About the Division Chief, Operations Position
The City of Boulder is seeking a Division Chief, Operations to oversee the operations and management of emergency service delivery, including the Water Rescue, Technical Rescue, and Hazmat specialty teams. This position oversees the training, equipment, and deployment of the specialty teams and ensures the readiness and ability to respond to incidents and emergencies. The Division Chief, Operations routinely provides guidance and direction to the Battalion Chiefs and promotes effective communication between the Battalion Chiefs and the other divisions. The Division Chief also plans and coordinates operational strategies for special events to ensure effective response and support.

The Division Chief, Operations assists with the development and implementation of departmental goals and specific goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for their assigned functions. The position serves as the primary point of contact between the department and the dispatch center to ensure effective communication and coordination during emergency incidents. Importantly, the Division Chief, Operations routinely coordinates with their peer Division Chiefs in the EMS, Fire Marshal, Logistics, Training, and Wildland divisions.

The Division Chief acts in a command or general staff position during major emergencies as needed. This position collaborates with fire leadership to recommend appropriate service and staffing levels in order to provide effective response to emergencies and service to the community. The Division Chief has a role in maintaining discipline within the department and responds to grievances in accordance with departmental and City policies, procedures, and provisions of the collective bargaining agreement. The Division Chief, Operations conducts performance evaluations, provides supervisory and management training to assigned company officers, and conducts critiques of fires and fire suppression strategies and tactics. This position also participates in training and attends conferences, classes, and meetings on fire and personnel-related topics. The Division Chief may serve as an instructor for specialized in-service training.

The Division Chief, Operations provides timely feedback to senior staff, and collaborates to identify problems, conduct investigations, and communicate solutions. As a leader in safety, the Division Chief is responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment. The Division Chief takes proper safety precautions, utilizes all required safety equipment, anticipates unsafe circumstances, and acts to prevent accidents. The Division Chief also follows all safety regulations, policies, and procedures and is responsible for knowing and complying with all City and department policies.

Qualifications
A minimum of eight (8) years of progressive fire service experience, including at least three (3) years as a company officer. Direct operations experience in a municipal fire department of similar size and scope is ideal. Experience in a University community is desired. Prior experience in a labor environment is strongly preferred. ICS knowledge and understanding are essential, with Blue Card knowledge ideal. Bilingual abilities are beneficial.

A bachelor’s degree is required, ideally in Public Administration, Fire Science, Business, Political Science, Fire Protection Engineering, or Education, or an Executive Fire Officer certification. A valid Colorado driver’s license (or the ability to obtain a Colorado license) and acceptable motor vehicle driving record is required.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The City will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Compensation
The salary range for the Division Chief, Operations is $159,855 – $185,777, with an anticipated hiring range of $159,855 – $180,593, and will depend on the qualifications of the successful candidate. The City of Boulder is a progressive organization that values employee engagement and well-being. The City recognizes the importance of providing an encompassing health and life benefits program to employees, including Hybrid Work, Flex Schedules, Telehealth and Wellness Incentives, Infants and Dogs at Work Program, Local bus Eco-Pass, and an Employee Discount Program on goods and services throughout the Boulder Community.

To Be Considered
Respect is one of Boulder’s five City Values, and they are committed to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion. The City celebrates and supports differences across all spectrums including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, ability, and sexual orientation. Through the City’s focus on racial equity, employee benefits, and the many program resources offered to employees, Boulder continually strives to weave respect for one another into the fabric of their organization.

Add your voice and talents to the City of Boulder and help them grow in service excellence for an inspired future. Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com/portal/Raftelis. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. Open until filled with the first review of applications on December 2, 2024.

Questions
Please direct questions to Heather Gantz at hgantz@raftelis.com or Kelsey Batt at kbatt@raftelis.com.