Fire Chief, Deputy

New Hanover County Fire Rescue, an internationally accredited class 2 department, is seeking an innovative, strategic-minded fire professional to serve as one of two Deputy Fire Chiefs. This person may oversee administration and planning or operations. This position supports the Fire Chief in planning, organizing, and directing the operations of the department and will play a critical role in reimagining approaches to achieve departmental goals. The selected candidate will have a proven track record of leadership, problem-solving, and developing strategic solutions in fire and rescue operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a dynamic team, supervise staff, conduct performance evaluations, and provide opportunities for training and development.
• Represent the department before various boards and committees and serve as acting Fire Chief in the Fire Chief’s absence.
• Drive innovation by developing and maintaining programs that support departmental mission.
• Assess community needs, set priorities, and evaluate fire and rescue services to ensure optimal protection.
• Assist in the development of operating budgets, long-range capital improvement projects, and ensure fiscal responsibility in all areas.
• Analyze program data and trends, make data-driven recommendations, and present insights to inform leadership decisions.
• Collaborate with various county departments and external agencies to ensure cohesive service delivery and address community concerns.

• Oversees administrative functions of the department to include budget, planning, and Human Resources related items and the accreditation program.
• Assists with short, medium, and long-range planning for department facility remodels and upgrades, new construction, as well as long term capital planning for apparatus and equipment replacement.
• Manages the Logistics branch, responsible for facilities, fleet management, procurement of equipment and supplies and capital purchases.
• Manages the fire code branch activities; implements programs and services related to NC Code Enforcement (Fire) Community Risk Reduction and Fire Scene Investigation.

• Directs departmental activities at emergency scenes which includes serving as incident commander; assessing situations and determining tactical objectives; and evaluating performance and making suggestions for future activities.
• Confers with and directs the day-to-day activities of the New Hanover County Fire Rescue (NHCFR) through the Battalion Chiefs.
• Maintains a constant and appropriate level of emergency response for New Hanover County.
• Evaluates community needs; recommends modification of departmental operations to meet new or changed needs.
• Responds to incidents and may assume command of field operations; performs a management role in the direction of assigned personnel and equipment at the scene of emergencies involving fire, all types of accidents, hazardous materials, lifesaving, and rescue work.
• Oversees the training division and Health and Safety.

New Hanover County Fire Rescue is comprised of a team of dedicated emergency response professionals who work to protect and educate citizens from the threats of fire and other emergencies. Our employees stay committed to the County's model of good governance working 24 hours a day in eight (8) fire/rescue stations, protecting 220 square miles of the County. Ideal candidates for this department combine the department's values of honor, dedication, compassion, service and excellence with the County's overarching shared values and vision of a vibrant, prosperous and diverse coastal community committed to building a sustainable future for generations to come.

• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License required by the first date of employment with a good driving record.
• North Carolina Level 2 Fire Inspector certification.If hired with a probationary certification, the standard certification must be obtained within the minimum time frame set by the North Carolina Division of Insurance.

Requirements for continued employment:
Must be obtained no later than three (3) months of employment

• Emergency Vehicle Driver accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board.

• Fire Officer 3 and Fire Officer 4 accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board.