The City of Pittsburg, KS (pop. 20,233) is seeking a highly qualified professional to lead the City’s Fire Department. Under direction of the City Manager, and governing laws, the Fire Chief plans, directs, and coordinates all activities of the 35 member Pittsburg Fire Department. The Chief supervises the Fire Marshal and Command Staff who oversee daily operations, recruiting, career development, performance evaluation, safety and training of firefighters and driver/operators. Additional responsibilities include fiscal management of a $3.06 million annual operating budget, capital improvements, vehicle and equipment procurement, facilities planning and maintenance, and preparation/update of the Community Emergency Operations Plan.

The Fire Department provides life safety and property conservation to the citizens and businesses of Pittsburg. Services include Fire Fighting, Fire Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, Search and Rescue, Fire Inspections, Fire Code Enforcement, Community events and School Based Fire Education, Investigations and Hazardous Incident Management. The Department provides 24/7 protection and is based from three fire stations strategically located throughout the City.

The Chief participates in multiple regional committees including Homeland Security, Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), Search and Rescue Task Force, joint public safety meetings with area law enforcement and fire departments, county Public Information Officer meetings, and community projects with Pittsburg State University, Fort Scott and Labette Community Colleges, Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC), USD 250 and area schools, as well as a variety of special assignments.

Salary Range: $86,841 – $112,895 annually DOE. KP&F Retirement, Life Insurance, Medical, Dental, Vision and other Competitive Benefits.

Learn more about our fire department.

Investing in Public Safety:

In 2013, our citizens approved a public-safety-operations-sales-tax to better fund and invest in cutting-edge equipment and training to provide high quality fire protection to our community.

Why live in Pittsburg, KS?

This forward-moving city is the place to put down your roots. In Pittsburg, we have the small-town feel with all the amenities of a large city – without the crime, congestion, traffic and pollution. Our city offers the best in education, healthcare, recreation and more. With a cost of living well below the national average, a thriving economy, excellent healthcare, and a growing housing sector, the Pittsburg community offers a quality of life that is unmatched anywhere in the state or the region.

To learn more about Pittsburg, go to pittks.org/live.

The following position competencies are required:

• Ability and experience to conduct budgeting, strategic planning and monitoring Department effectiveness.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of subordinates, Citywide department peers, elected officials and the public.
• Knowledge of laws and principles of modern fire department administration, emergency management, and fire and rescue training techniques.
• Working knowledge of streets, routes, and water main systems throughout the City, along with building construction and fire codes.
• Ability to remain calm under adverse conditions, and make sound judgments concerning life and property under pressure.
• Working knowledge of Emergency Preparedness and Incident Command Systems for natural and man-made disasters, plus building and fire codes.
• Ability to plan and supervise work, evaluate job performance of all firefighters, develop department leaders to mentor and coach fire fighters to reward or improve job performance.
• Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing, including report preparation and presenting information to City Manager, Departments, citizens and Commission.

Successful candidates must possess:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Public or Business Administration, a related field or equivalent.
• Ten years of progressive operational experience in a large paid Fire Department with a minimum of five years of chief officer experience.
• Chief Fire Officer Certification from CPSE or equivalent, EMT Certification, Hazardous Materials Certification, Valid Driver’s License.
• Coursework at the National Fire Academy and other college level course work in personnel management, business, safety, fire suppression, hazardous materials, technical rescue, dealing with firefighter stress or work-related trauma and related topics.
• National Incident Management System certification levels 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 & 800.
• Must reside or relocate to Pittsburg.
• The City of Pittsburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Must successfully pass a thorough pre-employment screening, background check, drug screen, and physical.

Click on the links below to review the full position description, and to apply. Please also upload a cover letter and resume. This position will remain open until filled.