This is highly responsible executive level work in planning and directing the complex operations and activities of the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department.

An employee in this class is responsible for planning, directing and coordinating extensive and complex firefighting and emergency medical rescue services throughout the metropolitan area. Responsibilities include directing, through subordinate levels of executives and managers, fire and emergency medical rescue operations, fire prevention activities, air rescue operations, logistical services, facilities management, fire alarm operations, community and public relations activities, and a variety of financial and administrative support functions. The incumbent exercises extensive independent judgment and professional managerial knowledge in the administration of a large and complex fire and rescue system to provide the highest level of protection and service to the citizens of Miami-Dade County. Supervision is exercised through subordinate levels of executives, managers and supervisors over a large staff of uniformed line and staff officers, professional, technical, administrative and clerical employees. General direction is received from the County Manager who holds the incumbent responsible for the professional management of departmental operations and achievement of desired goals and objectives.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Plans, directs and coordinates, through subordinate executives and line and staff officers, the command of fire and rescue incident operations, provision of mutual aid to other fire departments and agencies, management of fire rescue operations at Miami International Airport and Opa-Locka Airport, provision of air rescue support for fire and rescue operations, conduct of building inspections to promote fire safety, and review of construction plans for compliance with applicable building codes and standards.

Directs and coordinates, through executives and managers, logistical services and facilities management functions including planning for new and replacement facilities, conducting construction and renovation projects, procurement and supply of materials required for support of fire and emergency medical rescue operations, maintenance of fire stations and other department facilities, and management of mobile equipment required for all operations.

Supervises and coordinates, through executives and supervisors, the development of departmental medical and safety policies.

Directs, through executives and supervisors, fire prevention activities to reduce the incidence of injuries, death and property loss attributed to fire through the review of engineering building plans and systems, safety inspections, and fire investigations; training activities in fire suppression, rescue training, water rescue, and hazardous materials; and the dispatch of emergency units through a computer-aided dispatch system.

Supervises and directs, through executives and supervisors, community service activities, public relations functions, research and development activities, and a variety of administrative and financial services including personnel management, budget preparation and administration, computer services, and accounting.

Defines and formulates department policy, programs, objectives and direction; coordinates fire and rescue policy with the Mayor's Office, Board of County Commissioners, and other County departments and agencies.

Maintains working relationships with other local, state and national emergency services and affiliated organizations; identifies trends and new developments applicable to the fire rescue service.

Ensures that goals and objectives for fire and rescue operations are compatible with County policies and the needs of the citizens of Miami-Dade County.

Ensures compliance with all required local, state and federal regulations and standards for the management of a fire rescue system.

Meets with governmental, business, professional, civic and community groups to discuss, interpret and explain departmental policies, operations and objectives; represents the department at local, state and national conferences.

Reviews organizational patterns, work relationships and staff responsibilities; structures the organization of the department to effectively achieve organizational goals.

Meets with line and staff officers, executives, managers and supervisors to discuss and resolve budgetary issues, review fire and rescue operations, evaluate legislative proposals, review policies and procedures, establish or redirect priorities, and implement enhancements in departmental activities.

Makes decisions regarding hiring, discipline and promotion of subordinates; exercises authority for departmental personnel actions consistent with collective bargaining agreements, County personnel rules, and all other applicable rules and regulations.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Extensive knowledge of the management and administration of emergency medical rescue and modern firefighting and fire prevention activities.

Extensive knowledge of modern firefighting, emergency medical rescue and fire prevention principles, practices and techniques.

Extensive knowledge of the organization, interrelationships and operations of the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department.

Extensive knowledge of the mission, goals and objectives of the department in providing the highest level of firefighting, fire prevention and emergency medical rescue services.

Thorough knowledge of local, state and national fire codes, regulations and standards.

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of general management and public administration.

Thorough knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

Thorough knowledge of public relations principles and techniques.

Ability to apply advanced professional knowledge of the principles of management, public administration and fire administration in directing, supervising and coordinating a large and complex metropolitan fire and rescue system.

Ability to plan, organize, direct and coordinate, through various levels of line and staff officers, executives, managers and supervisors, the work of subordinates in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with senior County management, members of the Board of County Commissioners, the Mayor's Office, and officials of other local, state and national organizations.

Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in devising and installing departmental rules and regulations.

Ability to delegate the authority to subordinates necessary to complete responsibilites in varied departmental activities.

Ability to determine if departmental standards, objectives and goals are being met and to redirect priorites as necessary.

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.

Bachelor's degree. A minimum of seven to ten years of experience in firefighting and emergency medical rescue operations to include managerial experience is required. Must be certified as a firefighter in accordance with s. 633.35 F.S. Applicants qualifying for employment will be subject to extensive background check, including but not limited to fingerprint checks, employment verification and such other procedures as may be mandated by state and federal law. The security clearance required by state and federal law is a continuing condition of employment.