What are the responsibilities and job description for the 26-054 Fire Chief, FT position at City of Dover?
The City of Dover is seeking a highly responsible person to perform managerial, administrative and technical work in directing the operations of firefighting, emergency medical services (EMS), emergency management, hazardous materials response (HAZMAT), fire prevention, inspection services, and other related fire service activities of the City. Responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures and making recommendations for the protection and control of all department activities and resources to prevent and minimize the loss of life and property by fire, accident, emergency medical conditions and other manmade or natural disasters. Responsible for developing and maintaining an operational culture for Fire Rescue and Inspection Services.
This is a full-time, exempt position based on a 40 hour work week. $2490.40 to $3604.00 weekly. Position is open through January 17, 2026.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Except as specifically noted, the following functions are considered essential to this position. The listed examples may not include all duties found in this class):
1. Direct the activities of the Fire& Rescue Department in all areas of fire protection and emergency services including, but not limited to: firefighting, fire prevention, fire service training, first aid, hazardous materials incidents, emergency medical and rescue operations, and mitigation of man-made and natural emergencies, inspection services, and other related emergency management issues.
2. Establish department policies, procedures and regulation to ensure maximum readiness to respond to the City’s needs, review reports of divisions to assure progress toward established goals and take corrective action where necessary.
3. Plan, prepare, and implement, after adoption, the annual budget for all department operating costs, equipment purchases, and construction and maintenance projects.
4. Responsible for the organizational operation and decision making within the City’s core values.
5. Responsible for stakeholder and relationship management internally and externally.
6. Responsible for organizational strategic and long-term planning.
7. Responsible for industry regulatory compliance efforts.
8. Oversee Emergency Management planning, participation, and grant obtainment; organize city departments and services as indicated in the emergency management plan, into an emergency unit capable of effective operations during an emergency.
9. Responsible for the organization being an exceptional partner in City mission achievement.
10. Manage the inspection services with both internal and external customers.
11. Supervise and train staff in policies and procedures for firefighting, and hazardous materials and other emergency incidents.
12. Evaluate performance of subordinates and review probationary reports personally or with subordinate officers, deal with problems in assignments, discipline, morale, training, labor relations or any other problems regarding departmental policy.
13. Participates in the collective bargaining process with the unions and associations in the Fire & Rescue Department.
14. Oversee technology planning and intra-department technology initiatives; monitor trends and developments in the public and private sectors; anticipate changes, innovations and problems as they relate to fire and emergency management services.
15. Consult with the City Manager on major policy issues and priorities and meet with various city, community and departmental personnel to explain and carry out these objectives.
16. Coordinate, through prior planning and training, the use of all appropriate and available local resources to meet routine and emergency situations requiring the use of City resources.
17. Develop and continually update plans to deal with emergencies generated by wind, water, fire, mass casualty incidents, hazardous waste spills or releases and any possible situation requiring emergency coordination of community resources.
18. Serve as a member of the Housing Standards Board.
19. Respond to inquiries from council members, city employees, public and private organizations and agencies and the public regarding department policies, procedures, activities and services. Resolve citizen complaints when necessary.
20. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments and agencies, and the general public.
21. Maintain familiarity with and executes safe work procedures associated with assigned work.
22. Perform related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS: Thorough knowledge of the administrative practices and procedures as related to fire, rescue and emergency management; Extensive knowledge of the operating principles, practices, procedures, equipment and apparatus used in modern firefighting, emergency medical services (EMS), hazardous materials (HAZMAT) mitigation, rescue and response to man-made and natural emergencies; Considerable knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances and codes; Knowledge of Incident Command Systems and their application to various situations; Thorough knowledge of current literature, sources of information, trends, and developments in municipal fire service administration. Demonstrated skill in administrative requirements such as budget preparation, purchasing procedures, management analysis, labor relation and maintenance of personnel systems. Ability to plan, implement and monitor programs supporting departmental operations and activities including employee training and development and fire prevention and investigation activities and inspection services; Ability to plan for municipal needs, to delegate and distribute personnel, and to direct, coordinate and review the work of operating divisions; Ability to express ideas effectively, orally and in writing; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city officials, employees, officials of other governmental jurisdictions, professional employees, consultants, constructors, and the public, as well as to command and hold the respect and discipline of subordinates.
EDUCATION/LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Master’s degree with major course work in Fire Science, Fire Service Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field, preferred. Progressively responsible experience in fire suppression and prevention, EMS and emergency management, including at least ten (10) years’ experience in a high-level supervisory position in a major municipal fire department; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must maintain valid NH CDL Class B and be certified as Executive Fire officer by the National Fire Academy; Advanced levels of Fire, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), hazardous materials (HAZMAT), fire inspection, arson investigation, and emergency management certifications preferred.
This is a full-time, exempt position based on a 40 hour work week. $2490.40 to $3604.00 weekly. Position is open through January 17, 2026.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Except as specifically noted, the following functions are considered essential to this position. The listed examples may not include all duties found in this class):
1. Direct the activities of the Fire& Rescue Department in all areas of fire protection and emergency services including, but not limited to: firefighting, fire prevention, fire service training, first aid, hazardous materials incidents, emergency medical and rescue operations, and mitigation of man-made and natural emergencies, inspection services, and other related emergency management issues.
2. Establish department policies, procedures and regulation to ensure maximum readiness to respond to the City’s needs, review reports of divisions to assure progress toward established goals and take corrective action where necessary.
3. Plan, prepare, and implement, after adoption, the annual budget for all department operating costs, equipment purchases, and construction and maintenance projects.
4. Responsible for the organizational operation and decision making within the City’s core values.
5. Responsible for stakeholder and relationship management internally and externally.
6. Responsible for organizational strategic and long-term planning.
7. Responsible for industry regulatory compliance efforts.
8. Oversee Emergency Management planning, participation, and grant obtainment; organize city departments and services as indicated in the emergency management plan, into an emergency unit capable of effective operations during an emergency.
9. Responsible for the organization being an exceptional partner in City mission achievement.
10. Manage the inspection services with both internal and external customers.
11. Supervise and train staff in policies and procedures for firefighting, and hazardous materials and other emergency incidents.
12. Evaluate performance of subordinates and review probationary reports personally or with subordinate officers, deal with problems in assignments, discipline, morale, training, labor relations or any other problems regarding departmental policy.
13. Participates in the collective bargaining process with the unions and associations in the Fire & Rescue Department.
14. Oversee technology planning and intra-department technology initiatives; monitor trends and developments in the public and private sectors; anticipate changes, innovations and problems as they relate to fire and emergency management services.
15. Consult with the City Manager on major policy issues and priorities and meet with various city, community and departmental personnel to explain and carry out these objectives.
16. Coordinate, through prior planning and training, the use of all appropriate and available local resources to meet routine and emergency situations requiring the use of City resources.
17. Develop and continually update plans to deal with emergencies generated by wind, water, fire, mass casualty incidents, hazardous waste spills or releases and any possible situation requiring emergency coordination of community resources.
18. Serve as a member of the Housing Standards Board.
19. Respond to inquiries from council members, city employees, public and private organizations and agencies and the public regarding department policies, procedures, activities and services. Resolve citizen complaints when necessary.
20. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments and agencies, and the general public.
21. Maintain familiarity with and executes safe work procedures associated with assigned work.
22. Perform related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS: Thorough knowledge of the administrative practices and procedures as related to fire, rescue and emergency management; Extensive knowledge of the operating principles, practices, procedures, equipment and apparatus used in modern firefighting, emergency medical services (EMS), hazardous materials (HAZMAT) mitigation, rescue and response to man-made and natural emergencies; Considerable knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances and codes; Knowledge of Incident Command Systems and their application to various situations; Thorough knowledge of current literature, sources of information, trends, and developments in municipal fire service administration. Demonstrated skill in administrative requirements such as budget preparation, purchasing procedures, management analysis, labor relation and maintenance of personnel systems. Ability to plan, implement and monitor programs supporting departmental operations and activities including employee training and development and fire prevention and investigation activities and inspection services; Ability to plan for municipal needs, to delegate and distribute personnel, and to direct, coordinate and review the work of operating divisions; Ability to express ideas effectively, orally and in writing; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city officials, employees, officials of other governmental jurisdictions, professional employees, consultants, constructors, and the public, as well as to command and hold the respect and discipline of subordinates.
EDUCATION/LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Master’s degree with major course work in Fire Science, Fire Service Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field, preferred. Progressively responsible experience in fire suppression and prevention, EMS and emergency management, including at least ten (10) years’ experience in a high-level supervisory position in a major municipal fire department; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must maintain valid NH CDL Class B and be certified as Executive Fire officer by the National Fire Academy; Advanced levels of Fire, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), hazardous materials (HAZMAT), fire inspection, arson investigation, and emergency management certifications preferred.
Salary : $2,490 - $3,604