HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-30-2013 Civil Service CommissionCIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
8:15 AM
Helling Conference Room
(Lobby Conference Room)
City Hall
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA
1. Fire Chief Recruitment
2. Old business
3. New business
Any We handouts will be included in the meeting minutes.
r
Date: April 25, 2013
To: Civil Service Commission
���From: Karen Jennings, Human Resources Administrator
Re: Fire Chief Recruitment
Fire Chief Andy Rocca has announced his retirement effective May 13, 2013, and, as a result,
we must begin the selection process to hire his successor.
Human Resources staff has consulted with the City Manager to discuss the most efficient and
effective method for recruiting a new Fire Chief and the following process is being
recommended:
1. Recruitment information will be posted on a Fire Chief Recruitment page on the City's
website and the position will be advertised via trade -specific and general recruiting
websites, direct mail to Fire Departments located in urban Midwest population centers,
media release, email notification to the Cityjob notification subscribers, and through both
the Iowa and National Association of Professional Fire Chiefs.
2. A detailed recruitment brochure will be made available from Human Resources or the
Fire Chief recruitment webpage. All candidates will be required to submit a completed
candidate questionnaire (to be downloaded from the webpage) and a resume by the
application deadline. We anticipate accepting application materials over an
approximately 6 week period ending in June.
3. Following the deadline, candidate materials will be reviewed by Human Resources staff
to reduce the potential interview pool to a manageable number. These resumes and
questionnaires will be forwarded to the City Manager's office for final screening for
interview candidate selection.
4. A selection committee will be appointed by the City Manager. If the Commission wishes
to be represented in the process, the Commission may appoint a member to the
selection committee. Other City Manager appointees may include a Fire professional
from another community in addition to other internal management staff. This group may
be split into two interview panels.
5. Candidates will participate in structured interviews and a public "meet and greet" forum,
both of which will likely take place in July.
6. Reference checks and criminal background checks will be completed at an appropriate
time in the process and second interviews may be conducted.
7. The process will result in the creation of a hiring list for Civil Service Commission
certification from which the City Manager will make an appointment subject to City
Council approval.
We anticipate completing the process in time for an early fall appointment, although timeframes
are subject to change.
Thank you.
I r t
CITY OF IOWA CITY
Now seeking
FIRE CHIEF
The City of Iowa City is seeking an
experienced administrator with ex-
ceptional interpersonal skills and pro-
gressive management experience to
serve as its Fire Chief. Accredited by
the Commission on Fire Accreditation
International and guided by a strate-
gic plan, the Iowa City Fire Depart-
ment provides fire, medical, technical
rescue and hazardous materials
emergency response to residents in
the 27.9 square mile incorporated
area of Iowa City, including the Uni-
versity of Iowa main campus. For
more information on the Iowa City
community and Fire Department,
please visit:
www.icgov.org/firechief
The Position
The Fire Chief directs the operational, financial, personnel, and policy
activities of the department. The Fire Chief will be responsible for an
annual operating budget of $7.6 million and a staff of 65 permanent
employees. Organized staff are represented by IAFF Local #610.
Essential functions
■ Establishes all policies, procedures, and regulations for firefighting,
emergency, operational, and prevention standards in compliance
with all applicable laws and regulations. Develops and recommends
all fire code regulations to Council for adoption.
■ Performs short- and long-range planning regarding departmental
operations with respect to personnel, apparatus, equipment, and
emergency operations. Supervises and directs the implementation
of such goals, objectives, and plans.
■ Plans, develops, conducts, and supervises the operation of depart-
mental in-service training of personnel. Plans and directs public ed-
ucation, fire prevention, and community risk reduction programs.
■ Performs various public relations functions to Include contact with
the media, public, private organizations, schools, area fire depart-
ments, and state and national organizations.
■ Prepares, coordinates, and monitors the annual budget and con-
trols the expenditure of budgeted funds. Assists in the preparation
of bids on major pieces of equipment and makes recommendations
to the City Manager on Capital Improvement Program purchases
regarding apparatus, equipment, advancements in technology, new
stations, etc.
■ Supervises the inspections of buildings and other properties for fire
hazards. Enforces fire prevention regulations and works to attain
abatement of fire hazards.
■ Conducts briefings with chief officers to review daily work schedules
and discuss staff activities.
■ Supervises the operations of the fire suppression program and co-
ordinates activities with Johnson County fire officials. Supervises the
operations of the emergency medical services program and coordi-
nates activities with local ambulance services and hospitals.
■ Supervises the operations of the hazardous materials response pro-
gram and coordinates activities with Johnson County officials.
■ Supervises the operations of the technical rescue program and co-
ordinates activities with Johnson County fire officials.
■ Responds to major fire alarms and emergencies and exercises over-
all supervision at the scene.
■ Participates in the operations of the Joint Emergency Communica-
tions Center as a member of the User Advisory Committee.
■ Works with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in
the investigation into cause, origin, and circumstances of fires.
P .'C a A.I
Candidate requirements
■ Bachelor's degree or equivalent in business, public
administration, or fire science from an institution
accredited by a DOE -recognized accreditation body
required.
■ Masters degree in Public Administration or a relat-
ed field from an institution accredited by a DOE rec-
ognized accreditation body preferred.
■ Over seven years' experience in fire and rescue
management required.
■ Valid Iowa Class D driver's license required.
■ NFA executive Fire Officer and CPC (Commission on
Professional Credentializing) Chief Fire Officer Des-
ignation preferred.
■ Proven skills in fire service management, policy -
planning, goal -setting, and employee supervision.
■ Must value diversity, respect differing views and
opinions, understand the process of consensus -
building, and be relied upon to provide his/her best
professional recommendation at all times.
■ Must know how to achieve goals, anticipate prob-
lems and barriers, and devise ways to work around
or through them. Must be a motivator and leader
to his/her staff and be candid and willing to advise
the City Council and City staff in an honest and
forthright fashion.
■ Must present self well to a wide range of audiences
and be comfortable in a highly engaged community
with a high education level.
■ Must interact well with other governing bodies and
act in a positive fashion with the University and
other local officials.
■ A criminal background check is required.
■ City residency is required.
Compensation & benefits
■ SALARY SCHEDULE: Current range is $81,785 -
$129,584. Salaries are reviewed annually by the
City Manager and actual compensation for the
Chief is based on merit, following a performance
review. Starting salary to be negotiated.
■ MEDICAL INSURANCE: Provided for employees
through Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Em-
ployees currently contribute $40/month for single
coverage and $70/month ($75/month effective
7/1/2013) forfamily coverage.
■ DENTAL INSURANCE: Delta Dental provided for
employees, with option to purchase for family.
■ SECTION 125 PLAN: A pre-tax Section 125 plan is
offered for insurance premium conversion, medi-
cal spending accounts, and dependent care spend-
ing accounts.
■ LIFE INSURANCE: Coverage equal to annual salary
is provided. Supplemental life insurance may be
purchased for self and dependents.
■ SICK LEAVE: Accrued at one day per month.
■ VACATION: Accrued at one day per month for the
first five years of employment. Accrual rates in-
crease every five years.
■ HOLIDAYS: 11 holidays, 1 personal day each year.
■ LONGEVITY PAY: Longevity pay upon completion
of five years of service with increases in five-year
increments.
■ DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Employees may vol-
untarily join a deferred compensation program
administered by the City.
■ PENSION PLAN: To be negotiated.
■ AUTOMOBILE: The Chief is assigned an automobile
for his/her 24-hour use.
Application and selection process
Applicants shall submit a cover letter, resume, list of three professional references and written responses to the Fire
Chief Candidate questionnaire (download at www.lcgov.org/firechief) by 5 p.m. on Friday, 2013. Select
candidates will be interviewed by phone, video, or in Iowa City and will be required to complete a City of Iowa City em-
ployment application. Following initial interviews, further interviews may be conducted with finalists. Materials should
be directed to:
DRAFT Karen Jennings, Human Resources Administrator
City of Iowa City ) 410 E. Washington Street ) Iowa City, IA 52240
319.356.5025 or jobs@iowa-city.org
The City of Iowa City considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, creed, color, sex, national origin, religion, age,
sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or other class/
category protected by a federal, state, or local law, except where age, sex, or physical or mental ability constitute a bona fide occu-
pational qualification necessary for job performance. Persons who are members of a protected class ore encouraged to apply.
The City of Iowa City is subject to the Iowa Smokefree Air Act.
City of Iowa City I Fire Chief
Pagel of 3
Residents Business Government Visitors
�pvvn c�ra.
M4PifH
4
I rFire Chief
I Recruitmel
��f�k11YE 54� <4
The City of Iowa City is currently seeking an experienced administrator with exceptional interpersonal skills and progressive
management experience to serve as its Fire Chief.
The Position:
For a detailed job announcement including a description of the position and explanation of the
requirements and hiring process:
CLICK HERE (INSERT LINK TO BROCHURE)
Please take a moment to fill out the Candidate Questionnaire: (INSERT LINK TO BROCHURE)
Iowa City - The Community. -
Offering big -city amenities with small-town hospitality, Iowa City, Iowa has long served as the
area's center for art, culture, education, and recreation. Nestled in the heart of the Midwest in
the east -central part of the state, Iowa City boasts a vibrant downtown, an extensive parks and
recreation system, and is the only city in the United States that has been awarded the
prestigious "City of Literature" designation by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Numerous professional publications rank Iowa City among the
top communities to conduct business, a premiere center for cultural and recreational activities,
and a top place to live for individuals, families, and retirees.
Iowa City is well-known as the home of the University of Iowa with Iowa Hawkeye athletics being
a regional draw for college sports enthusiasts. The community also offers world -class healthcare facilities, including the University of
Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Mercy Hospital, and the Iowa VA Medical Center. Additionally, the city is the location of many private
employers such as American College Testing (ACT), Pearson Educational Measurement, Proctor and Gamble, Oral B, and other
prestigious businesses and manufacturing firms.
The community, which sits along the banks of the Iowa River, is home to more than 68,000 people and is easily accessible via
Interstate 80 and the Avenue of the Saints which links St. Louis, Missouri to St. Paul, Minnesota. Iowa City is situated in Johnson
County (county population 133,000) and serves as county seat. Approximately 26 miles north is the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area
with a population exceeding 256,000.
p ' dI
Responsive Government
Iowa City is governed by a mayor and six council members elected to four-year overlapping terms, with four at -large members and
three district representatives. The City Council chooses the Mayor, who is appointed to a two-year term, from its membership. The City
Council appoints the City Manager, City Clerk, and City Attorney for indefinite terms. All other staff appointments are the responsibility
of the City Manager. The appointment of the Fire Chief is subject to City Council approval.
A-Z Index Citizen Service Center Contact Information
http://www.icgov.org/CMSv3/Apps/CMS/preview/newPreview.asp?id=2257&pending=tiue 4/25/2013
City of Iowa City I Fire Chief
Page 2 of 3
Iowa City Fire Department.'
For more information on the Iowa City Fire Department, visit the Departments comprehensive webpage at htto://www.icciov.oro/?
id=1255.
Application Process
Application materials should be directed to:
Karen Jennings, Human Resources Administrator
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
319.356.5025 or jobs@iowa-city.org
The City of Iowa City considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, creed, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, sexual
orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or other class/category
protected by a federal, state, or local law, except where age, sex, or physical or mental ability consitute a bona fide occupational
qualification necessary forjob peformance. Persons who are members of a protected class are encouraged to apply.
http://www.icgov.orglCMSv3/Apps/CMS/previewlnewPreview.asp?id=2257&pending=true 4/25/2013
FIRE CHIEF CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
I r
CITY OF IOWA CITY
Instructions:
Please provide typed responses to each of the following questions, making sure that
your full name is clearly identified on the document. Responses are to be submitted
along with your resume, cover letter, and professional references by 5pm,
1. Describe innovative fire service programs that you have developed or actively
participated in and your role in each program.
Summarize your experience with developing, implementing and accomplishing
Fire Department goals, objectives, policies and procedures and how you have or
would motivate employees to maintain good morale and high productivity.
3. Describe what you believe is the role of the Fire Chief relating to the interaction
with and between the police department, other city departments, the Mayor,
and City Council.
4. Describe your philosophy and experience of using supplemental staff in the Fire
Department, including volunteers and paid on call employees. Describe what
successes and challenges you have faced in doing so.
5. Why are you interested in this position and how would this appointment fit into
your overall career plans?