Fire Chief - Fire Department

The City of Dalton, Georgia is currently accepting applications for the position of Fire Chief.  This is a full-time position that includes excellent salary and benefits.  Applications may be completed by visiting www.daltonga.gov and clicking on the “Employment” button near the bottom of the page.  Completed applications must be received by the job closing date of September 12, 2023 9:00 a.m. in order to be considered (internal applicants must submit a current resume and memorandum of interest by the job closing date/time).  Please see a more detailed description of responsibilities and qualifications below.

Questions may be directed to Greg Batts, Director of Human Resources at gbatts@daltonga.gov

Position Summary:                  This position is designated as the head of the agency and is responsible for all operations/functions of the fire department.  Performs a variety of technical, administrative, and supervisory work in planning, organizing, directing and implementing fire prevention, fire suppression and basic life support to prevent or minimize the loss of life and property for the City of Dalton.

Supervision Received:            Works under the general guidance and direction of the City of Dalton Public Safety Commission. Works closely with the Mayor and Council, PSC Liaison and the City Administrator.

Supervision Exercised:           Directly supervises the Deputy Chief and all other officers, firefighters, civilian staff, with assistance of other officers in the departmental chain of command.

Essential Duties:                    

• Plans, Coordinates, supervise and evaluates fire and medical operations.
• Advises on and establishes policies and procedures for the entire agency.
• Reviews departmental performance and effectiveness.
• Reviews and recommends the implementation of new and innovative technology. Formulates programs or policies to alleviate deficiencies.
• Supervises and coordinates the preparation, presentation, and spending of the department’s annual budget.
• Controls the expenditure of departmental funds.  
• Plans for and reviews specifications of new or replacement equipment.
• Responds to alarms and assists as necessary to direct and/or assist the direction of emergencies, or other incidents.
• Responsible for the inspection of buildings and other properties for fire hazards and enforces local fire ordinances, local adopted fire code, as well as the State Fire Codes.
• Ensures the proper training for all personnel.
• Prepares and submits monthly reports to the Public Safety Commission regarding department activities and prepares a variety of other reports as appropriate including the annual report of activities. Assures well-kept condition of fire department facilities and equipment.
• Assists/Directs origin and cause determination of fire scenes where needed and coordinates multi- agency responses when necessary.
• Represents the fire department in the public venue where needed. Assures timely completion and submittal of required paperwork for department operation as well as outside agency reports.
• Performs other related duties assigned by the Public Safety Commission, Mayor and Council, City Administrator, and other department heads for the benefit of the City. 

Minimum Qualifications:       

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of associate or baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field, or, acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the department in order to direct and coordinate work within the department.
• 15 years’ experience in the fire service with five (5) of those years in a supervisory capacity.
• Must be a certified firefighter (must be Georgia certified within 6 months of appointment).