Fire Chief

About the role

The Fire Chief leads the Sarasota County Fire Department, providing leadership for all aspects of emergency response, community risk reduction, emergency medical services, fire prevention, strategic planning, fiscal stewardship, organizational development, occupational safety and health, and public safety innovation.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership for all aspects of emergency response, community risk reduction, emergency medical services, fire prevention, strategic planning, fiscal stewardship, organizational development, occupational safety and health, and public safety innovation.
• Fosters a culture centered on safety, accountability, innovation, and professional excellence.
• Serves as the subject matter expert to County leadership on matters affecting fire protection, emergency medical services, disaster preparedness, and public safety policy.
• Works collaboratively with union leadership.
• Oversees the creation of business plans, short-term and long-term strategic plans for the Division.
• Ensures compliance and enforcement of policies and local and state laws related to the Standard Fire Prevention and Life Safety Codes.
• Exercises purchasing/budgetary control for all Fire Department operations, ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources.
• Develops long-term capital improvement strategies.
• Functions in the Emergency Operations Center and ensures Operations Section (Fire, Hazmat, and EMS Branch Directors) are staffed during activations.
• Participates as a member on the Executive Policy Group during an activation of the Emergency Operations Center.
• Ensures continuity of services during Emergency Operations Center activations.
• Develops regional partnerships.
• Buils community trust through transparency and engagement by addressing civic clubs, homeowner associations, and other groups regarding public safety issues.

Requirements

• 4 Year Degree
• International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 2546 membership
• Experience leading a fire department
• Strong leadership and management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with union leadership
• Knowledge of local and state laws related to fire protection and emergency medical services
• Experience with budgeting and financial management
• Experience with emergency operations and incident command
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Qualifications

• Proven track record of success in leadership roles
• Experience in fire prevention and emergency medical services
• Strong understanding of local and state laws related to fire protection and emergency medical services
• Experience with budgeting and financial management
• Experience with emergency operations and incident command
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Skills

• Leadership and management skills
• Collaborative working relationships with union leadership
• Knowledge of local and state laws related to fire protection and emergency medical services
• Experience with budgeting and financial management
• Experience with emergency operations and incident command
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Flexible work schedule
• Professional development opportunities
• Work-life balance

Pay

$170,000 - $180,000 annually

Schedule

Full-time position