The Alameda County Fire Department invites you to apply for the position of Administrative Services Director Alameda County Fire Department www.acgov.org Dedicated to Superior Service The Fire Department Administrative Services Director is a newly created position and the highest ranking non-safety position in the Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD). Reporting to the Alameda County Fire Chief, the Fire Department Administrative Services Director will be responsible for planning, organizing and directing the general administrative and financial services for the ACFD. Additionally, the Fire Department Administrative Services Director will assist in policy development and implementation for the Department and act as the principal assistant to the Alameda County Fire Chief in all aspects of government, business, administrative and financial manners.
THE ALAMEDA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT The Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) provides all-risk emergency service to the unincorporated areas of Alameda County, the Cities of San Leandro, Dublin, Newark and Union City, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Serving a population of 384,000 and encompassing an area of roughly 506 square miles, the ACFD provides a wide variety of services to an ever expanding and diverse community. These services include: Advanced Life Support Rescue Fire Suppression Hazardous Materials Mitigation Urban Search & Rescue Water Rescue Community Outreach & Education Disaster Preparedness Fire Prevention and Code Compliance Regional Dispatch The Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) was formed on July 1, 1993 as a dependent special district with the Alameda County Board of Supervisors as its governing body. This consolidation brought together into a single jurisdiction the Castro Valley Fire Department, Eden Fire Department and County Fire Patrol (each a dependent special district under the Board of Supervisors). Prior to 1993 Unincorporated Fire Protection Castro Valley FPD Eden Consolidated FPD County Fire Patrol July 1, 1993: Alameda County Fire Department July 1, 1995: City of San Leandro July 1, 1997: City of Dublin August 1, 2002: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory October 1, 2007: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory January 20, 2008: Alameda County Regional Emergency Communications Center (ACRECC) May 1, 2010: City of Newark July 1, 2010: City of Union City The ACFD is also responsible for the administration and operation of the Alameda County Regional Emergency Communications Center (ACRECC). The dispatch center provides dispatch and communication center services for the ACFD, the Alameda County Emergency Medical Services Agency, Camp Parks RFTA, and the cities of Alameda and Fremont. Our Core Values Members: We promote an atmosphere of trust and respect that encourages individual growth, participation, creativity and acknowledges the achievements of our members. Organization: We support an organization built on a foundation of initiative, collaboration and commitment to efficiency, consistency and results, while attaining the goals of the organization. Customer Service: We are dedicated to providing superior customer service. Strategic Management: We plan for change and develop management strategies to meet the challenges of our future. Regional Cooperation: We promote, encourage and participate in partnerships that provide all communities with the highest level of service. 2
THE FIRE CHIEF S VISION An organization that maintains and builds upon the collaborative relationship between labor and management and the established PDMP and membership input processes. A metro department that provides seamless increased service levels and decreased costs to as many citizens and communities within Alameda County as possible. An organization that reflects the communities we serve and demonstrates the synergy and community benefits that come from a well trained, respectful and professional workforce with many backgrounds and skill sets. An organization that provides high quality all risk response capabilities and specialized services that set us apart from other fire departments within our region. An organization that has state of the art administration, support services, equipment, training and stations that supply our members with what is needed to do their job while providing comfort, safety and pride. An organization that is a visible leader in regional partnerships for the purpose of enhancing services to all communities within Alameda County. An organization that prepares our members to assume future leadership roles with the training and skill set necessary to take the ACFD to the next level. An organization that integrates and demonstrates its mission statement, philosophy and core values at all levels of the organization. An organization that is committed to developing and implementing annual and long-range strategic business planning. OUR MISSION We will provide the highest level of service to our communities by valuing our members, promoting positive leadership, and dedicating ourselves to excellence. 3
The ACFD at a Glance The Alameda County Fire Department is comprised of four organizational branches that meet the operational, special operations and communication, administrative support service and fire prevention needs of the Department. The Fire Chief provides overall leadership and is responsible for the effective management, coordination and service delivery of all facets of the organization. The Deputy Fire Chiefs, Fire Department Administrative Services Director and Fire Marshal oversee their respective organizational branches ensuring the overall day-to-day readiness of all aspects of the Department. Alameda County Board of Supervisors City of San Leandro Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory City of Newark City of Dublin Lawrence Livermore National Security LLC City of Union City* Fire Advisory Commission ACRECC Advisory Board Assigned Chief Officer Executive Management Oversight Committee Fire Chief PIO/Community Outreach Deputy Chief Admin Services Director Deputy Chief Fire Marshal Training Division Contracts & Purchasing Alameda County Regional Communications Center Fire Prevention Battalion 2 Facilities Emergency Medical Services Battalion 3 Financial Services Information Technology Battalion 4 Fleet Management OP Area & CICCS Battalion 7 Human Resources Special Operations battalion 2: Stations 6, 7, 23, 24, 25, 26 battalion 3: Stations 8, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21 battalion 4: Stations 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 22 battalion 7: Stations 27, 28, 29(30, 31, 32, 33)* *Effective July 1, 2010 Emergency Management & Community Preparedness 2009 CALL STATISTICS Dublin San Leandro Unincorporated Alameda County (excluding Fairview) Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory TOTAL Structure Fire 32 92 170 6 3 303 Other Fires 29 109 309 2 9 458 EMS/Rescue 1341 5986 8715 129 88 16259 Hazardous Condition 55 180 274 16 22 547 Service Calls 166 549 769 19 42 1545 Good Intent 95 340 559 20 26 1040 False Calls 253 530 513 162 138 1596 Cancelled Enroute 79 216 769 35 16 1115 TOTAL 2050 8002 12078 389 344 22863 4
The Position The Fire Department Administrative Services Director is a newly created position and the highest ranking nonsafety position in the Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD). Reporting to the Alameda County Fire Chief, the Fire Department Administrative Services Director will be responsible for planning, organizing and directing the general administrative and financial services for the ACFD. Additionally, the Fire Department Administrative Services Director will assist in policy development and implementation for the Department and act as the principal assistant to the Alameda County Fire Chief in all aspects of government, business, administrative and financial manners. This recruitment will be used to establish an eligibility list for the Fire Department Administrative Services Director, but may be used to fill vacancies for positions that require similar competency areas as the current vacancy. For a complete Fire Department Administrative Services Director job description, please visit our website at www.acgov.org/hrs. Application Process If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please complete an application and supplemental questionnaire on-line at www.acgov.org/hrs. The final filing deadline is June 10, 2010. Applications will be screened according to the qualifications outlined in the Ideal Candidate section of this brochure. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the selection process. Tentative Selection Schedule: Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Final Receipt Date: June 10, 2010 Screening for the best qualified candidates: June 18, 2010 Panel Interviews: Week of July 5, 2010 Departmental Hiring Interviews: Week of July 13, 2010 Targeted Appointment Date: August 1, 2010 Characteristics of The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate will have a strong knowledge of the principles of public sector administration and management, organizational analysis and development, budgeting, public personnel administration including maintenance and management of city and government councils, working with commissions, boards and elected officials. This individual will have experience working in areas inclusive of policy making, managing complex business models, marketing and service compliance, public safety in local government, labor laws and bargaining processes, and contract for service development and administration. Furthermore, this individual will have executive level strategic decision making abilities, a strong knowledge of developing and interpreting departmental and organizational policies and programs, civil service 5
Characteristics of The Ideal Candidate, cont. systems, excellent leadership, communication, organizational and problems solving skills, in addition to a strong knowledge of team leading and building, and establishing strategic direction. Critical attributes for the success of the Fire Department Administrative Services Director include: Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing. The ability to lead, manage and control, and make sound, strategic decisions while producing accurate information and managing multiple and challenging priorities while meeting deadlines. The ability to maintain effectiveness in developing and implementing departmental policies and procedures. Demonstrated ability to establish courses of action for self and others to ensure that work is completed efficiently. Keeping the organization s vision and values at the forefront of decision making. Possessing a confident interpersonal style and proven methods that inspire and guide individuals toward higher levels of performance. The ability to work harmoniously with others; skill at perceiving and reacting empathetically to the needs of others; treating people with consideration, sensitivity, kindness and respect. Significant experience in working with public sector unions (preferably public safety) and have a high level understanding of financial and policy matters related to collective bargaining agreements. Additionally, qualified candidates will possess a bachelor s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and the equivalent of three years full-time increasingly responsible administrative managerial experience. This managerial experience should include analyzing, making recommendations, and facilitating the implementation of change for organizational, procedural, program, budget or personnel management (two years of which must include supervisory experience). Experience in more than one of the program areas is highly desirable. 6 Compensation The salary range for the Fire Department Administrative Services Director is from $127,050.00-$154,392.00 annually. The ACFD also offers an attractive management benefits program with the following elements: CalPERS Retirement plan governed under the provisions of the 1959 Survivor Benefit Act, Retirement formula: 2% at 55 years of age; Management Benefits Cafeteria Plan; Health and Dental Insurance; Life/Accident Insurance, Paid Vacation & Sick Leave, Management Leave (10 days), Holidays (13 paid holidays; 4 floating holidays); and a Deferred Compensation Plan.
FIRE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR Supplemental Questionnaire As stated in the examination announcement for this position, a properly completed Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted with an application. Applications and Supplemental Questionnaires must be in the possession of the Alameda County Human Resource Services Department, 1405 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, CA 94612 by 5:00 p.m. on the Last Day for Filing. Postmarks are not accepted. The purpose of this questionnaire is for you to identify your qualifications and experience required for this position. Incomplete supplemental questionnaires will not be accepted. Please type or print responses. Be sure to print or type your name at the top of this page, sign your name on the space provided at the bottom, and attach the completed questionnaire to your application. Please type or print responses on 8-1/2 x 11 paper. Be sure to attach this cover sheet and print or type your name at the top of this page, sign your name on the space provided at the bottom. Please limit your responses to one page for each question. For each question below, please provide the required information including the beginning and ending date of your experience, a detailed response to the question(s) you are responding to, and the name of the employer (please list company, not supervisor s name). 1. Describe a major change management process that you developed and implemented. What were the steps in the process, your involvement and that of staff and the outcome? 2. Describe a difficult situation that you encountered where policy or budgetary restraints significantly impacted the organization. Describe the situation, your specific role, the actions you took, and the final result. 3. Describe a situation in which you were required to achieve a consensus among competing stakeholders over whom you had little or no authority. How did you handle the situation and what was the outcome? 4. Describe your experience and role in the development of a controversial public policy. What was the policy, what actions did you take and what was the result? 5. During the final interview, you will be asked to provide verbal work samples to demonstrate your experience within various areas of Public Sector Administration. Please indicate your level of experience as limited, average, or advanced in the areas identified below: E X P ERIENCE AREA LIMITED AVERAGE ADVANCED Working with Councils, Commissions, Boards, and Elected Officials Budget and Finance Human Resources, including Employee and Labor Relations Facilities Management Fleet Management Contract Development and Purchasing Strategic Planning Development and Implementation Public Safety CERTIFICATION OF APPLICANT: I hereby certify that I am the author of this questionnaire and that all information presented is true and based on my background, skills, and experiences. I agree and understand that misstatements or omissions of material facts herein may forfeit my rights to any employment in the service of the County of Alameda. SIGNATURE: DATE: 7
Alameda County Fire Department www.acgov.org Dedicated to Superior Service If you have questions regarding this bulletin please contact: Monique Hill Human Resources Analyst monique.hill@acgov.org (510) 208-4841 Alameda County is an equal opportunity employer.