Division Fire Chief

Working independently under the general supervision of the Assistant Chief of Operations, the Shift Commander is the highest-ranking chief officer assigned to a shift rotation. This position ensures consistency in staffing, operations, and compliance across platoons. The Shift Commander leads and oversees critical departmental programs in the operations branch, including safety, staffing systems, strategic planning, and labor relations. The position requires high-level leadership, data-driven decision-making, and complex project management. It also serves a vital role in interagency coordination, public engagement, and organizational development.

Examples of Duties:
Oversees platoon-wide consistency and operational readiness for 117 personnel.
Directs and supervises four battalion chiefs and ensures efficient daily operations.
Leads platoon-wide staffing and operational planning.
Serves as a program lead for department safety initiatives and incident review.
Aids in oversight of department-wide technology platforms.
Oversees the department's involvement with WSPD in the Drone as a First Responder Program.
Evaluates the effectiveness of operational programs and identifies opportunities for improvement.
Administers internal performance metrics and contributes to annual accreditation reports.
Leads or contributes to public outreach, community risk reduction, and media communications.
Coordinates emergency planning efforts and participates in EOC operations.
Responds to major incidents and assumes appropriate ICS leadership roles.
Develops and mentors personnel through succession planning, training oversight, and career development initiatives.
Represents the department on boards, task forces, and regional planning bodies.

Minimum Qualifications: Refer to General Order 1.9 for minimum education and certification requirements.

Preferred Qualifications: Completion of The NFA Executive Fire Officer Program or CPSE Chief Fire Officer Designation.

Knowledge of: Advanced principles of fireground management, hazardous materials, and technical rescue. Strategic planning, performance management, and budget administration. Fire behavior, building construction, and NIMS/Blue Card incident command. Fire department accreditation models and compliance standards. Labor relations practices and grievance resolution frameworks. Geographic information systems, data analysis tools, and department-specific software. State and local statutes, codes, ordinances, and intergovernmental agreements.

Skills/Abilities: Lead and direct complex departmental functions and projects. Communicate effectively across all levels and build consensus among stakeholders. Analyze and apply data for planning, staffing, and performance evaluation. Develop and implement operational and administrative policies. Identify and resolve performance, personnel, or procedural deficiencies. Represent the department with professionalism in external forums and media. Supervise and mentor personnel for leadership succession. Coordinate multi-agency responses and act effectively in emergency environments. Operate under stress for extended durations while maintaining sound judgment.

Supplemental Information: There will be a 6-month probationary period with performance evaluations after 3 months of work and at the end of the probationary period.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: 401a Contribution (employee match not required), Bus Pass Program, Education Assistance, Employee Assistance Program, Employee Suggestion Program, Family and Medical Leave, Flexible Spending Accounts, Group Health Insurance, Group Dental Insurance, Jury Duty Leave, Life/Accidental Death Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance, Military Leave, Paid Holidays, Promotion from Within, Retirement/Pension Plan (State of NC), School Leave, Shared Leave, Short-Term Disability Insurance, Sick Leave, Training, Vacation Leave, Wellness Program.

Requirements: Refer to General Order 1.9 for minimum education and certification requirements; Preferred: NFA Executive Fire Officer Program or CPSE Chief Fire Officer Designation; Knowledge of advanced fireground management, hazardous materials, technical rescue, strategic planning, performance management, budget administration, fire behavior, building construction, NIMS/Blue Card incident command, fire department accreditation, labor relations, GIS, data analysis tools, state and local statutes and ordinances

Salary: $91,589.00 - $141,962.00 Annually

Application Deadline: 2026-10-05