Division Chief (Fire)

Fire Division Chief 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.Serves as the second-in-command to the Fire Chief and provides executive leadership in the administration and operation of the Fire DepartmentExercises delegated authority of the Fire Chief in his absence, including operational, administrative, and personnel decision-makingImplements departmental policies, goals, and strategic initiatives established by the Fire ChiefDirects and oversees daily operations of the department, ensuring readiness, staffing continuity, and effective service deliveryProvides senior-level command at emergency incidents; assumes Incident Command or serves in command/general staff roles during complex incidentsSupervises, directs, and evaluates command staff, officers, and assigned personnel; provides leadership, mentoring, and professional developmentParticipates in and administers personnel actions including hiring, promotions, discipline, and performance management in accordance with City policiesDevelops, administers, and monitors assigned portions of the departmental budget; ensures fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational prioritiesOversees department-wide training programs and ensures compliance with all certification, accreditation, and regulatory requirementsEnsures accurate maintenance of training records, certifications, and operational documentation in accordance with ISO, NCRRS, and other standardsDevelops, reviews, implements, and enforces Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)Monitors operational performance, response effectiveness, and safety outcomes; implements continuous improvement strategiesOversees apparatus, equipment, and facility readiness, including maintenance planning, replacement schedules, and resource allocationLeads and supports community risk reduction, fire prevention, and public education programsAssists in long-range planning, capital improvement planning, and organizational development initiativesCoordinates with other departments, governmental agencies, and community organizations to ensure effective service delivery and collaborationRepresents the Fire Department in meetings with City leadership, partner agencies, and the public as directedPerforms other related duties as assignedThorough knowledge of modern fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services, and special operations practicesThorough knowledge of fire service administration, leadership principles, organizational management, and strategic planningThorough knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards governing fire department operationsWorking knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS), emergency management principles, and multi-agency coordinationStrong leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to direct and develop command staff and personnelSkill in strategic planning, policy implementation, and organizational decision-makingSkill in budget development, fiscal management, and resource allocationSkill in analyzing operational data, evaluating performance, and implementing improvementsEffective verbal and written communication skillsAbility to exercise sound judgment and discretion in high-risk emergency and administrative situationsAbility to manage multiple divisions, programs, and priorities simultaneouslyAbility to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, agencies, and the publicAbility to lead organizational change and support workforce development and succession planningAbility to maintain required certifications and professional standardsWork in this position is medium to heavy work involving exertion of up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or lesser amounts frequently or constantly. Physical activities include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and repetitive motions. The employee must possess the visual acuity to analyze data, conduct inspections, and operate equipment. Work includes both administrative office duties and emergency response activities. The employee is exposed to the hazards associated with fire suppression and emergency response, including extreme temperatures, noise, vibration, hazardous materials, confined spaces, and potential exposure to infectious materials. The employee is required to wear personal protective equipment, including a respirator.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 responsibilityAssociate degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Public Administration, or related fieldBachelor's degree preferredCertification RequirementsNC Firefighter Level IINC Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)NC Hazardous Materials ResponderNIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800NC Class B Driver's License (Non-CDL)NC Emergency Vehicle Driver (EVD)Chief 101NC Fire Officer I, II, & IIINC Fire & Life Safety Educator I, II, & IIINC Fire Service Instructor I & IINC Driver/Operator PumpsNC Driver/Operator AerialNational Child Passenger Safety Technician (within 12 months of hire/promotion)Additional RequirementMust possess any six (6) of the following:NC Instructor IIINC Fire Inspector I, II, IIITechnical Rescue Certifications (any discipline)Hazardous Materials TechnicianFire Investigation TechnicianRescue OfficerInstructor Qualification (multiple disciplines)FEMA/NFA Leadership in Supervision SeriesFEMA/NFA Incident Safety OfficerFEMA/NFA Health & Safety Program ManagerInclement Weather/Emergency Response: EssentialSafety Sensitive Position: YesFLSA Status: Exempt

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