JOB TITLE: INSTALLATION FIRE CHIEF, DMVA

JOB CODE: 74290

DEFINITION: This is managerial and specialized fire protection and fire prevention work at airports and other facilities supported by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).

The employee in this job directs, through subordinate supervisors, the extinguishment of aircraft, structure, and other fires that contain fuels, chemicals, and ordnance, such as ammunition. Work involves developing, improving, and implementing fire station policies, programs, services, and procedures; developing and implementing new and revised installation fire protection services and procedures; conducting formal investigations of fires; providing fire safety and emergency response training to firefighters and installation tenants; and ensuring that the station adheres to all established policies and operating procedures. Work includes participating in aircraft and structural firefighting activities, which requires the use of specialized breathing apparatuses and chemical fire suppressants. Work is self-directed or assigned by an administrative supervisor and reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation for compliance with established policies and procedures.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Directs the activities of Installation Firefighters and Installation Firefighter Supervisors on multiple shifts.

• Assesses the magnitude of fires and conditions to determine equipment and firefighting crew requirements.

• Assigns teams of Installation Firefighters and volunteer firefighters to firefighting and rescue locations at the scene of an emergency to maximize effectiveness.

• Directs and participates in extinguishing aircraft, building, vehicle, fuel, chemical, and brush fires.

• Directs the daily activities of the fire station to ensure adherence to established firefighting policies and standards.

• Monitors daily station and fire emergency response activities to identify and implement improvements.

• Develops policies and procedures to address fire prevention, fire emergency preparedness, and other fire safety topics.

• Conducts lectures, demonstrations, orientation classes, drills, and other formal training sessions to educate firefighters and installation occupants about fire safety measures, fire emergency response, fire emergency plans, fire suppression, hazardous materials response, and other related topics.

• Conducts formal investigations of fires to determine the nature and cause.

• Identifies and secures evidence for use in police investigations.

• Directs and verifies required staff training, including the attainment of professional firefighting training certifications and physical training activities.

• Directs and verifies that all firefighting staff are trained in the latest hazardous materials and fire response techniques.

• Uses open-circuit and closed-circuit self-contained breathing apparatuses.

• Utilizes various types of fire suppression substances such as CO2, Halon 1211, foam, and dry chemicals.

• Uses forcible entry and rescue tools for aircraft and structural firefighting in extreme conditions of heat and smoke.

• Operates multi-frequency radios and other licensed communications equipment.

• Rescues individuals from aircraft, buildings, vehicles, or other environments.

• Directs and monitors standby functions during aircraft fueling operations, aircraft engine maintenance and tests, ammunition handling, training flights, live fire training, and other hazardous operations.

• Directs hazard mitigation and cleanup efforts during emergencies.

• Maintains logs of daily station activities to include alarms, equipment use, and emergency response.

• Maintains firefighter training and certification records.

• Coordinates new peripheral installation emergency services programs with internal and external safety and emergency service organizations.

• Coordinates with external fire stations and with certifying organizations to develop or identify best firefighting practices.

• Implements improvements and revisions to fire and emergency services delivery, to include emergency medical services, hazardous materials abatement, fire prevention, and fire education.

• Coordinates with various installation tenants to prepare for fire hazards related to planned flights, training, and other activities.

• Operates motor vehicles.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the use of firefighting techniques and equipment.

• Knowledge of fire rescue methods and equipment.

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in the application of first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

• Knowledge of maintenance procedures for firefighting equipment and vehicles.

• Knowledge of fire regulations.

• Knowledge of the causes of fires characteristic for various structures and locations.

• Knowledge of fire behavior and suppression.

• Knowledge of the safety hazards presented by various types of fires.

• Knowledge of hazardous materials present in and around aircraft and airport buildings and grounds.

• Knowledge of firefighting training certification types and their applicability to assigned duties.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of fire station operations.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to operate motor vehicles.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Two years as an Installation Firefighter Supervisor, DMVA (commonwealth title);

or

• Six years of firefighting experience as a member of a municipal or governmental fire department that includes two years in a supervisory capacity and possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position requires Fire Officer IV, Fire Inspector II, Fire Instructor II, Airport Firefighter, Hazardous Materials Operations, Hazardous Materials Awareness, and  Hazardous Materials Incident Commander certifications issued by the InternationalFire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the National Professional Qualifications System (NPQS).

• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.

• The employee must initially and annually meet the physical fitness and agility standards of Department of Defense Manual 6055.05, Occupational Medical Examinations: Medical Surveillance and Medical Qualification.

• The employee in this job must obtain within one year of hire and maintain over the course of employment a valid Class B Pennsylvania commercial driver’s license.

• The employee in this job must obtain within one year of hire and maintain over the course of employment valid Driver/Operator Pumper, Driver/Operator Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter (ARFF), Driver/Operator Mobile Water Supply, and Driver/Operator Aerial certifications from an organization accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or National Professional Qualifications System (NPQS).