Fire Chief
An employee in this class plans, organizes, and leads a variety of departmental activities to provide firefighting, fire inspection, training, public education, hazardous materials response, emergency management response, rescue and fire prevention in protecting the lives and property of the citizen and visitors. Work includes establishing a vision of excellence in customer service and emergency response readiness and long-range planning for programming, facilities, staff, and equipment needs. The Chief manages the department staff; prepares and monitors the budget; plans and evaluates work operations; directs the hiring, training and counseling of personnel; evaluates the need for new equipment, stations, water supply, technology, and programs; and ensures a program of fire prevention, inspections, and fire investigations. The employee attends major incidents and may take command at the site; consequently, skills must be maintained in the use of firefighting and fire equipment operation. The employee is subject to hazards associated with firefighting including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme weather, and exposure to various hazards such as exposure to high heat, exposure to chemicals, and in the proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, and working in high places. Employee may be exposed to atmospheric conditions and blood borne pathogens, may be required to wear a respirator, and may be required to work in close quarters. Considerable judgment and expertise is required in directing departmental activities especially in training and in setting and monitoring work standards. Work is performed under the general administrative supervision and is evaluated through observation, conferences, and written reports concerning the quality and effectiveness of fire and rescue work.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree, (advanced degree preferred) in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Public or Business Administration or related field, and completion of advanced courses and seminars in fire administration and management and considerable supervisory experience of an increasingly responsible nature in the fire service; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Possession of a valid North Carolina class B driver's license or equivalent. Possession of various certifications as required by the Village including NC Certified Firefighter, Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B), Fire Instructor. Completion of the Executive Fire Officer Program or designation as a Chief Fire Officer preferred.