Mission Statement

The Fire Civil Service Commission is responsible for the:

• Control and supervision over the employment, promotion, discharge and suspension of all officers and employees of the fire department of the City, including chief, deputy chiefs, battalion chiefs, captains, fire marshal, assistant fire marshals, fire protection specialists, mechanics,  motor operators and firefighters.
• Determination of disciplinary or termination action with cause
• Process and response, when required, for appeal of removal from certification list or disciplinary action.
• Review of position classifications and, as appropriate, initiate legislative changes through the Rochester Common Council or provide recommendations as to position classifications or reclassifications
• Monitoring and review of Rochester Fire Department operations as to ensure and evaluate appropriate and valid content and process for the examination, selection, discipline and/or termination of classified fire department positions.
• Adoption of rules to facilitate the Fire Civil Service Commission’s responsibilities.

Organizational Structure

The Fire Civil Service Commission will consist of three members appointed by the Mayor. One regular meeting required annually; special meetings held as called.

The Fire Civil Service Commission serves in an important advisory capacity and participates in the recommendation of key public safety decisions to the Rochester City Council and requires experience in a leadership role within a business or another key board or commission with similar responsibility and accountability.

Member Responsibilities

• Ability to review testing procedures for various positions to determine if they are appropriately rigorous
• Ability to participate when asked on an objective and impartial interview panel
• Ability to review and analyze confidential background information that is collected on applicants, including medical and psychological information, to determine those candidates who best represent potential employees with the ability to succeed
• Knowledge to review city plan to add diversity to the public safety work force
• Ability to make difficult and controversial decisions
• Ability to review when required serious disciplinary action taken by the Fire Chief to determine if it is appropriate and justified
• Ability to listen and analyze dissenting opinions and articulately express personal and group inquiries, thoughts and decisions.
  
  

Competencies

Decision Quality: Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward. 

Skilled: Makes sound decisions, even in the absence of complete information. 

• Relies on a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment when making decisions. 
• Considers all relevant factors and uses appropriate decision-making criteria and principles. 
• Recognizes when a quick 80% solution will suffice. 

Ensures accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments. 

Skilled: 

• Follows through on commitments and makes sure others do the same. 
• Acts with a clear sense of ownership. 
• Takes personal responsibility for decisions, actions, and failures. 
• Establishes clear responsibilities and processes for monitoring work and measuring results. 
• Designs feedback loops into work. 

Organizational savvy: Maneuvering comfortably through complex policy, process, and people-related organizational dynamics. 

Skilled: 

• Is sensitive to how people and organizations function. 
• Anticipates land mines and plans approach accordingly. 
• Deals comfortably with organizational politics. 
• Knows who has power, respect, and influence. 
• Steers through the organizational maze to get things done. 

Courage: Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said. 

Skilled: 

• Readily tackles tough assignments. 
• Faces difficult issues and supports others who do the same. 
• Provides direct and actionable feedback. 
• Is willing to champion an idea or position despite dissent or political risk. 

Instills trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. 

Skilled: 

• Follows through on commitments. 
• Is seen as direct and truthful. 
• Keeps confidences. 
• Practices what they preach. 
• Shows consistency between words and actions. 

Appointment Requirements

Must be a resident of Rochester.

For Further Information Contact

City of Rochester
Human Resources Department
201 4th St SE
Rochester, MN 55904
507/328-2555

Commission Members: