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.
