Division Chief (Fire)

City of Graham•Graham, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs highly responsible executive, administrative, and operational leadership work in assisting the Fire Chief with planning, directing, organizing, and managing all functions of the Fire Department. This position serves as the Fire Chief’s principal assistant and second-in-command, exercising broad delegated authority over departmental operations, personnel, and resources. The Division Chief provides leadership and oversight of fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue operations, training, fire prevention, and community risk reduction programs. Work includes implementing the strategic direction established by the Fire Chief, ensuring operational readiness, regulatory compliance, and organizational effectiveness. The Division Chief serves as Acting Fire Chief in the absence of the Fire Chief and is responsible for maintaining continuity of operations, decision-making, and leadership of the department.

Requirements

Minimum of (3) years of service as a Fire Captain with the City of Graham or in an equivalent supervisory rank in another fire department.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive fire service experience, including significant supervisory/command responsibility
Associate degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Public Administration, or related field
NC Firefighter Level II
NC Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
NC Hazardous Materials Responder
NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800
NC Class B Driver’s License (Non-CDL)
NC Emergency Vehicle Driver (EVD)
Chief 101
NC Fire Officer I, II, & III
NC Fire & Life Safety Educator I, II, & III
NC Fire Service Instructor I & II
NC Driver/Operator Pumps
NC Driver/Operator Aerial
Must possess any six (6) of the following: NC Instructor III, NC Fire Inspector I, II, III, Technical Rescue Certifications (any discipline), Hazardous Materials Technician, Fire Investigation Technician, Rescue Officer, Instructor Qualification (multiple disciplines), FEMA/NFA Leadership in Supervision Series, FEMA/NFA Incident Safety Officer, FEMA/NFA Health & Safety Program Manager

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred
National Child Passenger Safety Technician (within 12 months of hire/promotion)

Responsibilities

Serves as the second-in-command to the Fire Chief and provides executive leadership in the administration and operation of the Fire Department
Exercises delegated authority of the Fire Chief in his absence, including operational, administrative, and personnel decision-making
Implements departmental policies, goals, and strategic initiatives established by the Fire Chief
Directs and oversees daily operations of the department, ensuring readiness, staffing continuity, and effective service delivery
Provides senior-level command at emergency incidents; assumes Incident Command or serves in command/general staff roles during complex incidents
Supervises, directs, and evaluates command staff, officers, and assigned personnel; provides leadership, mentoring, and professional development
Participates in and administers personnel actions including hiring, promotions, discipline, and performance management in accordance with City policies
Develops, administers, and monitors assigned portions of the departmental budget; ensures fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational priorities
Oversees department-wide training programs and ensures compliance with all certification, accreditation, and regulatory requirements
Ensures accurate maintenance of training records, certifications, and operational documentation in accordance with ISO, NCRRS, and other standards
Develops, reviews, implements, and enforces Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Monitors operational performance, response effectiveness, and safety outcomes; implements continuous improvement strategies
Oversees apparatus, equipment, and facility readiness, including maintenance planning, replacement schedules, and resource allocation
Leads and supports community risk reduction, fire prevention, and public education programs
Assists in long-range planning, capital improvement planning, and organizational development initiatives
Coordinates with other departments, governmental agencies, and community organizations to ensure effective service delivery and collaboration
Represents the Fire Department in meetings with City leadership, partner agencies, and the public as directed
Performs other related duties as assigned