City Jobs

FIRE CHIEF

Salary Range: $ 88,119 – $ 94,135/year DOE

Purpose of the Position

The City of Spencer Fire Chief serves as a Department Head of the City of Spencer, under the general supervision of the City Manager, reporting to City Council. The fire Chief performs administrative and skilled firefighting duties, working to direct the activities and personnel of the Fire Department. This is important administrative work in the protection of life and property from fires, other emergency response needs of the community and in a broad knowledge of fire department administration, and modern firefighting and fire prevention methods and techniques in making proper determinations on varied work problems encountered. Administrative duties include the specifying and recommendation for purchases of equipment and supplies, preparation of annual budget estimates and effective use of personnel and equipment in carrying out firefighting activities. The employee consults with the City Manager on overall policy and planning, and receives general instructions as to work results desired, however, the Fire Chief works independently in supervising all technical operations and in seeing that the desired work results are achieved.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned:

• Plan and direct departmental operations with respect to equipment, apparatus and personnel; supervise the placing of such plans into effect
• Issue orders for improvement of work methods, and for enforcing rules, regulations, and Standard Operating Guidelines
• Keep informed as to personnel, property, and operations of the department
• Analyze and improve department operations
• Prepare and present budget estimates of anticipated expenditures and needs
• Direct and coordinate the work of the volunteers and full-time staff
• Assign personnel and equipment to such duties and use as the service requires
• Evaluate the need for and requisition of new apparatus, equipment and supplies
• Respond to fire alarms and direct firefighting activities
• Investigate or assign investigation of the origin and cause of fires
• Coordinate work of the department with other departments
• Enforce fire codes, laws and conduct inspections
• Conduct & coordinate the operation of departmental training of personnel
• Attend and take part in public functions for the purpose of promoting fire safety
• Update rules and regulations within department
• Supervise testing of equipment and inspection of personnel
• Receive and resolve citizen issues

Exemption: The Fire Chief is not expected to physically engage in active fire suppression at fire scenes but shall supervise and direct such activities.

Required Experience, Knowledge and Skills

• Thorough and broad knowledge of modern firefighting methods, and ability to apply this knowledge to varied fire control and prevention problems
• Thorough knowledge of the use and operation of a wide variety of fire, motor and auxiliary apparatus
• Comprehensive knowledge of laws, rules and regulations relating to fire control and prevention
• Thorough knowledge of the geography of the City of Spencer
• The ability to maintain and to instruct members in proper work methods or techniques in the use of fire apparatus and equipment
• Ability to plan, initiate and administer the Fire Department
• Ability to plan, assign and coordinate activities performed by a large group of employees in varied firefighting work
• Ability to work with the National Incident Management System (NIMS)
• Work with other emergency response entities on large incidents or natural disasters.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills, with ability to maintain confidentiality
• Must possess a high standard of personal character, integrity and ethics

Educational Requirements

High School Graduate with a two (2) year Fire Science Degree; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Extensive experience in firefighting, including at least five (5) years responsible supervisory experience in firefighting which has afforded familiarity with all phases of departmental operations.

Physical Requirements

Climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, laying, reaching, standing, sitting, walking, running, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking and hearing, carrying, twisting. Ability to perform work in any position and exert force in all directions safely. Heavy work requires exertion of 100 pounds or more of force occasionally, in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Other Requirements

All requirements are set out in the Code of Iowa and by the Spencer Civil Service Commission. Medical requirements as stated in State of Iowa Chapter 411. Experience in a combined Fire Department (full time/paid on call) preferred. The Fire Chief is required to live within five (5) miles of Spencer.

Work Environment

Work is performed inside or outside 365 day a year. This includes being exposed to all weather conditions, slippery surfaces, moving machinery and tools, exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous materials, radiation, noise, sharp objects, confined spaces, smoke, heights, mechanical and electrical hazards, noxious odors.

Premier Benefits 

• Medical: Low Deductible plan, 100% paid for employee
• Dental, Vision & Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Account
• Sick & Vacation accrual; 4 personal days/fiscal year
• MFPRSI Pension

EXTENDED DEADLINE TO APPLY: June 16, 2023

TO APPLY: Email resume & cover letter to:

Jessica Wright, Human Resources Director, jwright@spenceriowacity.com

CLICK HERE: Fire Chief Prospectus

Teen Services Librarian

Full-Time, $ 18.58/hr.

Alternates:

MTWF 8am-5pm & Th 12p-9p / MTFSat 8a-5p & Th 12-9p (flexible)

Performs library-related tasks under the supervision of the Youth Services Librarian. Responsible for promoting reading, special activities, and outreach programs for teens from 6^th-12^th grade. The Teen Librarian also serves in the capacity of general Librarian.  The work requires the exercise of judgment in the application of prescribed procedures from the library policy manual. The work involves patron information of a confidential nature.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive:

• Perform general circulation tasks at front desk and handle reference questions / readers’ advisor requests
• Plan and execute special activities for teens at the library such as after school/weekend/evening programs, educational events, tours, and Summer Reading Program
• Conduct regularly scheduled outreach programs to schools and teen/young adult facilities within the Spencer community
• Work with teens/young adults to develop programming and reading collection
• Select and purchase all teen books and plan programs within budget parameters
• Conducts tours, speeches, and programs for teens/young adults
• Works in cooperation with middle and high school curriculum and collaborative projects
• Must be able to market programs, create pleasing displays, and write regular column for library newsletter
• Must be an advocate for teens and understand their developmental stages and current interests in order to work with them to develop programming and reading collections
• Market programs, create displays, and write regular column for library newsletter to promote reading and library use for teens in the community and surrounding area
• Represent library presence to other organizations in the community
• Assist Youth Services Librarian with children’s events as needed, or lead children’s programs in the absence of the Youth Services Librarian
• Other duties as assigned

Experience & Skills Required

• Empathy and enthusiasm for young adults and their interests are vital
• Must have a working knowledge of computer hardware, peripherals, software programs & operating systems
• Must be able to speak and instruct effectively and be comfortable leading & presenting to individuals as well as small/large groups
• Must have customer service skills, ability to get along with others, initiative, good judgment, tact, and courtesy
• Good written communications skills are necessary
• Must be able to cart, carry, and re-shelve books and other media

Educational Requirements

• High school diploma or the equivalent is required
• Library experience & previous cataloging experience is preferred
• Librarian Certification Courses through State Library of Iowa is mandatory within 2 years of hire
• Valid driver’s license & acceptable driving record is required

Physical Requirements

Work is primarily sedentary and requires sitting and/or using various computer equipment 75% of the time and standing and/or walking 25% of the time.  Frequently requires the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, and infrequently requires the exertion of 10-50 pounds of force to lift or otherwise move objects. Requires sitting at a computer for several hours or standing at a desk for 2-4 hours at a time.

EOE / ADA Statement

The City of Spencer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, The City of Spencer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

CLICK HERE: APPLICATION

SEASONAL Street Maintenance

Full-Time, $ 20.41/hr.

Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm + on call rotation for weather events/emergencies

Duties Include

• Operating all equipment in the City, including manipulating heavy motor equipment
• Service & make minor repairs to equipment
• Cut brush & operate chain saw
• Concrete & asphalt work
• Lay brick for manholes & catch basins
• Build curbs
• Cut cast iron & concrete pipe
• Performing skilled labor tasks
• May act as lead when assigned
• Constant attention to safety of operation
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Iowa CDL Class B with Air Brakes & Tank Endorsement with acceptable driving record
• Expert skills in the operation of heavy equipment under all types of weather conditions
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Good knowledge of traffic and safety rules, and accident prevention practices
• Ability to make minor repairs to and adjust heavy equipment
• Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with the public
• Reliable attendance
• Must be able to lift 60 lbs. on a continuous basis and up to 120 lbs. or more periodically, raking & shoveling
• Ability to pass employment physical and drug/alcohol testing
• Ability to work inside and/or outside and be exposed to extreme cold & heat, noise, vibration; mechanical, electrical & chemical hazards, atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system or skin; may be required to wear a respirator, be in confined spaces or in darkness/poor lighting conditions and isolation. May work in trenches & climb steps/ladders.

Collective bargaining position.

EOE / ADA Statement

The City of Spencer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, The City of Spencer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

CLICK HERE: APPLICATION

SEASONAL Transfer Station Attendant

$16.00/hour

Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 4 Hours / Day (flexible hours, to be determined by availability)

Occasional Saturdays, 7:30a – 1:30p, as needed. Thru mid-November (depends on weather)

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist the public with issues involving all operations of the transfer station.
• Answer telephone, wait on customers, and provide information in response to public inquiries.
• Process payments & account for daily receipts.
• Maintain recordkeeping for all functions within the Solid Waste Division, such as demanufacturing operations, CRT operations, payroll, etc.
• Complete various forms (i.e. delivery forms, credit approvals, daily logs).
• May prepare routine reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ability to operate office machines (i.e., FAX, adding machine, basic computer skills).
• Ability to use basic spreadsheet software (i.e. excel & google sheets).
• Must be able to measure, convert measurements into cubic yards.
• Ability to perform a variety of tasks.
• Ability to exercise good judgment.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent Customer service skills.
• Ability to multi-task in a busy environment.

Successful candidates will be required to pass drug screening prior to employment. EOE.

CLICK HERE: APPLICATION

*Police Officer Test Notice*

Test Dates: June 9 & 10, 2023

Application deadline is May 26, 2023 at 4:00pm

Test Location: Milford, IA

Lakes Area Law Enforcement Employment Co-op is establishing an eligibility list

for current and future law enforcement openings in the beautiful Iowa Great Lakes Area!

The Co-op consists of: Arnolds Park, Emmetsburg, Estherville, Lake Park, Milford,

Okoboji, Spencer, Spirit Lake Police Departments; Palo Alto, Osceola & Dickinson County Sheriff’s Offices.

At the time of application, candidates must meet State Requirements for Law Enforcement Employment. Currently certified ILEA applicants are allowed lateral transfer.

Applicants without certification are required to pass P.O.S.T. & physical agility exams. EOE.

Successful applicants are eligible for employment by all agencies. 

For application details contact Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office:

712-336-2793 or visit www.dickinsoncountysheriff.com 

TEST ADMINISTERED BY:

Jason Peterson, Brent Shatto & Mark Warburton

SEASONAL POSITIONS, $16/HR

• Spencer Parks Technician, full-time, flexible schedule

All returning  applicants must reapply each year to be considered. EOE. Position open until filled.

Benefits for Seasonal Staff: IPERS retirement.

CLICK HERE: SEASONAL APPLICATION

Civil Service Notice:

Fire Chief Assessment/Interviews will be held on Friday, May 26th, 2023.

The Civil Service Commission has charged Jessica Wright, Human Resources Director, with administrative duties for the process.

Volunteer Firefighter, per diem (on call)

*Firefighters must live within 1 mile of the City of Spencer.

Questions? Call Chief Conyn, 712-580-7240, jconyn@spenceriowacity.com

CLICK HERE: Volunteer Firefighter Application Form

All successful candidates will be required to pass drug screening prior to employment. EOE.

Positions open until filled unless otherwise noted above.

All full-time positions qualify for employee benefits, as listed above. Seasonal positions qualify for IPERS retirement only.

*Due to the volume of applications we receive, we do not respond to calls checking back on applications. If you experience difficulty please email to the address above with details. Thank you!

The City of Spencer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, The City of Spencer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.