Chief of Fire (Fire)

Shelby County Government•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, working 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 directs departmental functions and develops the Department’s strategic plan, goals, service priorities, policies, and organizational structure in alignment with County objectives and community needs. It oversees all-hazard emergency-service readiness and delivery, emergency response and incident command, prevention and risk-reduction programs, communications and dispatch, budgeting and capital planning, procurement, and personnel administration. Pay Grade: 59. Salary is commensurate with experience and education.

Requirements

At least 10 years of progressively responsible fire service experience, including at least 5 years as a Division Chief or higher, with demonstrated responsibility for command, personnel management, budgeting, and department administration; or an equivalent combination of related education and/or experience demonstrating the required executive leadership and administrative competencies.
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; or an equivalent combination of related education and/or experience.
Proof of education, training, and/or experience is required.
Valid Tennessee driver’s license, or ability to secure one upon the date of employment.
Meet and maintain qualifications, certifications, and training standards applicable to the position as established by the Department and the State of Tennessee.
Maintain incident command and emergency management training appropriate to executive command responsibilities.
Comply with applicable County residency requirements for appointed Fire Department positions.
Knowledge of executive leadership, public administration, strategic planning, organizational development, performance management, fire and emergency services, incident command, budgeting, procurement, personnel administration, and labor relations.
Ability to interpret and apply applicable laws, regulations, policies, contracts, and professional standards; lead through subordinate managers; evaluate risks and data; exercise sound judgment; build effective relationships; communicate clearly; prepare reports and recommendations; 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, all shifts, weekends, and holidays, including response to major emergencies as required.

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, establishing 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, 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 required.
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 steward public funds responsibly.
Direct long-range planning for stations, apparatus, equipment, technology, and facilities; oversee procurement specifications and capital requests under County 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.