Fire Chief Job Description

The Fire Chief administers, plans, directs and controls all aspects of the Fallen Leaf Lake CSD Fire Department including fire suppression, fire prevention, evacuation, and rescue activities of the department as authorized by the California Fire Code. The Fire Chief also administers applicable local and federal fire regulations. Administrative duties comprise planning, directing, collaborating with neighboring fire departments and agencies, and controlling all fire department activities including recruitment of personnel, purchase of equipment, control of expenditures, preparation of budget estimates and the assignment of personnel and equipment. The Fire Chief confers with the CSD General Manager on issues of organization, policy and planning, but works independently in supervising Fire Department operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and supervise through subordinate officers the activities of the fire department as specified in departmental policies & procedures.

• Attend fires and exercise overall supervision of firefighting operations. As required, take over immediate supervision of rescue and firefighting activities

• Provide effective public outreach to all community members regarding fire hazards, fire prevention, developing fire safe practices, defensible space, and guidance for emergency evacuation.

• Maintain an effective working relationship with all local government departments and carry out such additional duties as requested by the General Manager and Board of Directors.

• Establish and implement Operational Guidelines based on best practices and OSHA regulations.

• Develop and implement training programs in accordance with accepted standards to improve the understanding and skill of all staff in fire fighting and rescue procedures and EMT/EMTP first responders.

• Ensure adequate records are kept of all required maintenance and training.

• Prepare and submit an annual budget and long-range plans according to best practices as prescribed by the board of directors.

• Make expenditures within approved limits and maintain financial records in accordance with district policies.

• Develop and revise a long-range capital plan to keep pace with development.

• Supervise the requisition, maintenance and operation of firefighting equipment and facilities. Maintain an up-to-date inventory of Fire Department apparatus and equipment

• Ensure that all local government policies and processes are adhered to.

• Ensure that inquiries and complaints regarding fire department activities or responsibilities are handled promptly, efficiently, effectively and with courtesy.

• Liaise with representatives of neighboring fire departments to ensure adequate mutual aid agreements are made for mitigating major emergency incidents.

• Participate in the local and regional emergency planning process.

• Participate in Fire Chiefs' Association at the local or regional level.

• Other related duties as assigned by the General Manager and Board of Directors

Organizational Relationship

• The Fire Chief oversees all fire department staff, but may delegate specific line management responsibilities to division commanders, battalion chiefs, and/or fire captains as appropriate.

Requirements

Education/Training

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

• CSFM Firefighter 1 Certification

• CSFM Driver/Operator Pump Certification or other approved course

• CSFM Company Officer Training Program

Minimum Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of full-time experience with a professional fire department as a company officer or higher rank in a suppression capacity.

• Previous experience as a fire department chief officer.

• Previous management experience required.

• Experience working with CalOES strike teams a plus

Occupational Certification

• California Class C License with firefighter, air brake & tank endorsements

• EMT-1A

• CPR Certification

• S-230 Engine Boss

• FESI Training Program

• ICS 400

• Company Officer Certification

• Chief Fire Officer Certification (encouraged)

Knowledge

• Knowledge of Fire Department Operational Guidelines, policies, procedures and applicable local bylaws, County regulations, Federal acts and standards.

• Knowledge of the NFPA 1001 and 1002 Firefighter Training Standard and OH&S regulations.

• Knowledge and training in Incident Command System (ICS) minimum ICS 400.

• Knowledge of the community and fire protection area.

• Knowledge of computer software applications including Firehouse Software (NFIRS), word processing, spreadsheets and mail applications.

• Knowledge of the California Fire Code

• Fire Hazard Reduction methods to successfully reduce fire hazards.

• Techniques utilized for public education and information.

• Fire investigation techniques, methods and practices.

• Appropriate billing and reimbursement practices for working with state and federal strike teams

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to be an effective leader

• Ability to organize & delegate, tactfully and diplomatically arbitrate conflicts between viewpoints to build consensus.

• Ability to effectively administer the operations of a volunteer fire department

• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing and maintain positive public relations for the fire department, members of the public, the General Manager, and the Board of Directors.

• Ability to supervise and participate in the preparation of all necessary reports, records and correspondence.

• Willingness and commitment to participate in training programs and workshops. Work effectively under dangerous and stressful conditions, extreme weather conditions, hazardous situations and other adverse conditions.

• Administer emergency medical care

• Operate an emergency vehicle/pumper in a safe manner.

• Make repeated, rapid movements and sustain a high level of muscular exertion and physical activity for 15 mins or longer, performing a sequence of physically demanding operations quickly and safely.

• Ability to recruit, train, mentor and direct volunteer and paid staff firefighters in the station environment and during emergency operations.

Local Considerations

• Familiarity with Fallen Leaf Lake, the southeast Tahoe Basin, and Desolation Wilderness

• Ability to work with local community members and address their questions and concerns

• Ability to work collaboratively with the Tahoe Basin Chiefs Association

• Political awareness necessary to productively work in partnership with all neighboring local, state, and federal agencies

This is a full-time position with seasonal variations

• May 1 to October 31 (approx) is the high season. The Fire Chief is expected to work from the FLL Basin and the CSD facilities during the summer season and must be available full-time to assist residents and recreational users of the Fallen Leaf Basin. Generally PTO and vacations are not allowed during this time, except as prescribed by district employment policies

• November 1 to April 30 (approx) is the low season. The Fire Chief is expected to engage in planning and budgeting, as well as participating in local roundtable and Tahoe-area fire planning year-round. While the Fire Chief is expected to be in close communication with the Board and the General Manager during this time, there is greater flexibility for time off during this period.

• Must be willing to attend Board meetings outside of regular work hours

Parallel Hiring Processes

The Fallen Leaf Lake CSD is recruiting in parallel for a General Manager. At the discretion of the board one individual may be hired to accomplish the responsibilities of both positions.

CLOSING DATE: May 23, 2025

About Fallen Leaf Lake CSD

About the Fallen Leaf Lake CSD The Fallen Leaf Lake Community Services District (CSD) provides fire protection and parks & recreation services to the Fallen Leaf community in the south east Tahoe Basin. The community includes over 1,000 summer residents and a few dozen year-round residents, in roughly 280 households over 6 square miles. The CSD was formed in 1982 via petition by the Fallen Leaf Lake volunteer fire department, and expanded in 1986 to provide public recreation and parks. The mission of the Fallen Leaf Lake CSD Fire Department is to minimize the damaging effects of fire and other hazards on life, the environment, and property in and around the Fallen Leaf Lake CSD; to serve the Fallen Leaf Lake Community to the best of its ability according to budget, training, and access by providing education, prevention and initial response to fires, emergency medical services, and other emergency calls for assistance.

Connections working at Fallen Leaf Lake CSD