Fire Chief

Overview
The Town of Wilton, New Hampshire is seeking a motivated individual to fill the position of full-time Fire Chief. This professional position is responsible for leading a small Volunteer force, protecting approximately 4000 residents and 25.6 square miles of territory in Southern New Hampshire. The Community is located along several busy State highways and hosts a large private school with an expansive campus and dormitories in addition to the Town’s cooperative school district.

The new Fire Chief will be responsible for continuing the forward progress realized by the Department through the current Fire Chief’s efforts related to training, equipment and communication upgrades including fleet consolidation and modernization, grant acquisition, computer and technology upgrades. Additionally, this candidate must have strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills to meet the challenges faced by today’s volunteer fire service while still meeting the needs of the Community.

Finally, the candidate should demonstrate the ability to look into the future to develop new goals and opportunities for talent acquisition and retention and continue to foster an excellent working relationship with our Emergency Services and various other Departments in the Town Government model.

Responsibilities and Duties

Responsibilities and duties of the Fire Chief shall include, but are not limited to the following:

• Administrative duties shall include maintaining up to date records in the fire reporting system as required by the State and Federal Agencies with jurisdiction, code enforcement records, safety inspection records, personnel training records, personnel health records, equipment maintenance records, preparation of department budget and Capital Improvement Plan in conjunction with the Town Administrator.

• Responsible for payroll, billing, expenditures, revenues, permitting, and any other records pertaining to department operations.

• Prepares and submits reports as requested by the Town Administrator and/or Select Board.

• Responsible for the enforcement of the adopted NH State Fire Code and NFPA Life Safety Code, and applicable town ordinances

• Establish/update and implement Operational Guidelines – Standard Operating Procedures based on best practices and NFPA standards.

• Responsible for the management, recruitment and training of department personnel in accordance with Town of Wilton policies including proper training in the Incident Command System, Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Vehicle Operations, Rescue Operations, and Hazardous Material Response.

• Responsible for developing and implementing training programs in accordance with accepted industry standards and best practices to improve the understanding and skill of all staff in firefighting and rescue procedures.

• Responsible for maintaining training records of all personnel.

• Responsible for maintaining the morale and professional attitude of all department personnel, and maintains the discipline, conduct and general behavior of personnel consistent with Fire Department by-laws and Town employee manual.

• Responsible for the inspection of buildings and other properties for fire hazards and enforces local, state, and federal fire prevention codes and/or ordinances.

• Responsible for managing department personnel performance and addressing deficiencies.

• Develops and maintains excellent working relationships with chiefs in neighboring fire departments to ensure adequate mutual aid agreements are developed and maintained to include adequate resources for emergency incidents.

• Participate in local and regional emergency planning process.

• Maintain an effective working relationship with all Department Heads and the Town Administrator, as well as carry out additional duties as requested by the Town Administrator

• Ensures that all local government policies and procedures are adhered to.

• Serves as the Town of Wilton E-911 Liaison to the New Hampshire Emergency Services and Communications

• Serves as the town’s Forest Fire Warden

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

The necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position are:

• Thorough knowledge of fire suppression and prevention principles, practices, procedures, equipment, apparatus and techniques used in modern firefighting and rescue operations.

• Considerable knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations.

• Knowledge of the codes, ordinances and statutes affecting the operation of the department, especially as they relate to occupancy of buildings, proposed construction, and development of new building sites.

• Knowledge of hazardous materials.

• Knowledge in the principles of organization, administration, and personnel management.

• Knowledge of administrative practices and principles including budgeting, reporting, and analysis.

• Skill in management and supervision under both routine and emergency situations.

• Skill in decision making and problem solving under emergency conditions.

• Skill in the operation and use of fire equipment and apparatus.

• Skill in public and interpersonal relations.

• Ability to plan, implement, and direct programs, operations, and activities including personnel training and development, fire prevention and investigation.

• Ability to develop appropriate firefighting strategies.

• Ability to quickly and prudently exercise command authority in life-threatening situations, consistent with safety to ensure the best possible outcome.

• Ability to perform work requiring good physical condition.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma

• At least ten (10) years active volunteer or professional experience as a firefighter.

• At least five (5) years as a superior officer (Captain, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief or Chief).

• Certified to NH Firefighter II or equivalent.

• Pro-Board Accredited Fire Inspector I and II, or the ability to obtain within 1 year of hire date.

• Successful completion of a recognized Leadership or Fire Officer Training Program or equivalent.

• Completed training in the Incident Command System.

• Completed FEMA National Incident Management System training.

• Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC).

• Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations.

• Valid NH CDL-B driver’s license with air brake and tank endorsement.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, NHESR Report System and general computer programs and report writing

• Licensed Emergency Medical Technician or higher-level provider

• Must successfully pass a background check and drug screen.

• Completion of the State of NH Administrative rules, 701.01, 701.02, 702.01, 702.02 or a lateral transfer that meets rule 703.01. Must successfully pass NFPA 1582 physical exam and Department background investigation

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in fire science or a closely related field.

• At least fifteen (15) years active volunteer or professional experience as a firefighter.

• At least ten (10) years as a superior officer (Captain, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief or Chief).

• Certified Fire Officer I and II

• ProBoard Certified Fire Inspector II

• ProBoard Certified Fire Instructor I

• Residence within the town boundary or within a short travel distance

• An array of similar qualifications or experiences deemed cumulatively able to match or exceed those listed

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Shift:

• Day shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Wilton, NH 03086: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000 - $95,000