Position Information
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.
The ideal candidate will be a strategic leader with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement, excel at managing complex operations and budgets while developing long-term plans to meet departmental goals. You will bring a strong ability to assess and address community needs using data-driven insights and creative problem-solving. This person will be committed to fostering a collaborative and motivated team environment, prioritizing the health, safety, and well-being of staff in every aspect of leadership.
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.
Position Specific Duties
Position(s) assigned to Administration & Planning:
- 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.
Position(s) assigned to Operations:
- 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.
New Hanover County is dedicated to the recruitment and recognition of a talented and diverse workforce that is committed to public service. Our shared values of professionalism, equity, innovation, integrity, stewardship, and accountability guide the way we conduct ourselves and deliver services to our customers. Supported by the work of our Office of Diversity and Equity, New Hanover County celebrates diversity in our employees’ backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and abilities, and supports equitable and inclusive policies and growth opportunities. Our talented team has a passion for providing care and services that effect change in the everyday lives of the citizens they encounter. The differences that unite us are a reflection of the community we serve. If this sounds like an organization that models the values you uphold, we invite you to join our team at New Hanover County.
Work Schedule
Hours are 8:00 - 5:00 Monday - Friday.
Must be available to work during emergency situations.
Salary Information
The salary range for this position is
$91,789 - $123,915.50 plus a competitive benefits package. Salary will be determined based on qualifications.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science, or related field, and eight (8) years of progressively responsible supervisory and firefighting experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the specific position as listed above.
Licenses/Certifications
- 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.
Must be obtained no later than two (2) years of employment
- Fire Officer 3 and Fire Officer 4 accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board.
Other Information
Candidates are expected to thoroughly complete each relevant section of this application, including documentation of education and relevant experience necessary to determine qualifications. Incomplete information, partially complete information, or applications with omitted information may result in disqualification from the selection process.
Please include a Fire/EMS certification transcript in the attachments section of this application.
Next Steps
After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for. All updates
regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.
New Hanover County offers a competitive benefits package designed to encourage and support your health, well-being and productivity to include
- Employer paid 401k deferred compensation contributions (5% for sworn law enforcement and 2.5% for all other benefits eligible positions);
- Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
- Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
- Paid parental leave;
- Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
- Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
- Medical, dental, vision insurance + many other insurance options;
- Employee assistance program;
- 100% employer paid long term disability;
- Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center which includes a nurse practitioner and physical therapist;
- Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
- Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
- And so much more!
Benefit options for eligible positions include medical, dental, elective supplemental insurance options including short-term disability, vision, flexible spending accounts, voluntary term life, cancer, accident, and critical illness policies.
Employees who elect medical and dental insurance within the specified timelines provided during on-boarding, will have coverage effective on their date of hire. For more information about New Hanover County benefit options, including our benefit rates, please click here.
Please check out our careers page at www.nhcgov.com/careers for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.
Note: All positions listed as temporary, casual part time, volunteer, and intern are not eligible to receive benefits. P
art-time position with fewer than 20 scheduled hours per week will not include benefits.
01
Are you currently employed with New Hanover County Fire Rescue?
02
Please indicate your highest level of education as relevant to this position.
- Bachelors degree or higher in Fire Science or a closely related field
- Bachelors degree or higher in a field unrelated to fire science
- Associates degree in Fire Science or a closely related field
- Associates degree in a field unrelated to Fire Science
- High School Diploma/GED
03
If you have a degree beyond High School/GED, please indicate the field of study your degree is in.
04
Do you have a Level II (or higher) Fire Inspector certification issued by the North Carolina Division of Insurance?
05
Have you had your Driver's License suspended or revoked for any reason in the last 3 years?
