Chief of Fire (Fire)

Shelby County•Memphis, TN

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Public Works Director, the Chief of Fire serves as the chief executive and administrative head of the Shelby County Fire Department. The role provides strategic direction, organizational leadership, and executive oversight of fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue, special operations, fire prevention, public education, emergency preparedness, and emergency communications. The Chief directs departmental personnel, budgets, policies, facilities, equipment, and service delivery through subordinate command staff, and works with County leadership, elected officials, partner agencies, employees, and the community to protect life and property and provide professional, efficient, and responsive fire and emergency services. The position requires ten years of progressively responsible fire service experience, including five years as a Division Chief or higher, and a bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of related education and experience demonstrating executive leadership and administrative competencies. A master’s degree in a related field, completion of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program, or Chief Fire Officer designation is preferred. Proof of education, training, and/or experience is required. The Chief is on call 24 hours a day and must be available across all shifts, weekends, and holidays, including to respond to major emergencies as required. The position requires a valid Tennessee driver’s license, applicable qualifications and training, and compliance with County residency requirements for appointed Fire Department positions. The role reports to the Public Works Director.

Requirements

Ten years of progressively responsible fire service experience, including five years as a Division Chief or higher, with demonstrated responsibility for command, personnel management, budgeting, and department administration.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Administration, Fire Science, Emergency Management, Public or Business Administration, Management, or a closely related field; alternatively, an equivalent combination of related education and/or experience demonstrating required executive leadership and administrative competencies.
Proof of education, training, and/or experience is required.
Valid Tennessee driver’s license, or ability to secure one upon date of employment.
Must meet and maintain qualifications, certifications, and training standards applicable to the position as established by the Department and the State of Tennessee.
Must maintain incident command and emergency management training appropriate to executive command responsibilities.
Must comply with applicable County residency requirements for appointed Fire Department positions.
Knowledge of executive leadership, public administration, strategic planning, organizational development, and performance management.
Knowledge of modern fire suppression, EMS, rescue, special operations, fire prevention, community risk reduction, and emergency communications practices.
Knowledge of incident command, emergency management, fireground strategy and tactics, and responder safety practices.
Knowledge of public budgeting, capital planning, procurement, resource allocation, and financial accountability.
Knowledge of personnel administration, labor relations, labor agreements, employee development, and applicable employment policies.
Ability to interpret and apply applicable laws, regulations, policies, contracts, and professional standards.
Ability to lead through subordinate managers, establish priorities, delegate effectively, and hold personnel accountable for results.
Ability to evaluate community risks, analyze operational and financial data, and develop practical solutions to complex administrative and technical problems.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and decisive leadership during emergencies and sensitive organizational matters.
Ability to develop and sustain effective relationships with elected officials, County administrators, employees, labor representatives, partner agencies, and the public.
Ability to communicate clearly, prepare concise reports and recommendations, present complex information, and resolve conflict professionally.
Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite and business, records management, and operational software commonly used in emergency services.
Available on call 24 hours a day, across all shifts, weekends, and holidays, including response to major emergencies as required.
Subject to a background check for convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties; substantially related convictions will be considered but will not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related field.
Completion of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program.
Chief Fire Officer designation.

Responsibilities

Direct and administer departmental functions through subordinate command staff, setting authority, responsibilities, performance expectations, and accountability for sworn and civilian personnel.
Develop and implement the Department’s strategic plan, goals, service priorities, policies, and organizational structure in alignment with County objectives and community needs.
Ensure operational readiness and effective delivery of all-hazard emergency services; establish staffing, deployment, and resource priorities based on community risk, service demand, available resources, and performance data.
Provide executive oversight of fire suppression, EMS, rescue, hazardous materials response, and other special operations; respond to major emergencies and assume or support incident command as conditions require.
Direct fire prevention, code enforcement, fire investigation, public education, and community risk reduction programs through assigned personnel.
Oversee emergency communications and dispatch services and coordinate with partner agencies to support reliable communications, effective deployment, and continuity of service.
Develop, present, and administer operating and capital budgets; forecast personnel and resource needs, monitor expenditures, and ensure responsible stewardship of public funds.
Direct long-range planning for stations, apparatus, equipment, technology, and facilities; oversee procurement specifications and capital requests in accordance with County purchasing and approval procedures.
Ensure consistent implementation of personnel policies and applicable labor agreements; oversee recruitment, selection, promotion, performance evaluation, employee development, corrective action, and discipline within delegated authority.
Perform other related duties as assigned.