To learn more about this vibrant, diverse City with an international reputation, visit http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us.
CITY GOVERNMENT
THE CITY OF BERKELEY The City of Berkeley covers approximately 10 square miles with a population of 112,000 residents. The population is highly educated and ethnically, economically, socially and politically diverse. Berkeley is noted for its activism and community involvement. Sheltered by rolling hills and bordered by the San Francisco Bay, Berkeley enjoys a mild climate year-round. Acres of open space, neighborhood parks, and City bike lanes offer numerous opportunities to explore the outdoors. Berkeley has a wealth of cultural life, and there is much to enjoy within the City’s few square miles. The public marina, panoramic bay views, international shops and restaurants, arts/theater district, and the UC Berkeley campus are but a few of its attractions. Berkeley’s beautiful setting, pleasant climate, and recreational and cultural activities offer a wide variety of leisure opportunities. Berkeley is only 12 miles from the shops, restaurants, and entertainment of San Francisco, and the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) train system and the ferry at Oakland’s Jack London Square provide easy access between the two. Getting around within Berkeley is easy on foot, by taxi, or via public transportation. The City is served by three BART stations, a network of buses, and the UC Berkeley campus shuttle.
The City of Berkeley’s mission is to provide quality service to its diverse community; promote an accessible, safe, healthy, environmentally sound and culturally rich city; initiate innovative solutions; embrace respectful democratic participation; respond quickly and effectively to neighborhood and commercial concerns, and do so in a fiscally sound manner. Residents directly elect the Mayor and the eight other members of the City Council, members of the Rent Board and School Board, and the City Auditor. The Mayor is elected at-large, and council members are elected by district; all serve four-year terms. The Mayor and Council select and appoint the City Manager. Department directors are selected by the City Manager and confirmed by the City Council. The City Council appoints the members of the Board of Library Trustees as well as the members of more than 35 Boards and Commissions, which serve as advisory bodies to the Council on topics ranging from aging to zoning. Berkeley Housing Authority members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. A full-service City, Berkeley is further comprised of 12 departments and services, including Fire; Police; Public Works; Human Resources; Health, Housing and Community Services; Parks,
Recreation, and Waterfront, and others. The City FY 2018 budget is $474 million, of which $172 million is allocated from the General Fund. The City has a workforce of 1,306 employees.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT Established in 1904, the Berkeley Fire Department is said to have been the first motorized fire department in the western United States. It serves a densely-populated area of 11 square miles from 7 stations, providing 24-hour emergency response for fire suppression, medical emergencies, hazardous materials events, and other lifethreatening situations. The Department also offers fire prevention, disaster preparedness, and public education programs, as well as ongoing training for all Department staff. The Berkeley Fire Department is comprised of the Office of the Fire Chief and five divisions: Administration; Fire Prevention; Fire Suppression; Training, Safety and EMS; and Special Operations (including the Office of Emergency Services). Goals for FY 2018-2019 include updating the City’s Emergency Operations Plan and the Berkeley Fire Code and implementing Emergency Operations Center operating system improvements and security upgrades.
• Comprehensive emergency medical service management experience that includes navigating complex national, state, and county regulations; • Expertise in effective labor relations; • Fiscal, administrative, and resource management experience; • Sound judgment and decision making; Berkeley Fire lives up to its vision to embrace public service and be recognized as a leader who responds effectively with well-trained and compassionate professionals. The men and women of the Fire Department adhere to the Department’s core values of accountability, dedication, empowerment, service, teamwork, and trust. The Fire Department is supported by an annual FY 2018-2019 budget of $39 million and 148 FTE.
FIRE DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT
The Berkeley Fire Department protects life, property, and the environment through emergency response, prevention, and community preparedness.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE The members of the Berkeley Fire Department are committed to providing comprehensive fire protection, emergency medical (including ambulance transport), disaster preparedness, rescue and other related services in an efficient and effective and caring manner to the diverse Berkeley community. To successfully lead and manage this progressive Bay Area department, the next Fire Chief will be an experienced fire service leader with the proven ability to adeptly lead change. In addition, the ideal candidate will be and/ or possess:
• Creative and critical thinking around personnel deployment/staffing, operational and revenue/funding challenges; • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written); • An approachable demeanor and the ability to listen empathetically; • A team player and leader at all levels; • An inclusive approach to leadership; encourages and considers input from a wide variety of stakeholders; • Proven ability to develop collaborative and meaningful partnerships; • Commitment to goals and values related to achieving racial equity, diversity and inclusion, and holding others accountable to this vision; • Political astuteness/awareness while remaining apolitical; • Strong customer service orientation coupled with the ability to design and implement solutions that drive results; • Impeccable integrity and the willingness to address sensitive situations in ways that achieve positive outcomes; and • Experience with establishing formal mentoring and succession planning programs.
The ideal candidate will be wellrespected by peers and subordinates, and be known as a forward-thinking role model who consistently leads by example. With significant operations experience, the individual selected will provide the strategic vision and leadership for the City while overseeing the five divisions of the Fire Department.
QUALIFICATIONS Equivalent to graduation from a college or university with major coursework in fire science, social science or public or business administration; and an extensive or broad management, supervisory, or administrative experience in a local government or major fire services setting. Progressively responsible related experience may be substituted for the college coursework on a year-foryear basis. Must reside within forty (40) air miles from Berkeley City limits.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS The current salary range for this position is $163,344 - $224,472; placement within the range will be dependent upon qualifications and experience. Supplementing salary, the City of Berkeley offers a competitive benefits package that includes but is not limited to:
• Retirement – CalPERS 3% @ 50 formula for Classic Members; 2.7% @ 57 formula for New Members. • Medical Plan – A choice of Kaiser HMO Plan or Sutter Health Plus Plan is available. City contributes up to the full family premium for the Kaiser HMO Plan. Monthly stipend available for employees who waive coverage. • Dental Plan – City provides group dental benefits through Delta Dental Plan of California. Employer contributes up to the family coverage for the plan, which covers 90% of the dental charges up to $3,000 annually per person. Orthodontic benefits are offers at a $3,000 lifetime maximum per person. Monthly stipend available for employees who waive coverage. • Vacation – 10-30 days annually depending on years of service; credit for previous years of service may be considered. • Administrative Leave – 50 hours annually. • Other Leave – 12 days of sick leave annually; 13 regular holidays + 3 floating holidays. • Life Insurance – City provides employees with a $100,000 Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment policy. Employees have the option to purchase additional term life insurance up to a maximum of $300,000. • Long-term Disability – City provided long-term disability insurance that provides partial income replacement in the event of disability. Benefit is paid at 60% of salary. • SRIP – City contributes $2,170 annually into a 401(a) Supplemental Retirement Income Plan account (SRIP). The City is not a member of Social Security.
• Deferred Compensation – Three voluntary deferred compensation 457 plans are offered. In 2017, employees under age 50 may contribute up to $18,000 per year on a pre-tax basis. • Retiree Medical – City pays a portion of the medical premiums of the retiree and eligible spouse or domestic partner based upon years of service. Requires at least 10 years of CalPERS service with the City and is at least age 50; credit for previous years of service may be considered.
Bradley Wardle • 650.450.3299 Teri Black • 424.296.3111 TERI BLACK & COMPANY, LLC www.tbcrecruiting.com
• Uniform Allowance – $1,100 annually. • Additional Benefits – transit subsidy, subsidized YMCA membership.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS The closing date for this recruitment is midnight, Sunday, September 24, 2017. To be considered for this opportunity, upload compelling cover letter, resume, and list of six (6) professional references using the “Apply Now” feature at www.tbcrecruiting. com. This is a confidential process and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process.
Following the closing date, applicants with the most relevant qualifications will be granted preliminary interviews by the consultants. Candidates deemed to be the best qualified will be expected to participate in panel interviews and other selection activities in the Fall. The top candidates will then be invited to meet with the City Manager. Final decisions regarding the appointment is anticipated shortly thereafter, following the completion of thorough background and reference checks. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. The City Manager appoints the Fire Chief, with confirmation by the City Council.