The Town of Beaufort, North Carolina (population approximately 4,900) is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Fire Chief to lead the Town’s Fire Department and serve as a key member of the Town’s executive leadership team.
This position offers a unique opportunity to lead public safety operations in a historic coastal community with significant exposure to hurricanes, flooding, marine incidents, seasonal population surges, and special events. The Fire Chief plays a central role in advancing coastal resilience, emergency preparedness, and continuity of government operations.
Position Highlights
- Lead and manage all Fire Department operations, programs, and 28 full-time personnel
- Provide strategic vision, policy development, and long-range planning with a strong emphasis on coastal hazards, resilience planning, and disaster mitigation
- Administer and oversee a Fire Department annual operating budget of approximately $4 million
- Participate in Town-wide financial planning within an overall municipal budget of approximately $20 million
- Oversee capital planning for apparatus, facilities, and equipment with attention to storm hardening, flood exposure, and post-disaster recovery
- Serve as the Town’s Emergency Manager, directing hurricane preparedness, evacuation coordination, emergency communications, and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation and management
- Lead interagency coordination with county, state, and federal partners before, during, and after emergency events
- Engage residents, businesses, and visitors through community preparedness, risk communication, and resilience initiatives
Qualifications
- Significant fire service leadership and management experience, preferably in coastal or hazard-prone communities
- Strong working knowledge of NFPA standards, emergency response systems, incident command, and municipal operations
- Demonstrated experience in emergency management, disaster response, and recovery operations
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex budgets, and communicate effectively with elected officials, staff, partner agencies, and the public
- Fire Officer, EMT, and required certifications
- Valid North Carolina driver’s license (or ability to obtain)
Compensation
$95,655 – $143,483, depending on qualifications and experience
Application Deadline
January 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM
This is a distinctive leadership opportunity for a public safety professional committed to coastal resilience, emergency preparedness, fiscal stewardship, and community-centered service.
Learn more and apply today:
- https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/beaufortnc/