Fire Division Chief

About the Department

Pender County operates an Emergency Services Department that includes fire, EMS, training, logistics, emergency management, and fire marshal divisions. This Department was created in 2026 and resulted from the merger of two non-profit departments with County operations. This position performs complex professional work planning, organizing and directing fire operations, ensuring appropriate allocation of equipment and apparatus, preparing and maintaining files and records, preparing reports, investigating citizen complaints, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work involves setting policies and goals under the direction of the Emergency Services Director. Departmental supervision is exercised over all personnel within the fire division. In addition to operational oversight, the Fire Division Chief also serves as a key representative of the fire department to the community, local government, and other emergency services, ensuring effective communication and collaboration in service delivery.

Note: This position is projected to start on July 20th, 2026.
Note: This position is open until filled.

Position Duties

• Lead and manage the fire department's personnel and operations.
• Effectively communicate policy and practice to management and within the Department to provide consistent and aligned focus on the strategic vision of the Department
• Evaluates and recommends staffing, facilities, and operational plans to meet department and County needs.
• Coordinate the maintenance and operation of firefighting equipment and facilities.
• Ensures continued training, professional development and succession planning for staff in order to build skills, achieve performance excellence and develop staff for promotional opportunities and varied job assignments
• Leads efforts to maintain and improve ISO ratings
• Responds to fire, emergency medical services, and emergency management calls as needed
• Participate in community outreach and fire safety education initiatives.
• Prepare reports for governmental bodies and stakeholders regarding fire incidents and departmental performance.
• Responds to public inquiries regarding departmental activities.
• Handles personnel issues, including hiring, promotions, demotions, evaluations, and separations.
• Conduct performance evaluations and coordinate training for fire department staff.
• Attends and represents the County and Department at various meetings, presentations, and associations.
• Collaborates with other municipal organizations and regional partners to create partnerships and maximize resources such as training, equipment, mutual aid,etc.,
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal fire regulations.

Performs related tasks as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Comprehensive knowledge of the federal and state laws and regulations regarding fire protection services; comprehensive knowledge of all facets of fire operations such as suppression, prevention, hazardous materials, and technical rescue; ability to evaluate equipment and personnel needs, including recruitment, retention, and career development; ability to be a passionate advocate for strategically acquiring resources to meet fire service needs; comprehensive knowledge of radio communications systems; comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices relating to industrial safety and accident prevention; comprehensive knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding employee safety; ability to maintain required certifications; ability to respond to work during emergency situations or inclement weather; ability to accept responsibilities and to carry out directives; ability to work with volunteers, volunteer organizations and related agencies; ability to communicate, both orally and in written form; ability to write detailed reports; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other agencies, associates and the general public; Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, emergency management, fire science, or related field and ten or more years of experience working in the management of a branch of emergency services, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

The County seeks a fire service leader with a minimum of 10 years at an officer level with progressive fire service experience, which includes a minimum of 5-7 years of cross-functional and increasingly responsible experience including fire suppression, prevention, and administrative work.

• Advanced leadership training
• Experience in community engagement and public relations
• Certification as a Fire Officer or Chief Fire Officer
• Experience in budget management and resource allocation
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Extensive experience in firefighting and emergency response
• Proven leadership and management experience in a fire service environment.
• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Incident command system (100, 200, 700, 800) certification.
• Incident command system (300, 400) certification.
• Valid Driver’s License in the State of North Carolina within 60 days of employment.

 

Must have a valid NC Driver’s License.

Preferred certifications (one or more):

Executive Fire Officer (EFO); NC HazMat Operations; Instructor; NC Fire/Arson Certification; NC Standard Fire Inspector Certification Level III; Chief Fire Officer; CEM

Other Qualifications

The Fire Division Chief position requires the ability to perform essential job functions under a variety of conditions consistent with applicable North Carolina and federal employment laws. Duties may include prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and driving; the ability to communicate effectively in person and via electronic devices; and the capacity to occasionally lift or move equipment typically weighing up to 25 pounds. The role may also involve responding to emergency scenes, which can require navigating uneven terrain, exposure to varying environmental conditions, and wearing personal protective equipment. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws to enable qualified individuals to perform essential job functions.

Local government providing essential services to Pender County citizens.