Fire Chief

About the role

The Fire Chief leads the Sarasota County Fire Department, providing strategic oversight and fostering a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Leads the execution of the County’s organizational vision and strategic priorities.
• Executes purchasing/budgetary control for all Fire Department operations.
• Ensures alignment of the budget to business plans, job descriptions, and performance measures.
• Develops long-term capital improvement strategies.
• Provides strategic oversight during complex incidents or events.
• Functions in the Emergency Operations Center and ensures Operations Section staffing during activations.
• Maintains community trust through transparency and engagement.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Emergency Management, Fire Science, Business Administration, Public Administration or related field required.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible executive leadership experience within a growing all hazards fire and emergency medical services organization.
• Current and valid Florida Minimum Standards Firefighter Certification or the ability to obtain within 18 months.
• Current and valid State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic Certification, or the ability to obtain within 18 months.
• Current and valid State of Florida drivers license, or the ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current or former Fire Chief, or no more than two levels below the Fire Chief (ie: Deputy Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, Division Fire Chief, or equivalent).
• NIMS Incident Command Position Certifications: I-100, I-200, I-300, I-400, I-700, and I-800.
• CPSE Chief Fire Officer (CFO) National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Chief EMS Officer CFAI Accreditation Manager Executive leadership training Labor relations experience Public administration experience Other professional credentialling.

Benefits

Includes a state pension, medical and dental insurance, generous leave plan, training programs, wellness programs including a fitness center.

Pay

$170,000 - $180,000/year, based on your experience.

Schedule

Full Time.