About the City: Josephine, Texas, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, with a population served of 10,000 and rapidly expanding. While experiencing significant growth, Josephine retains a small-town atmosphere. Our mission is to empower community growth while preserving our cherished small-town values. We are committed to fostering a safe, vibrant, and inclusive environment where families thrive, businesses flourish, and the essence of our tranquil community endures for generations to come.
Job Summary: The Fire Chief provides strategic leadership, direction, and administrative oversight for all activities of the Fire Department, including fire suppression, emergency medical response, fire prevention, and disaster preparedness. This position ensures the protection of life, property, and the environment through effective emergency response, code enforcement, public education, and personnel management.
Preference will be given to candidates who are certified or eligible to be certified as a Fire Marshal and who have experience successfully transitioning a volunteer fire department into a fully functioning municipal (city-run) department.
Primary duties & responsibilities:
Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
Leadership & Administration
- Direct, plan, organize, and oversee all operations and administration of the Fire Department.
- Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and strategic goals aligned with City priorities and legal requirements.
- Prepare and manage the department budget, including capital improvement planning, personnel needs, and equipment procurement.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal fire and safety regulations.
- Prepare and present detailed reports and updates to the City Manager and City Council.
Personnel Management
- Lead, manage, and support Fire Department staff through supervision, coaching, and performance evaluations.
- Oversee the recruitment, hiring, and training of career and volunteer personnel.
- Promote a positive, accountable, and safety-focused workplace culture.
Emergency Response & Operations
- Respond to major fire and emergency incidents; assume command when appropriate.
- Ensure operational readiness of all personnel, vehicles, and equipment.
- Oversee emergency medical services (EMS) delivery and compliance.
- Maintain incident command protocols and ensure proper implementation of NIMS/ICS standards.
Fire Prevention & Public Safety
- Oversee fire prevention, inspection, and investigation programs.
- Supervise enforcement of fire codes and ordinances in coordination with Planning and Building departments.
- Direct public education initiatives related to fire safety and emergency preparedness.
Community Development & Growth Management
- Plan for future fire protection needs in response to population growth, land use changes, and infrastructure development.
- Collaborate with Planning, Development Services, and Public Works to ensure fire protection infrastructure and service capacity align with City growth.
- Provide input on development plans to maintain emergency access and fire code compliance.
Departmental Modernization & Transition
- Lead the transformation of a volunteer fire department into a fully functioning municipal fire department, including staffing, structure, and procedural development.
- Implement best practices, service benchmarks, and performance measures for continuous improvement.
Emergency Management
- Serve as the City’s Emergency Management Coordinator.
- Coordinate with local, regional, and state emergency management agencies.
- Lead the City’s disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
Public Relations & Community Engagement
- Represent the City and Fire Department in meetings with community groups, professional organizations, and the public.
- Address public complaints and requests for information regarding fire services.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with citizens, local leaders, and external agencies through proactive engagement.
Other Duties
- Promote safety in all aspects of the Fire Department’s operations.
- Prepare management-level presentations and reports as needed.
- Attend meetings, conferences, and training sessions as required, including during nights and weekends.
- Ensure required reports are submitted to regulatory entities.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Mayor or City Manager.
- Maintain regular and consistent attendance as mandated by departmental standards.
Education/Training/Experience Requirements
- Associate degree (Bachelor’s degree preferred) in fire science, public administration, emergency management, or related field preferred.
- Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in fire service, including five (5) years in a command or supervisory role.
- Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) certifications:
o Structural Firefighter
o Fire Officer II (or higher)
o Incident Safety Officer
o Fire Instructor I
o Fire Inspector
o Basic Fire/Arson Investigator
o Plan Examiner I
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification in Texas required; Paramedic preferred.
- Valid Texas Class B driver’s license or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
- TCFP Head of Department certification or eligible within one year of hire.
- Completion of National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800.
- Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certification as a Fire Marshal or the ability to obtain certification within a specified timeframe.
- Experience transitioning a volunteer fire department into a municipal department.
- Proven ability to lead and manage departmental growth in a fast-growing municipality, including long-term planning and service expansion.
- TEEX FSCEO or NFA EFO Graduate
Physical Demands/Work Environment:
Work is performed in both a standard office environment and in the field during emergency and non-emergency situations. The office environment involves a low to moderate noise level and includes sitting for extended periods, as well as standing, walking, bending, reaching, kneeling, and lifting or moving items such as records and office supplies.
Field duties require physical exertion, including lifting and carrying heavy equipment or individuals weighing up to 100 pounds, operating in high-stress environments, and working in adverse weather and hazardous conditions (smoke, heat, uneven terrain, etc.). Personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn as needed.
The position involves interaction with a wide variety of individuals, including city staff, emergency responders, and the general public. Attendance at meetings and community events during evenings or weekends may be required. The Fire Chief is subject to emergency call-outs and extended hours during major incidents or natural disasters.
The City of Josephine provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability, in accordance with applicable federal laws.
