Description
Come be a part of a progressive and forward-thinking organization that is proactively supporting the fire service throughout Cabarrus County. We are committed to fostering a professional environment that supports our employees, their growth, and their well-being—both on and off duty.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early. The application review process will take place immediately and continue until the position is filled. This recruitment may close any time after the first review or when a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.
Hiring range for this position is $70,167.76 - $83,865.08. Initial placement for new employees is customarily at entry level through 35% percentile. Pay grade for this position is 25.
Cabarrus County Benefits Summary for the Fire Operations Chief Position:
- Uniforms: All uniforms are provided by the County.
- County Vehicle: A County vehicle is provided for official use in accordance with the County vehicle policy.
- Training: Paid training opportunities are available and strongly supported for continued professional development.
- Personal Wellness Day (1 per year)
- Floating Holiday (1 per year)
- Compensatory Time Earned
- Vacation Leave
- Sick Leave
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Merit Increase within budget allowance
- COLA Increase within budget allowance
- Access to the Cabarrus County Employee Health Clinic
- Comprehensive Wellness Program
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- County Provided $20,000 term life and ADD insurance
- Other Insurance Offered
- Life Insurance and Short/Long-Term Disability
- NC Local Government Retirement System participation
- Optional 401(k) and 457(b) retirement plans. The County contributes 5% of gross wages regardless of employee contribution.
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Bilingual Incentive
General Definition Of Work
Performs difficult protective service and responsible administrative work managing assigned firefighting personnel, planning, directing, coordinating and evaluating emergency incident activities, fire/rescue training, apparatus and facility maintenance, technical rescue operations, and fire/life safety education within the county. Work is performed under general supervision of the Fire Marshal. Supervision is exercised over Fire personnel.
Examples of Duties
Essential Functions/Typical Tasks
Planning, developing and supervising a comprehensive firefighting and technical rescue program that includes emergency response and other services and programs related to fire safety, prevention and protection, developing and maintaining appropriate records and files. (These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
- Directs and consults with Fire Services Staff on matters of training, work assignments, scheduling, performance, promotional processes, and discipline.
- Assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs and implements changes.
- Maintains an inclusive workplace through positive mentoring and by maximizing the contributions of all team members.
- Recommends and implements organizational goals for internal and external services, such as personnel training, certifications, public education programs, and emergency response.
- Places a primary focus on recruitment, onboarding, and retention of fire and rescue personnel.
- Promotes a culture of professionalism and emotional intelligence across all levels of the department.
- Leads technical rescue preparedness and operational capability including rope, trench, confined space, and water rescue disciplines.
- Oversees pre-fire planning, capital improvement forecasting, and strategic operational planning.
- Ensures personnel compliance with OSHA CFR 1910.120 and other applicable safety standards.
- Interacts with citizens, stakeholders, and other public agencies in a courteous and professional manner.
- Develops and communicates complex ideas effectively, both orally and in writing; represents the department at speaking engagements and media events.
- Coordinates and collaborates with municipal, state, and county agencies, volunteer organizations, and governing boards.
- Develops, implements, and evaluates administrative guidelines, staffing models, and service levels.
- Responds to fire/rescue related incidents and serves in command or supervisory roles as needed.
- Conducts or supports initial fire investigations to determine cause and origin.
- Oversees daily maintenance checks for apparatus, equipment, and facilities; ensures operational readiness.
- Supervises daily staffing and shift operations; assigns work schedules for part-time staff.
- Conducts and facilitates comprehensive fire/rescue and technical rescue training for staff.
- Participates in internal reviews, investigations, and disciplinary procedures as necessary.
- Assists with fire prevention and public education programming.
- Supports Emergency Management and Fire Marshal with planning and meeting attendance.
- Performs work during emergency/disaster situations and responds as needed during adverse conditions.
- Performs related tasks as required.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Comprehensive knowledge of firefighting, rescue, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, and emergency incident command; strong grasp of emergency response methods, disaster mitigation, and hazardous material abatement. Maintains working knowledge of computer-based systems for fire reporting and operational readiness. Familiar with fire behavior, safety standards, and current fire protection technologies. Skilled in personnel leadership, emotional intelligence, team development, and conflict resolution. Able to manage critical incidents, maintain public trust during crisis, and communicate clearly with all segments of the population. Knowledgeable in fire service laws, codes, and applicable regulations including professional standards and conduct policy expectations.
Minimum Education / Experience Requirements
Education and Experience:
Associate’s degree in Fire Administration, Fire Protection Technology, Emergency Services, or a related field from an accredited institution; Bachelor’s degree preferred. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Requires certification as a NC Firefighter (minimum 6 years), including 3 years in a supervisory role at the rank of Fire Captain or higher.
Candidate must possess the following certifications/credentials: NC Fire Officer Level I (Level II preferred), NC Fire & Rescue Instructor Level I (Level II Preferred), NC Technical Rescuer (with specialty disciplines preferred), Emergency Medical Technician (NC or NREMT), Hazardous Materials Responder (Operations Level), NIMS: IS-100.c, IS-200.c, ICS-300, ICS-400, IS-700.b, IS-703.b, IS-800.d IFSAC, Pro-Board, or National Registry certifications from other states may be accepted based on NC reciprocity, NC EVD certification.
Special Requirements
Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina. This position is designated as a safety-sensitive position under the County's Drug-Free Workplace Policy and is classified as essential under the County’s Inclement Weather Plan. Assigned to a 40-hour work week with additional on-call responsibility (24/7 availability). May be required to attend evening or weekend meetings, trainings, or respond to incidents at any time and in any conditions.
Physical Requirements
This is medium work requiring the exertion of 50 pounds or more of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly. Work requires climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, and grasping. Vocal communication is required for expressing ideas and issuing instructions clearly and loudly; hearing is needed to perceive information in noisy environments. Visual acuity is needed for night/peripheral vision, data review, equipment use, and situational awareness. The employee is subject to extreme environmental conditions including heat, cold, noise, and exposure to hazards. May be required to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and other PPE, and work in bloodborne pathogen risk environments.
Supplemental Information
Supplemental And Contact Information
Cabarrus County selects applicants for employment based on job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, political affiliation or political influence.
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, degree evaluations and cover letters may be uploaded with your application. Applicants who obtained their education outside of the United States and its territories are expected to assume responsibility for having their academic degrees validated as equivalent to a degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.
Please be sure to complete the application in full. Resumes may be uploaded with your application, but will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application and will not be considered for qualifying credit. "See Resume" or "See Attachment" will NOT be accepted.
If multiple applications are submitted to an individual position, only the most recent application received prior to the posting closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the closing date.
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone.To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Processing applications will take an average of 6 – 8 weeks due to the high volume of applications received. It is not necessary to contact the Human Resources Office to check the status of an application. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for the most qualified applicants.
For technical issues with your applications, please call the NEOGOV Help Line at
855-524-5627. If there are any questions about this posting other than your application status, please contact HR at 704-920-2200.
- Earned vacation & sick leave
- 11-12 paid holidays per year
- Floating Holiday
- Paid Personal Day
- Bereavement Leave
- Paid Parental Bonding Leave
- Participation in the Local Government Employees Retirement System
- Mandatory 6% employee contribution
- 5% employer-paid contribution to NC401K, with no employee match required
- Employees have the option to contribute additional monies to the NC401K plan or to a 457 retirement savings plan
- Health Insurance plans
- Consumer driven plan including a health savings account
- PPO Plan
- Optional dependent coverage – employee/spouse, employee/children, & employee/family
- Comprehensive health & wellness program
- On-site exercise equipment & programs
- Health & wellness themed instructional classes
- Employee health clinic
- Employee assistance program (ex. Individual & family counseling, legal & financial services, child & elder care location assistance, etc.)
- Choice of optional dental plans
- PPO (Preferred Provider Option) or non-PPO
- Optional dependent coverage – employee/spouse, employee/children, & employee/family
- Vision Plan
- Includes an annual routine eye exam for individuals on the health insurance plan.
- Optional eyewear plan available
- $20,000 of term life insurance & accidental death & dismemberment coverage with employer-paid premiums
- Employee option for up to $50,000 of additional term life coverage
- Optional dependent life insurance coverage for spouses & children
01
I understand in order to be qualified for this position, the description of my work experience must clearly reflect the required education and experience as well as the posted knowledge, skills and abilities for this position. I have included all of this information within my application. (If you haven't completed the application requirements, please return to your application to finish it before submitting your application.) Resumes may be uploaded with your application, but will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application and will not be considered for qualifying credit.
02
What is the highest level of education completed?
- High School Diploma or GED
- Associates Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
03
Do you possess an Associate’s Degree or higher in Fire Administration, Fire Protection Technology, Emergency Services, or a related field?
- Associates Degree
- Bachelor's Degree or higher
- N/A
04
Do you possess a valid North Carolina driver’s license or the ability to obtain one prior to employment?
05
Are you currently employed with Cabarrus County?
06
How many years of full-time fire service experience do you have?
- None
- Less than 6 years
- 6-9 years
- 10-14 years
- 15+ years
07
Have you served in a supervisory role at the rank of Fire Captain or higher?
- Yes, for less than 3 years
- Yes, for 3 or more years
- No
08
Do you currently hold a valid NC Firefighter certification or a ProBoard/IFSAC equivalent eligible for NC reciprocity?
- Yes - NC Firefighter Certification
- Yes - Equivalent (eligible for reciprocity)
- No
09
What is the highest Fire Officer certification you currently hold?
- NC Officer I
- NC Fire Officer II or higher
- Yes - Equivalent certification from another state
- None
10
What is the highest Fire & Rescue Instructor certification or equivalent certification from another state that you hold?
- NC Instructor Level I
- NC Instructor Level II or higher
- Yes - Equivalent certification from another state
- None
11
Do you hold a current NC Technical Rescuer certification or an equivalent certification from another state?
- Yes, with specialty disciplines (e.g., rope, trench, confined space, water)
- Yes, without specialty disciplines
- Yes – Equivalent certification(s) from another state
- No
12
Are you currently credentialed as a NC Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or higher (NC Advanced EMT or NC Paramedic) or hold a National Registry credential from another state that could be transferred to NC?
- Yes – NC EMT, NC Advanced EMT or NC Paramedic
- Yes – National Registry EMT, National Registry Advanced EMT or National Registry Paramedic from another state that could be transferred to NC
- No
13
Do you hold a Hazardous Materials Responder (Operations Level) certification?
14
Which of the following ICS/NIMS courses have you completed? (Check all that apply)
- IS-100.c
- IS-200.c
- ICS-300
- ICS-400
- IS-700.b
- IS-703.b
- IS-800.d
- N/A
15
This position requires 24/7 availability and may require response during evenings, weekends, and inclement weather. Are you willing and able to meet this requirement?
16
I understand this position requires medium physical exertion, including lifting up to 50 pounds and working in hazardous conditions. I understand I must be able to meet these requirements with or without accommodations.
17
Do you have experience serving in a command or supervisory role on fire/rescue incidents?
18
Do you have experience leading or managing technical rescue programs (e.g., rope, trench, confined space, water)?
