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/

TOWN OF BEAUFORT, NC jobs

Fire Chief