WELLINGTON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT APPLICATION CHECKLIST All items listed below must be included with the application packet in order for it to be accepted. ___ Completely filled out and signed job application ___ Resume Completed documents should be submitted by sealed envelope to: WFPD – District Board PO Box 510 Wellington, CO 80549 Any application not received at the address listed above is considered ineligible. An email may be sent to districtboard@wfpd.org to verify receipt of your application packet. All application packets must be postmarked by August 31, 2012. Wellington Fire Protection District P.O. Box 510, Wellington CO 80549 (970) 568-3232 phone districtboard@wfpd.org POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: FULL TIME FIRE CHIEF CLOSING DATE: August 31, 2012 (postmarked by date) The Wellington Fire Protection District (the District) is announcing an opening for a full time Fire Chief. The District is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to fill this position. This position is the first step in the Wellington Fire Protection District’s transition to a combination department and demonstrated leadership ability will be required. The Wellington Volunteer Fire Department was formed in 1905. In 1951, the citizens of the area voted to form a fire protection district which became the Wellington Fire Protection District. The district encompasses approximately 288 square miles and includes the communities of Wellington, Waverly and Buckeye. The area is primarily rural agriculture. The District has 2 stations with12 pieces of apparatus and 30 to 40 volunteer firefighters. There is currently a full-time Administrative Assistant and a part-time Fire Marshall. This position offers a starting salary between $65,000 and $75,000 depending upon qualifications and experience plus a benefit package. A copy of the job description and application is available on the district website at www.wfpd.org. A resume is required in addition to the application. Wellington Fire Protection District P.O. Box 510, Wellington CO 80549 (970) 568-3232 phone districtboard@wfpd.org POSITION TITLE: Fire Chief POSITION STATUS: Full-Time Paid SALARY RANGE: $65,000 - $75,000 per year (starting pay) plus benefits, depending on qualifications and experience FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Exempt WORK HOURS: As necessary to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position I. THE POSITION SUMMARY: As chief executive officer of the Wellington Fire Protection District (District), the Fire Chief is responsible to the Board of Directors and through them to the residents for effective delivery of fire protection and other emergency services within the District. To effectively fulfill these primary responsibilities, the Chief must pay careful attention not only to the details of District management, but also to the District image in the eyes of the public. The Fire Chief must be a leader and team builder who is adept at management skills and techniques. He/She must have the ability to establish, develop and maintain cooperative working relationships within the organization. The Chief must have the ability to communicate effectively with the news media, community groups, and individuals and to project credibility and integrity, thus enhancing community pride and respect for the District. The Fire Chief must be a capable administrator, knowledgeable in governmental accounting and proven experience in preparing an annual budget and knowledgeable in the practice of modern fire administration methods and must be capable of producing high quality analytical staff reports to include long-range fire control and prevention master plans. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: In addition to duties imposed by the District Board from time to time, and by the laws of the State of Colorado, the primary powers, duties and general responsibilities of the Fire Chief shall include: Maintain the safety of firefighters and employees as a top priority; Preserve and develop the volunteer organization through an effective recruitment and retention plan; Supervise, direct and coordinate personnel, administration, finances and operations of the District to achieve Board policies and objectives and meet the needs of our community. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will face emergency situations that require good mobility and physical condition, correctible vision and hearing, and the stamina to work effectively in weather extremes for an extended period of time. While much of the work is in an office environment, the employee may be called upon in an emergency to lift and carry loads of 100 pounds, to reach and work overhead, to climb ladders, to work in precarious places, and to operate hand powered tools under stressful conditions. Emergency response includes the hazards of heat, smoke, toxic fumes and chemical exposure. It may also include exposure to contagious diseases, victims with unknown medical conditions and/or who are hostile and abusive. II. THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE REQUIRED (MINIMUM) EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS: Associate degree in Fire Science or Business Administration Colorado Firefighter II (or equivalent) Hazardous Material Operations Colorado EMT-B / NREMT / OR a State with reciprocity Valid driver’s license and acceptable motor vehicle driving record PREFERRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED, EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS: Colorado Fire Instructor I Colorado Fire Officer II (or equivalent) Colorado Fire Inspector I (or equivalent) NIMS 100, 200, 700 and 800 ICS 300 and 400 PREFERRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED, EXPERIENCE: A minimum of 5 years experience as a chief officer in a combination fire department PREFERRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language at a level to perform the job Ability to set short and long term goals and establish a strategy for obtaining those goals Working knowledge and proven skills in administration and personnel management Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors and the public at all times Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of modern incident management and the provision of fire and rescue services Ability to analyze situations accurately, exercise sound judgment and adopt an effective course of action Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing Knowledge of safety procedures and the ability to maintain safety as a primary concern Computer skills at a level to utilize existing programs in a proficient manner including word processing, spreadsheets and databases (Microsoft Office) Experience in writing grants for the Fire Service III. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must submit to a fifty state criminal background check, physical exam, drug screening test, investigation of driving record, and psychological evaluation Must be able to meet the physical demands of the job Must be able to start within 30 days of hire or a time frame acceptable to the Board of Directors Must live in the District or a location acceptable to the Board of Directors within 90 days of start date. REPORTING RELATIONSHIP or SUPERVISION: The Fire Chief serves under the direction supervision of the Board of Directors. Neither the Chief nor the District is committed to a fixed period of time. Employment with the District is at-will. Both the Chief and the Board of Directors have the right to terminate this employment at any time for any reason with or without cause and with or without notice. WELLINGTON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT Application for Employment (Fire Chief) PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING THIS APPLICATION Unless expressly modified by a written employment agreement, individuals hired by Wellington Fire Protection District (“District”) are “at-will” employees, meaning they may quit without prior notice at any time for any or no reason; similarly, the District may terminate an employee at any time for any or no reason, subject only to the requirements of federal, state or local law. Nothing in this application alters an individual’s at-will employment. The District will rely upon the truthfulness and completeness of the information you provide in this application. Any false or misleading information in, or material omission of information from, this application may result in your not being hired, or immediate termination of your employment at any point in the future if you are hired. The District fully supports, and complies with, all applicable federal, state and local laws relating to the hiring and employment of individuals. The District will not discriminate against an applicant on the basis of his or her status in any class or group protected by federal, state or local law. By signing this application, you are acknowledging you have read, fully understand and agree to the statements contained in this section. INSTRUCTIONS TO THE APPLICANT: We appreciate your interest in employment with the District. Print clearly in black or blue ink, and answer each question fully and accurately. The District will not consider your application until all of the questions have been answered. Sign and date this form. Thank you for taking the time to complete this application. GENERAL INFORMATION Position Applied For: Date of Application: Fire Chief Last Name First Name Address City Telephone Number(s) Email Address Middle Name State Zip Code Social Security Number (optional) You will still be considered for employment if you choose not to include your Social Security Number on this form. Your Social Security Number will be required on other forms prior to employment. Can you perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation? Please do not provide information about the existence of a disability, particular accommodation, or whether accommodation is necessary. Those issues may be addressed at a later stage to the extent permitted by law. □ Yes □ No Are you legally eligible for employment in the U.S.? Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. will be required upon employment for all applicants. □ Yes □ No □ Yes □ No Are you over the age of eighteen? Have you ever been employed by, or provided volunteer services to, the District before? □ Yes □ No If Yes, give dates: Do you have any relatives who work or volunteer for Wellington Fire Protection District? □ Yes □ No If Yes, please provide name and relationship: ___________ □ Yes □ No Have you ever been fired or asked to resign from a job? If Yes, please explain: Have you been convicted of a crime (other than a minor traffic offense) within the last five years? "Convicted" means a final judgment on a verdict or a finding of guilty, or a plea of no contest in any state or federal court of competent jurisdiction in a criminal case, regardless whether an appeal is pending or could be taken. Although a record of criminal convictions(s) will not automatically disqualify you from consideration for employment, the position is deemed to be a public safety position in which the public places their trust and confidence for the protection of their lives and property. Accordingly, the District will consider the nature/gravity of the offense, the time elapsed since conviction, and the affect that such a conviction(s) may have on this high profile public safety position. □ Yes □ No If Yes, please explain: EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE AND REFERENCES Start with your present or last job and explain any significant gaps in time. Include any job-related military service assignments and volunteer activities. THIS SECTION MUST BE COMPLETED (Attach a resume in addition to completing this Section). I) Name and Address of Employer From Mo Yr Telephone: ( Job Title: Hourly Rate/ Salary To Mo Yr ) Work Performed / Responsibilities: Name of Supervisor: May we contact this employer? Yes ____ No ____ Reason for Leaving: EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE AND REFERENCES (CONTINUED) II) Name and Address of Employer From Mo Yr Telephone: ( Job Title: Hourly Rate/ Salary To Mo Reason for Leaving: Yr ) Work Performed / Responsibilities: Name of Supervisor: May we contact this employer? Yes ____ No ____ III) Name and Address of Employer From Mo Yr Telephone: ( Hourly Rate/ Salary To Mo Reason for Leaving: Yr ) Job Title: Work Performed / Responsibilities: Name of Supervisor: May we contact this employer? Yes ____ No ____ IV) Name and Address of Employer From Mo Yr Telephone: ( Hourly Rate/ Salary To Mo Yr ) Job Title: Work Performed / Responsibilities: Name of Supervisor: May we contact this employer? Yes ____ No ____ Reason for Leaving: REFERENCES Give name, address and telephone number of three references who are not related to you and who are not previous employers. Name Email Address Telephone EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND High School (or GED) Undergraduate College/University Graduate/Professional School Name and Location Diploma/Degree Obtained Course of Study Describe any Job Related Certifications DRIVER’S LICENSE Do you have a valid driver’s license? Drivers License # □ Yes □ No Class State Have you had your driver’s license suspended or revoked in the last 5 years? □ Yes □ No If yes, give details: Have you been convicted of, or plead no contest to, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving With Ability Impaired (DWAI), or a comparable conviction under the laws of any other state, within the last 10 years? □ Yes □ No If yes, give details: AUTHORIZATION & CONSENT FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION This application is not complete and will not be considered by the District unless you complete, sign and submit the attached Authorization and Consent for Release of Information with this Application. POST-CONDITIONAL OFFER DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING By signing this application, you acknowledge that you will be required to undergo a drug/alcohol test if the District makes a conditional offer of employment to you. You further acknowledge and agree that if you fail, or refuse to submit to, the drug/alcohol test, you will not be eligible for employment with the District. You further understand that certain over-the-counter medications or prescribed drugs may result in a positive test result, and agree that you will disclose over-the-counter medications or prescribed drugs you are currently taking or have taken within the past thirty (30) days. You further agree to sign and submit to the District the attached Post-Conditional Offer Consent to Drug & Alcohol Testing and Authorization To Release Medical Information. POST-CONDITIONAL OFFER PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION By signing this application, you acknowledge that you will be required to undergo a psychological evaluation if the District makes a conditional offer of employment. You further acknowledge and agree that if you refuse to submit to the psychological evaluation you will not be eligible for employment with the District. APPLICANT’S CERTIFICATION AND SIGNATURE I certify that the answers given in this application, including any documentation submitted with or in connection with, this application are true and complete. ___________________________________ Applicant's Signature __________________ Date WELLINGTON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT AUTHORIZATION & CONSENT FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION I understand that in connection with the application process, the Wellington Fire Protection District (“District”) may request information from my past employers, volunteer organizations, educational institutions, and personal references, and that such investigation may include a review of any criminal records and driving record. I have provided complete and truthful information to the District regarding all sources of information about my past employment/volunteer service, education, licensure, driving record, criminal conviction record, as well as any information requested in the employment application, and have been fully informed that any misrepresentations or material omissions concerning such information will be grounds for denying my application, withdrawing any offer of employment, or immediate discharge. In order to assist the District in obtaining documents and information regarding my background, I hereby consent to the release of the following information: 1. I authorize and consent to the release of information to the District regarding my previous employment and volunteer services, and authorize all past employers and volunteer organizations, or agents they may designate, to respond to the District’s verbal or written inquiries regarding my employment/volunteer services, including, but not limited to, positions held, dates of employment/volunteer services, last pay rate, work performance, name and telephone number of my immediate supervisor, disciplinary records, reliability, and any incidents of dishonestly, insubordination, violence, and/or unsafe, harmful or threatening behavior, including all information contained in my personnel and/or confidential file(s). I consent to the release of this information with full knowledge and understanding that the information released may include positive or negative facts and opinions that I may believe are false. 2. I authorize and consent to the release and disclosure to the District of educational or vocational records from any and all public or private educational or vocational institutions I have attended, including all records of any academic performance; courses attended; grade(s) earned; diplomas, degrees or other certificates conferred. 3. I authorize and consent to the District, or its agent, contacting, either verbally or in writing, any individual or entity, including but not limited to any individual or entity identified in my application, for purposes of confirming information contained in my application, and otherwise furthering the purposes of the District’s background investigation. 4. I authorize and consent to the release of information relating to my driving record, and to the District, or its agent, verifying the Social Security number I have provided upon my employment with the District. 5. I authorize and consent to the District’s, or its agent’s, thorough investigation of whether I have a record of criminal convictions, and, if so, the nature of such criminal convictions and all surrounding circumstances available through lawful means. I understand that the District’s criminal background check will focus on convictions and that a criminal record will not necessarily disqualify me from employment. 6. I hereby release and hold harmless the District, its current and past Directors, officers, employees and agents, and any other person or public or private entity inquiring about, investigating, furnishing, communicating, reviewing, or evaluating information or documents pursuant to this Authorization, or making any written or verbal communications for such purposes, from any and all claims arising from such activities, including, but not limited to, any claims whatsoever for defamation, fraud, misrepresentation, intentional or negligent interference with prospective business relations or contract, breach of contract (including any settlement agreement), negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress, employment discrimination, violation of public policy, and any other potential claims, demands, damages, liabilities and/or actions of any kind whatsoever, whether known or unknown to me presently, that I may have now or in the future. I voluntarily grant this Release for purposes of supporting my application for employment and based upon my desire to encourage the District’s consideration of my application. If I have any concerns about the information that may be provided to the District, or its agent, during its investigation of issues relevant to its consideration of my application, I have voluntarily advised the District of such concerns in writing. 7. I understand that, in accordance with Colorado law, if I am included in the District's list of finalists for the position, any records I submitted, or that were submitted on my behalf, in connection with the hiring process will be open to public inspection and copying, except letters of reference or medical, psychological, and sociological data. 8. I have carefully read this Authorization and Release, and voluntarily agreed to its terms in order to assist the District in evaluating my qualifications for employment. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Please print your full name _____________________________________________________________________________________ Please print any other names you have used _____________________________________________________________________________________ Home Address _____________________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip Code _____________________________________________________________________________________ Social Security Number (optional) _____________________________________________________________________________________ Driver’s License Number State Issuing Name as it appears on license _______________________________________ Signature __________________________ Today’s Date