Job Posting: Fire Chief

Organization: Shepherd Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD)

Reports To: SVFD Board of Directors

Employment Type: Full-Time, Paid Position

Location: Shepherd, Montana

SERVICE – TRADITION - COMMUNITY

Organizational Description

The Shepherd Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD) has been proudly serving Shepherd Montana since 1968. We provide fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to a 527-square-mile suburban and rural area located just northeast of Billings, the state’s largest city.

Our district includes approximately 5,500 permanent residents, with increased call volume during the summer months and hunting season. SVFD also works closely with surrounding agencies through automatic aid agreements with two neighboring departments and mutual aid partnerships with eight additional departments. Through these collaborations, our members support emergency response for a regional population of nearly 240,000 people.

SVFD is a combination department made up of approximately 50 active members and 20 EMTs. We respond to around 500 calls for service each year, including structure fires, wildland fires, rescues, and medical emergencies. The department operates out of two fire stations and maintains an active, seasonal wildland fire program.

We are a team-oriented department committed to training, safety, and serving our community. SVFD offers members the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a growing community.

Position Overview

The Shepherd Volunteer Fire Department is looking for a qualified and dedicated Fire Chief to manage and oversee all departmental operations while leading a volunteer workforce. This position is responsible for protecting the Shepherd Fire Service Area through emergency response, administration, training, and coordination with partner agencies.

The Fire Chief reports to the SVFD Board of Directors in accordance with department bylaws. All disciplinary actions related to this position are handled by the Board of Directors.

Compensation

Salary: To be determined; negotiable DOE
Paid Time Off (PTO): To be determined
Other Benefits: To be determined

Work Schedule

Minimum of 40 hours per week
Must respond to all major incidents or designate appropriate personnel
Attendance required at all SVFD trainings, meetings, and major department activities
Schedule may vary based on emergency response needs

Authority

The Fire Chief has full authority over department operations, including:

Control of all apparatus, supplies, and equipment
Authority over volunteer member permissions and probationary status
Command authority over all incidents, trainings, and department activities
Delegation of authority and responsibility as necessary
Discretionary spending authority for day-to-day operations

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Support and lead the volunteer workforce in all operational and training activities
Serve as the primary protector of life and property within the Shepherd Fire Service Area
Respond to emergencies and function in a leadership role within the Incident Command System
Develop, recommend, and implement department policies and ensure accountability
Coordinate and oversee training programs and professional development
Foster a positive, team-oriented work environment
Ensure proper maintenance, organization, and availability of all department equipment, apparatus, and facilities
Oversee training requirements and maintain accurate training and maintenance records
Work collaboratively with members to establish SMART operational goals
Keep the Board of Directors informed of department needs and operational status
Build and maintain strong working relationships with neighboring fire departments, EMS, law enforcement, and county agencies
Comply with and perform duties outlined in Montana State Code 7-33-2001
Continually strive to improve the department’s ISO rating
Wear an official Shepherd Fire Department uniform shirt while on duty

Other Duties

Perform additional duties as assigned by the SVFD Board of Directors

Minimum Requirements

Valid Montana Driver’s License
Current CPR Certification
Basic Wildland Firefighter certification with annual refresher
Minimum Montana Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license
Completion of ICS 300 (minimum)
Ability to sign and adhere to the SVFD Code of Conduct

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Extensive knowledge of fire department rules, regulations, and local geography
Strong understanding of modern fire suppression and prevention practices
Experience supervising fire apparatus and equipment maintenance
Ability to assess emergencies, recognize hazards, and make sound decisions under pressure
Ability to plan, assign, direct, and supervise emergency operations
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with personnel and partner agencies
Proficiency with modern office and computer equipment
Physical ability to perform the essential duties of a firefighter
Knowledge of BLS emergency medical systems and the Montana EMS system

Vehicle Policy

The Fire Chief is issued an assigned command vehicle for work-related use only.

Job Posting Closing Date

February 13th, 2026

If submitting your resume via mail please send to:

Shepherd Volunteer Fire Department

c/o Carl Openshaw, President

P.O. Box 75

Shepherd, MT 59079

Shepherd Volunteer Fire Department

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