Fire Chief

Town of Hudson•Hudson, MA

About The Position

The Town of Hudson is hiring a full-time Fire Chief to lead its Fire Department. Hudson is a Metro-west community spanning 11.8 square miles, with approximately 20,000 residents, residential neighborhoods, industrial and commercial areas, and a downtown that serves as a regional destination. The department has a Deputy Chief, eight Lieutenants, 33 full-time Firefighters, and an Administrative Assistant. Fire protection and emergency response services are provided from Fire Headquarters and Station #1. Emergency medical transport is provided through a contractual partnership with Coastal EMS, LLC. Reporting directly to the Town Manager, the Fire Chief is the department head responsible for the department’s overall administration, operation, planning, and leadership. The Chief provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services, fire prevention, public education, and emergency preparedness. The role also includes serving as Incident Commander at emergency scenes and major incidents using NIMS and ICS; overseeing EMS delivery and administration; managing operating and capital budgets and long-range financial planning; leading labor-management relations; and pursuing and administering grants and other funding opportunities. The Fire Chief develops department policies, procedures, goals, and strategic initiatives; collaborates with municipal officials, public safety partners, regional organizations, and community stakeholders; and ensures compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, standards, and reporting requirements. The appointee must establish and maintain residency within 15 miles, border to border, within one year of appointment. Compensation is approximately $195,000 or more, commensurate with experience, and the position is contractual.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Fire Protection, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in an organized fire department.
At least five years in a senior command or administrative position at or above Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, Battalion Chief, or an equivalent Chief Officer-level position.
Massachusetts or nationally recognized Firefighter I/II certification.
Massachusetts or nationally recognized Fire Officer I, II, and III certifications.
Massachusetts or nationally recognized Fire Instructor I/II certification.
Massachusetts or nationally recognized Fire Prevention Officer Credential.
Successful completion of the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Chief Fire Officer Management Training Program offered with the Edward J. Collins, Jr. Center for Public Management at the University of Massachusetts Boston, or Pro Board Fire Officer IV certification.
Valid driver’s license.
Current EMT certification issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Establish and maintain residency within 15 miles, border to border, within one year of appointment.
An equivalent combination of education, professional experience, specialized training, and demonstrated leadership ability may be considered if it provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the position’s duties.

Nice To Haves

Accredited Fire Chief designation through the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission or an equivalent nationally recognized accrediting organization.

Responsibilities

Lead the overall administration, operation, planning, and leadership of the Fire Department.
Provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for fire suppression, rescue, EMS, fire prevention, public education, and emergency preparedness operations.
Serve as Incident Commander at emergency scenes and major incidents, using NIMS and ICS.
Oversee EMS service delivery and administration to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, standards of care, and department policies.
Develop, administer, and manage operating and capital budgets, including long-range financial planning and fiscal oversight.
Lead labor-management relations, including collective bargaining agreement administration and negotiation, grievance resolution, and relationships with employee organizations and union leadership.
Identify, pursue, prepare, and administer grants and other funding opportunities for operations, staffing, equipment, training, and capital initiatives.
Maintain knowledge of and seek funding through federal, state, and regional programs, including FEMA initiatives such as SAFER and AFG.
Develop and implement department policies, procedures, goals, and strategic initiatives to improve operational effectiveness, service delivery, and community safety.
Collaborate with municipal officials, public safety partners, regional organizations, and community stakeholders to advance department and Town objectives.
Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, standards, and reporting requirements for fire and EMS operations.