Chief of Department-Fire Department (H140)
Job Description
CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT
Under the policy direction of the San Francisco Fire Commission, the Chief of Department plans, directs, and organizes the activities and the operations of the Department. The Chief serves as the chief executive officer and through subordinate command staff, exercises administrative direction and coordination over employees engaged in the operation of the Department. The Chief of Department manages the planning, development and implementation of programs for the prevention, management and suppression of fires and other emergency services, emergency medical services, and fire safety and hazardous materials inspection programs for the City.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate for Chief of Department will possess a track record of demonstrated leadership, proven accomplishments and superior performance in the operation of fire services at a senior level in a fire department that serves an urban population of at least 350,000 residents. The candidate must be a strong visionary and decisive leader with excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a diverse department. Experience in an urban, ethnically diverse community is essential. A commitment to diversity in recruitment, selection and promotion must be demonstrated in their prior work assignments.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise in the following areas:
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Cultural and Leadership
Provide strong leadership through demonstrated integrity that will inspire achievement, enhance communication, foster teamwork, and promote ownership by developing a culture that values people and their differences, is free from inequities and barriers to people reaching their full potential, and earns the confidence of department personnel, appointed and elected leadership, community partners and our business owners, residents, and visitors.
Ensure a clearly defined path for professional development that is equally available to staff at all levels and within all disciplines throughout the organization, and is designed to enhance their success as supervisors, managers, and leaders by fostering an environment of positive employee morale, resulting in strong organizational performance.
Community Relationships
We value our communities and rely on the people in each neighborhood to work with the Department in all aspects of Department activities. This requires extensive community outreach, partnering with community organizations/schools, and maintaining the Department’s reputation of unparalleled service to all San Franciscans.
Continued Modernization
Modernization of the Fire Department relies not only on acquiring equipment and resources, but also on creating buy-in and excitement. The current administration emphasized providing the newest and latest technology for all divisions of the Department, and ensured adequate training to develop and enhance the skill set of all Department members. Continuation of the modernization effort is essential to maintain the Department’s status as the premier Fire Department in California.
Qualifications
EXPERIENCE: Ten (10) years of work experience as a uniformed member of a Fire Department at the sworn rank of Captain or higher; or appointment to the rank of Battalion Chief or higher in the San Francisco Fire Department.
SUBSTITUTION: Two (2) years of the required work experience may be substituted with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, fire science, organizational leadership, fire protection engineering, human resources management, construction management, hospitality management, management information systems or a closely related field.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
A master’s degree in business administration, public administration, fire science, organizational leadership, fire protection engineering, human resources management, construction management, hospitality management, management information systems or a closely related field.
Experience serving in the sworn rank of Battalion Chief or higher in a Fire Department in a large metropolitan area [over 350,000 residents].
Experience managing emergency medical services.
APPOINTMENT TYPE
This position is exempt from the City and County of San Francisco’s civil service system. The incumbent serves at the pleasure of the Mayor and the Fire Commission.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
The City of San Francisco offers an attractive salary and benefits package which includes:
For information on the retirement plan, go to: https://mysfers.org/.
For information on health benefits, go to: https://sfhss.org/benefits/mea
The position of Chief of Department is represented by the Municipal Executives’ Association. To view the current Memorandum of Understanding, go to:
Municipal Executives' Association, Fire (July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026) | San Francisco (sf.gov)
Additional Information
HOW TO APPLY
Applications for City and County of San Francisco jobs are only accepted through an online process. Visit https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/CityAndCountyOfSanFrancisco1/ and begin the application process.
Applicants may be contacted by email about this recruitment and, therefore, it is their responsibility to ensure that their registered email address is accurate and kept up-to-date. Also, applicants must ensure that email from CCSF is not blocked on their computer by a spam filter. To prevent blocking, applicants should set up their email to accept CCSF mail from the following addresses @sfgov.org and @smartrecruiters.com.
Applicants will receive a confirmation email that their online application has been received. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.
Applicants deemed qualified will be sent a supplemental questionnaire to complete.
The Selection Process
Applications and supplemental questionnaires will be screened and evaluated by the Department of Human Resources [DHR]. Qualified candidates will be presented to the San Francisco Fire Commission. The Commission will then select candidates to move on to panel interviews and present finalists to the Mayor, who appoints the Chief of Department.
Recruitment Contact Information: If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact Jen Lo, Public Safety Team Manager via email at Jen.Lo@sfgov.org.
The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.