Chief
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.
C. Identifies sources of grants; prepares and submits applications for grants.
5. Performs supervisory activities.
A. Assists staff in the selection and hiring of department employees.
B. Receives and investigates complaints on employees or services performed.
C. Delegates work and assesses employee performance within the department.
D. Oversees training of law enforcement personnel; prepares and conducts training
plans.
E. Oversees the operation and use of the police reserve unit.
F. Performs timely annual performance reviews of all supervised employees.
6. Performs other essential job duties.
A. Regular and timely work attendance.
B. Follows all safety procedures.
C. Participates in safety training.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of law enforcement.
Skill in supervising, motivating, and guiding law enforcement personnel.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with elected officials, city
staff, other law enforcement agencies, the business community, community groups, and the
public.
Ability to react calmly and decisively in emergency situations.
Ability to effectively and efficiently manage a department of sworn and non-sworn police
personnel.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written form.
Comfortable with use of technology.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a public safety related field.
Seven years of progressively responsible law enforcement management experience of which
two years include demonstrated experience as deputy/assistant chief or similar executive
position.
Valid full-time POST license.
Five years supervisory experience.
First responder certification.
Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in law enforcement, public administration, or related field.
Graduate of Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command or similar course.