FIRE CHIEF

(City of Montpelier, Vermont -population 8,000)

Montpelier, the capital city of Vermont, is seeking a Fire Chief. The current Chief is retiring on 7/1/24 after 13 years as Chief, 5 years as Deputy Chief and 44 total years with the department. This is a Department Head position which answers directly to the City Manager. Combination Fire/EMS/Paramedic department with 17.5 FTE and $2.575 million budget.

The Fire Chief is responsible for all fire suppression and prevention activities within the City and as part of regional mutual aid. Responsible for EMS and Paramedic service in Montpelier and three neighboring towns (by contract). The Department has a record of excellent service and response to the public. Emphasis is placed on fire prevention, education, and training. The Chief may be part of the direct response team on emergency calls from time to time.

The ideal candidate should have demonstrated experience with all aspects of fire suppression including incident command, EMS and Paramedic service delivery -including billing and collections, active fire prevention efforts, supervision in a unionized environment, and other aspects of departmental operation including public engagement, budgeting, purchasing, strategic planning, equipment management, and personnel management.

The successful candidate will have strong communication and public presentation skills, demonstrated ability to track multiple priorities and activities, the ability to work with tight budgets for the best public value, and effective leadership skills. The applicant must have an Associates Degree (or higher), preferably in Fire Safety or Public Administration. Completion of Executive Fire Officer program at the National Fire Academy is preferred but not required. Experience as Chief Officer or Deputy Chief Officer, or supervisory position for a comparable department required. Formal education requirements may be waived based on sufficient work experience. Must have or be eligible to obtain valid certifications in firefighting and EMS. Familiarity with building codes/inspections and health requirements a plus since the Chief may play a support role with those functions. Must have, or be able to obtain, a valid State of Vermont Driver's License. The Chief is expected to reside in or near Montpelier.

The City of Montpelier offers a comprehensive benefit package. Compensation is negotiable based on qualifications and experience, current budgeted annual salary is $113,900. Letters of interest, resume and list of references should be sent to Tanya Chambers, HR Director, 39 Main Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05602 or tchambers@montpelier-vt.org on or before May 3, 2024. The City encourages applications from minority and female candidates.

Job Details