Fire Chief

The Town of Southington is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and forward-thinking professional to serve as Fire Chief and lead our Fire Department in providing exceptional fire, rescue, and emergency services to our community.
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Position Summary
The Fire Chief is the senior executive officer of the Southington Fire Department, responsible for the overall administration, strategic direction, and operational readiness of fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention, and community risk reduction programs. Reporting to the Board of Fire Commissioners, the Fire Chief works collaboratively with the town manager (Contract Negotiations, Budgeting, Discipline) and with other town officials, department heads, employees, and the public to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
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Key Responsibilities

• Provides overall leadership and oversight for all Fire Department operations, personnel, and resources.
• Develops, prepares, and administers annual operating and capital budgets; presents and defends requests before the Board of Finance and Town Council.
• Prepares and recommends to the Fire Commission, fire service policies; implements approved policies in compliance with OSHA, NFPA, state, and local mandates.
• Directs emergency response operations, including fire suppression, hazardous materials incidents, technical rescue, disaster response, and EMS.
• Supervises recruitment, hiring, training, and professional development of career employees and volunteer firefighters; ensures productivity, safety, and compliance.
• Enforces departmental rules and regulations.
• Oversees all departmental training in fire prevention, suppression, investigation, equipment maintenance, and hazardous materials handling.
• Promotes fire prevention, public education, and community engagement initiatives; conducts public meetings and presentations as the Town’s official spokesperson.
• Serves on town committees as needed pertaining to fire and public safety.
• Maintains effective working relationships with local, regional, and state agencies.
• Advises the Town Manager and Fire Commission on matters of public safety, departmental needs, and long-term planning.
• Performs other related duties as required.

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Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of fire suppression principles, public safety administration, and municipal operations.
• Comprehensive understanding of OSHA and NFPA standards, and state and local fire and safety codes.
• Ability to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate departmental operations.
• Strong leadership and personnel management skills, with the ability to foster effective working relationships with employees, volunteers, officials, and the public.
• Knowledge of fire equipment, apparatus, and facility operations, maintenance, and planning.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in operating and capital budget preparation and management.
• Knowledge of collective bargaining procedures and labor relations.

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Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Public Administration, or related field required; bachelor’s degree preferred. Equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• At least ten (10) years of progressive fire service experience in a department with paid and/or volunteer personnel, including five (5) years in a command or administrative leadership role (Captain or higher).
• Certified Fire Marshal. (required)
• Certified Fire Officer Level I (required); Fire Officer II or higher preferred.
• Certified Fire Service Instructor I (required).
• EMT certification and advanced fire service certifications strongly preferred.
• Valid Connecticut CDL or Class 2Q license required.

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Special Requirements

• Must be available in person, by phone, or radio in case of significant (two alarm) fires or emergencies.
• Residency within a 30-minute drive to the Town of Southington may be required within twelve (12) months of appointment.
• Physical ability to climb ladders and stairs, and enter fire/emergency sites in full protective gear.
• Medically qualified to wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
• Ability to maintain all required certifications.

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Compensation & Benefits
The Town of Southington offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Salary commensurate with experience.
• CT Municipal Employees Retirement System (CTMERS) Pension Plan.
• Comprehensive insurance package (medical, dental, vision, prescription, and life).
• Generous time off, including vacation, personal days, accrued sick leave, and 12 full holidays plus 2 half-day holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.

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Terms of Employment

• The position will be evaluated annually by the Fire Commission.
• The employee will be required to complete a self-evaluation as part of the annual review process.
• An employment contract outlining specific terms and conditions will be provided.

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Application Process
Applicants are invited to submit their application through the following link:

https://apply.appone.com/job/68c2e64b39544949f1844d66

Questions may be directed to the Human Resources Department.

Job Posted: 9/11/2025
Application Close: 10/2/2025

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person