CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
6B06
FIRE DEPUTY CHIEF
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is supervisory firefighting and fire prevention work commanding a fire division composed of a
number of fire battalions. An employee in this class directs the activities of one-half of the City's firefighting
operations on a rotating shift. One position in this class serves as Fire Marshal with responsibility for directing
the City's fire investigation program. Work requires physical effort. Dangers inherent in the work can be only
partially controlled through preventive measures. Work is performed under the direction of a higher level fire
officer.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
- Responds to all multiple fires, fires that have reportedly resulted in injury or death, or fires and other
emergencies of an unusual nature; commands all firefighting operations on fireground until relieved by a higher
level fire officer; directs firefighting, rescue, and evacuation operations; determines the need for additional
apparatus and firefighting personnel; orders additional alarms as required.
- Determines when fire is under control; orders withdrawal of fire apparatus and firefighting personnel
from fireground when appropriate; determines when firegrounds are secured; confers with battalion chiefs and
other fire officers to critique firefighting practices and operations performed during fire; reviews subordinate
fire officers' reports on multiple alarms and other large fires.
- Tours the division; discusses the proper administration of fire companies with battalion chiefs and other
companies officers; reviews daily quota sheets for staffing status of all companies; details firefighters and fire
officers to achieve proper levels of staffing of all units; attends departmental conferences pertaining to
administration or firefighting operations directives; discusses directives with battalion and company officers;
reviews and forwards recommendations for awards or disciplinary actions; presents commendations to
firefighting personnel.
- Reviews fire, false alarm, accident, and injury reports; recommends measures to modify and improve
firefighting procedures; serves on committees that study and recommend techniques to improve firefighting
operations or fire administration.
- Plans, assigns, reviews, and evaluates the work of a staff of fire personnel engaged in investigating fires
of a mysterious and undetermined origin; establishes investigative procedures; assigns priorities to cases;
participates in the investigation of the most difficult or complex cases; reviews investigation reports to
determine the presence of arson; confers with law enforcement personnel to effect the apprehension and
conviction of arsonists.
- Interprets the provisions of the fire code; particularly as it applies to the storage and use of inflammable
and hazardous chemicals; determines whether plans, variances, and specifications adhere to the fire code;
recommends changes in the fire code.
- Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- the current principles, practices and techniques for controlling and extinguishing the various types and
classes of fires.
- city ordinances and operational procedures, directives and safety practices pertaining to firefighting and
fire prevention.
- current principles, practices and techniques of fire prevention.
- the city's water system as it relates to fire protection.
- supervisory principles and practices as pertains to directing firefighting operational and personnel.
- administrative practices and techniques related to the City's firefighting and fire prevention program.
- fire investigation methods and techniques for detecting the commission of arson.
- the appropriate laws of evidence and arrest pertaining to the commission of arson.
- the fire codes and regulations, laws, and ordinances pertaining to it.
ABILITY TO:
- plan, organize, direct and coordinate the firefighting, administrative, and fire prevention activities for
one-half of the City's firefighting operations.
- quickly appraise firefighting situations and direct the operations of a number of fire companies
effectively under shifting emergency conditions.
- establish and maintain effective working relationships with fire personnel and the general public.
- supervise the preparation and maintenance of records and reports.
- communicate information and instructions clearly and effective.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
(The following statement represents the
minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests.
Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience
requirements as approved on 10/84.)
EXPERIENCE
- Two years of experience as a Fire Battalion Chief.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
PAY RANGE: 309
Class Established: 1/1953
Latest Spec. Revision: 10/1984
RH/sb/ps
END OF JOB CLASS SPECIFICATION - 6B06