Sherwood Fire Department, Sherwood, Arkansas

Fire Chief Recruitment

The Community

Sherwood prides itself on quality neighborhoods and schools, along with strong business and retail centers. Friendly people, natural surroundings and beautiful weather are part of what make Sherwood a favorite.

The Department

Sherwood Fire Department (SFD) serves most of the City of Sherwood and parts of unincorporated areas of Pulaski County. SFD provides the following services: Fire Suppression, Advanced Life Support Emergency Medical Services, Rescue, Vehicle Extrication, Fire Investigations, Fire Prevention, Community Risk Reduction, Commercial Property Inspections, CPR and Fire Safety Training. The department responded to over 3,047 calls for service in 2019 with 73% of those being emergency medical calls. The Department’s service area covers approximately 30 square miles and has an approximant population of 30,000. In the response area, there are over 10,000 homes, a major hospital and a major surgery center, many large and small business, 3 nursing homes, and a K-12 public school. SFD has an ISO rating of 2. The Department has a 2020 budget of 3 Million dollars and its facilities include 3 fire stations and a Training Center with Administrative offices. The Administration Offices house the Chiefs' offices, and support staff. SFD employs 37 full time and 8 part time personnel.

The Ideal Candidate

SFD is seeking a Fire Chief who is a seasoned, decisive administrator and effective manager with command presence and varied experiences. The Chief must demonstrate the ability to empower, develop, motivate and encourage others. An individual known for having outstanding communication skills and an approach characterized by professionalism, fairness, integrity, openness, honesty, and transparency would do well in this position. The ideal candidate will be an inspirational, visionary, and innovative individual able to enhance the morale of the Department, with an approachable, responsive, confident, and trustworthy character. The selected Chief will have experience working with a diverse community and in working with a variety of groups at the neighborhood level. The Department requires a highly ethical Chief who will recognize the importance of representing the best interests of the Department. It is essential that the chosen candidate have a proactive problem-solving approach to the position and be both willing and able to make difficult decisions when necessary. Candidates must have held a permanent position as an Officer for a minimum of five (5) years in a fire department or public safety agency, and a Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited college, university, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. A Master’s degree or the ability to obtain one is desired. If hired the position requires the Chief to reside no more than 30 minutes from 400 Lantrip Rd, Sherwood, AR (Station 1).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Overall supervision of Department
• Develop department budget and manage department expenditures.
• Order department materials and supplies within budget limitations.
• Prepare bid specifications for material, equipment, and contract work in accordance with applicable laws and code.
• Track expenditures on a monthly and yearly basis, staying within the budgeted limitations.
• Prepare and distribute the appropriate information needed for the annual budget, to include quotes and estimates
• Work with the Board Treasurer to determine final budget amounts to present to Board of Commissioners for approval.

The Fire Chief is hired by and reports to the Pulaski County Fire Protection District #5 Board of Commissioners. A full job description is available upon request.

Benefits and Compensation

The annual salary for the incoming Fire Chief is $70,000 to $75,000 and is dependent upon qualifications. SFD also offers a benefits package including:

Retirement: Arkansas State LOPFI,

Medical Insurance: Provided with some employee participation,

Use of Sherwood Fire Department vehicle for Department business.

Vacation: 5 days after first six months of employment.

              10 days annually after first year of employment.

Holidays: 8 days per year.

Sick Leave: 8 days per year.

WHERE PERMISSIBLE UNDER APPLICABLE STATE AND LOCAL LAW, YOU WILL BE SUBJECT TO PRE– EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING AND BACKGROUND CHECK AFTER RECEIVING A CONDITIONAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT, AND MUST RECEIVE A NEGATIVE RESULT FOR ILLEGAL DRUGS BEFORE BEING PERMITTED TO COMMENCE WORK WITH THE SHERWOOD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

To apply If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please apply to

Katherine Bynum Email: kbynum@sherwoodfire.com.

PO Box 6689

Sherwood, AR 72124

400 Lantrip, Sherwood, Arkansas 72120 Phone: (501) 835-0342

Filing Deadline: November 13, 2020 4PM

Following the closing date, resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above. The most qualified candidates will be invited to an assessment panel interview at Sherwood Fire Department to be held the week of November 30, 2020. Assessment candidates will be asked to provide references one week prior to meeting with the assessment panel.

Pulaski County Fire Protection District #5

(dba) Sherwood Fire Department

Job Description - Fire Chief

The Fire Chief is responsible to the Pulaski County Fire Protection District #5 Board of Commissioners. The Fire Chief attends Board Meetings and other meetings as requested by the Board. As authorized by the Board of Commissioners, the Fire Chief implements policy; administers all of the operations of the Fire District; is responsible for the budgeting, planning, coordination, supervision, and carrying forth of all policies and procedures established by the governing body; and performs other duties and tasks as the Board of Commissioners may direct or request.

This position requires heavy interaction with the public, and coordination with police departments and other emergency response agencies. The Fire Chief represents the Fire Protection District in the community and at professional meetings as required.

Supervision Exercised:

The Fire Chief directly supervises the District’s officers and firefighters with assistance from subordinate officers. The Fire Chief plans, directs, supervises and manages all of the operations of the District to minimize the loss of life and property by fire and emergency medical conditions; providing maximum service to the community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plans, organizes, coordinates and administers all activities of the fire district.
• Prepares, administers and monitors the budget in coordination with the District’s accountant.
• Prepares the proposed annual budget for submission to the Board of Commissioners.
• Prepares and submits written monthly reports to the Board regarding the Department’s activities.
• Prepares a variety of other reports as appropriate, including the annual report of activities.
• Coordinates District activities with other federal, state, and local governments and with outside agencies, organizations or businesses.
• Researches and presents to the Board possible grant opportunities as they become available to offset costs to the taxpayer(s) and improve departmental operations.
•  Is responsible for the management, direction and control of daily operational and administrative aspects of the fire protection services and rescue operations, including fulltime and part-time firefighters.
•  Monitors all phases of fire and rescue activities including calls, inspections, complaints, and staff training; and prepares reports, logs, memorandums; reviews fire apparatus, equipment specifications, staffing, scheduling, strategic planning, etc.
• Develops departmental operations guidelines, directly or indirectly, through subordinate officers; provides for the execution of all departmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Evaluates the work performance and assignments of personnel.
• Assigns personnel and equipment to such duties and uses, as the district requires. Work assignment, and performance evaluation responsibilities for some positions may be delegated.
• Recommends staffing levels and locations for new and existing facilities.
• Develops plans for maintenance and replacement of the Departments facilities, apparatus and equipment; prepares specifications for new/replacement apparatus and equipment. Ensures maintenance and upkeep of facilities, buildings, fire stations, fire trucks, vehicles, fire apparatus, and related equipment.
• Analyzes fire problems; formulates programs or policies to alleviate deficiencies; develops plans and techniques to provide fire protection and improve fire defenses for the District.
• Evaluates the need for and recommends the purchase of new/replacement equipment and apparatus.
• Reviews and recommends the implementation of new and innovative technology.
• Prepares and maintains documentation for purchases, materials, inventory, and personnel records.
• Prepares various reports as requested or required by law on the operations and activities of the District to the Board of Commissioners, the State of Arkansas, and other governmental entities.
• Performs operational audits aimed at increasing effectiveness. (An operational audit includes a review of effectiveness, efficiency and economy of current and future operations.)
• Performs other job related tasks/duties as assigned by the Board.
• Attends conferences and meetings to keep abreast of current trends in fire service.
• Performs other duties as listed for the Fire Chief in the District’s Administrative Regulations and Employee Policies document.
• The Fire Chief oversees daily operation, administration and financial management of the Fire Protection District which will involve functions such as, but are not limited to the following:
  • Prepare and manage the District’s budget and expenditures
  • Staff scheduling, payroll and accounting
  • Public contact and public relations
  • Develop and/or review policies and procedures
  • Develop and/or review job descriptions
  • Develop and/or review District standard operating procedures as authorized by the Board
  • Develop short-term and long-term District goals and present to the Board
• Performs human resource functions such as:
  • Personnel development and training
  • Performance evaluations
  • Employee benefits

Desirable Qualifications:

Thorough knowledge of current firefighting and rescue methods, principles, practices, and procedures. Thorough knowledge of fire prevention laws, regulations, and ordinances. Thorough knowledge of fire suppression, prevention and personnel training. Thorough knowledge of records and reports required in the administration of a fire department. Thorough knowledge of the principles of supervision, organization and administration of a fire district. Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance of fire fighting equipment, apparatus, and emergency equipment. Knowledge of principles and practices of organizational administration, training, accounting, budgeting and planning, and personnel management.

Ability to analyze the effectiveness of the department and to correlate its development with changing conditions within the District and other fire protection areas. Ability to plan, assign, supervise and review the work of others either directly or through subordinate supervisors. Ability to plan, develop, supervise and evaluate fire suppression, fire prevention and emergency services activities and programs. Ability to direct effectively with good judgment, the operations of personnel and equipment under emergency conditions. Ability to communicate effectively and clearly both orally and in writing. Ability to work effectively and professionally with other agencies, officials, employees and the public.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of fire suppression and prevention and emergency medical services, principles, procedures, techniques and equipment.
• Considerable knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations.
• Skill in the operation of fire and EMS tools and equipment.
• Ability to train, supervise and lead subordinate personnel.
• Ability to perform work requiring good physical condition.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions.
• Ability to effectively give and receive verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Knowledge of emergency management and hazard mitigation methods.
• Ability to meet the following special requirements:
  • Must possess the ability to lead and motivate personnel.
  • Must attend Departmental meetings and training sessions.
  • Attend regional emergency planning meetings.
  • Expected to be available with the exception of scheduled leaves of absence and/or scheduled vacation time.
  • No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories.
  • Ability to read and write the English language, proficiently.
  • Must have current computer skills.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk or hear, stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or operate objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and taste or smell.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed primarily in office, vehicles and outdoor settings in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes during day and night shifts. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. Individual is exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and oils.
• The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration

Minimum Education:

• Requires professional training in fire science, fire administration, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field.

Minimum Experience Qualifications:

• Requires ten (10) years of increasingly responsible administrative and supervisory experience, fire suppression experience, including at least five (5) years of fire command experience.
• Requires a combination of experience, certified professional training, and continuing education credits, to efficiently perform in all aspects of the job.
• Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid Arkansas Driver’s License without record of suspension or revocation in any state.
• Must be able to pass background investigation and departmental drug screening.