The City of Lexington, a growing NC Piedmont community, seeks a forward-thinking fire safety and prevention leader to serve as its next Fire Chief. This opportunity to join an ISO Class II fire department, is for the professional with a high level of demonstrated technical skill and a history of progressive fire service experience. Lexington’s next Fire Chief possesses knowledge and familiarity with all areas, levels, and ranks of fire and rescue, suppression, operations, and prevention, as well as the technology supporting these functions.
The Lexington Fire Chief oversees fire suppression operations, evacuations, extrication operations, heavy rescue, high angle rescue, removal of fire hazards, chemical spill operations, fire safety public education, fire prevention inspections, readiness training in rescue, hazardous materials, Homeland Security natural disasters, safety and wellness, and physical fitness. The ideal Fire Chief has held multiple assignments across functional areas such as suppression, prevention, and administration, leading to a rich understanding of the breadth and depth of firefighters' roles. Emergency management experience, specifically an understanding of emergency operations center models is also desired of the city's next Fire Chief.
Lexington’s next Fire Chief clearly and consistently articulates the “why” of departmental and city issues, effectively and transparently explaining reasons and considerations behind decisions. The successful candidate makes effective data-driven decisions, adheres to industry best practices and is skilled and strategic in balancing position priorities with daily responsibilities while carrying out long-term plans for the department's growth and sustainability.
Department staff seek a trusted leader who is naturally comfortable interacting with and mentoring staff and is confidently assertive in advocating and lobbying to the City Council, city leadership, and other stakeholders for department needs. The community-minded Fire Chief successfully establishes and sustains trusted relationships within the fire department, city government and department directors, elected officials, and community and emergency response partners for the City of Lexington.
About the Organization:
Operating under the Council-Manager form of government, the City of Lexington is governed by a nine-member City Council consisting of the mayor, two members elected at large, and six elected by wards. Lexington’s FY 2024-2025 budget of $131M supports 331 full-time employees.
Lexington provides its community members with a full range of services, including public safety, recycling, construction and maintenance of streets, sidewalks, infrastructure, parks and recreation activities, cemetery services, and cultural events. Lexington also provides its community members and businesses with various utility services, including electric, natural gas, and water/wastewater. Lexington also owns and operates a 6,116-yard, Par 71 public golf course. Additionally, Lexington provides development permits and environmental permits.
About the Department and Position:
The Lexington Fire Department provides the community with quality fire, safety, and disaster mitigation services utilizing recognized industry standards as benchmarks for success. The department holds Heavy Rescue, High Angle Rescue, and Medical Responder certifications.
Within its five divisions, Operations, Life Safety, Training, Logistics, and Human Services, the Lexington Fire Department manages four fire stations and an apparatus of (5) pumper trucks, (2) ladder trucks, (1) squad/brush truck and (7) fleet vehicles for other fire personnel. Reporting to the City Manager, the Fire Chief manages the department’s $7.4M budget and oversees the department’s 65 personnel. The Chief has three direct reports: a Deputy Fire Chief, a Fire Marshal, and an Operations Analyst. The next Fire Chief is a principled leader who values accountability while holding realistic and fair expectations of self and others with the demonstrated ability to supervise the work of employees with varied skill sets.
The next Fire Chief must construct a departmental strategic plan that incorporates inclusivity and clearly and consistently communicate the ongoing dynamic strategic plan to all key stakeholders. The Fire Chief is experienced in successfully and continuously evaluating the department’s organizational structure for optimum effectiveness.
Qualifications:
Required qualifications include any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in fire science or related field; ten (10) years of progressively responsible administrative and supervisory experience in fire and life safety education, prevention, and emergency response work. A valid Driver’s license in the state of North Carolina is required. To meet the knowledge and experience needs of the next Chief, a minimum rank of Battalion Chief is preferred.
Candidates must have NC Fire Prevention Code Inspector I, II, or III with the goal of completing Level III certification within a specified timeframe and National Incident Management System/Incident Command System (NIMS/ICS) 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800 course certification. UNC School of Government – Municipal and County Administration course certification is highly desirable.
Salary and Benefits: The hiring range for the Fire Chief is $120,432-$150,530, depending on qualifications and experience. The City of Lexington provides a competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401 (k), and participation in the NC Local Government Retirement System. Residency is NOT required for this position.
To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates and click on the title of Fire Chief – City of Lexington, NC. Please note the following:
- All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above)—NOT the city's employment application portal or any other external website.
- Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
- Applicants should apply by September 9, 2024.
- The Hiring Manager will invite successful semi-finalists to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluation on October 8 -9, 2024. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate.
- Direct inquiries to hiring@developmentalassociates.com.
The City of Lexington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Developmental Associates, LLC manages the recruitment and selection process for this position. To learn more about our selection process, visit https://developmentalassociates.com/client-openings/ and scroll down to “Important Information for Applicants.”
