Fire Chief - Smyrna Fire Department

To be considered, apply directly via the Town’s direct hiring site below.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/townofsmyrna

Pay

Full Range: $126,574 - $191,636

In addition to the base salary, this full-time position is eligible for an annual performance bonus as well as a_ longevity bonus_.

Benefits

• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off begins with 23 days per calendar year accruing 7.08 hours per pay period and will increase at 5, 10, and 15 years of service.
• Town pays for Short and Long-Term Disability for employee
• Employee Assistance Program
• Town pays for Basic Life Insurance (1x Salary or $50k minimum, $10k spouse, & $5k child)
• Town matches retirement contributions up to 4% for an 8% employee contribution.
• Education Reimbursement program
• Active reward-based Wellness Programs and Free Gym Access

Insurance Premium Costs (includes vision & dental)

HSA: $15.24 single, $104.93 family

OAP: $20.40 single, $140.18 family

Description:

The Fire Chief reports directly to the Town Manager and is the executive leader of the Town of Smyrna Fire Department, providing strategic direction, operational management, and oversight of all departmental functions. The Fire Chief ensures the effective delivery of fire suppression, emergency medical response, rescue operations, fire prevention and inspections, emergency management, and public education while upholding the highest safety and community service standards.

Leadership & Management:

• Strong leadership, personnel management, decision-making, and crisis management abilities.
• Plays a key role in the Town’s executive leadership team.
• Develop and implement the Fire Department’s strategic goals, policies, and operational plans.
• Supervise and evaluate department personnel, ensuring adequate training, professional development, and performance standards.
• Selects, supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff; handles employee concerns and problems; assigns work; administers discipline; oversees recruitment and retention strategies.
• Keeps abreast and implements proven trends/advances in the profession; maintains professional affiliations; reads professional literature; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.

Operational Oversight:

• Proficiency in leading modern firefighting techniques, emergency medical services, and fire prevention programs.
• Regularly evaluate and refine departmental policies to enhance performance, safety, and service delivery.
• Direct fire suppression, emergency response, and rescue operations to ensure community safety.
• Evaluate department readiness, resources, facilities, and equipment to maintain operational effectiveness.
• Ensures that applicable codes and ordinances are enforced.
• Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies during large-scale emergencies, mutual aid situations, and regional initiatives.

Budget & Resource Management:

• Proficiency in budget management, resource allocation, and strategic planning.
• Develop and administer the department’s annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource optimization.
• Monitor expenditures, seek and secure grants, and recommend funding strategies for equipment and facilities; implement cost-saving measures.
• Exercise control and fiscal responsibility over expenditures and budget recommendations

Community Engagement:

• Excellent verbal and written communication; interpersonal and public relations skills.
• Serve as the public face of the Fire Department, building trust with the community and responding to concerns or inquiries.
• Lead public education campaigns on fire prevention, safety, and disaster preparedness.
• Participates in and assists in city-sponsored community events.

Compliance & Reporting:

• Ensure departmental compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards.
• Prepare and present reports to the Town Manager, Town Council, and other stakeholders.
• Develop and leverage data-driven insights to improve operational efficiency and resource allocation.
• Streamline reporting processes, ensuring accurate and timely submission of required documentation.
• Present actionable reports to the Town Manager, Town Council, and key stakeholders, focusing on continuous improvement and fiscal responsibility.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as directed by the Town Manager.
• This employee is subject to be called back to duty 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.
• Employee is responsible to notify the Town Manager when unavailable to respond to calls or pages for more than 24 hours.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Emergency Management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Completion of advanced leadership training (e.g., National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer program, Chief Fire Officer designation).
• Certified Firefighter II, CPR Certification, and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or higher; Paramedic certification preferred.
• ISC 100, 200, 300, and 400 certifications
• Fire Officer II Certification or equivalent, Registered Fire Protection Engineer (preferred).
• Requires a valid Driver's License.
• Must be available to respond to emergencies 24/7, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, perform duties in adverse conditions, such as extreme heat, smoke, and hazardous materials, and have the physical capability to meet firefighting and emergency response demands.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in fire and emergency services, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, Battalion Chief).
• Proven track record in managing fire department operations, personnel, facilities, and budgets.
• Experience leading emergency response efforts in an Incident Command System (ICS) and collaborating with multi-agency teams.
• Candidates who do not meet all listed qualifications but possess a combination of relevant education, experience, and training that demonstrates their ability to perform the job may be considered.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $126,574.00 - $191,636.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• 457(b)
• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Uniform allowance
• Vision insurance

Shift:

• Day shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $126,574 - $191,636