Chief Fire Services & Public Safety Executive

KARIER; Stow (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

KARIER is seeking The Marshal, the Commonwealth’s chief fire official and head of the Department of Fire Services, to lead statewide fire prevention, training, investigation, and enforcement efforts from its Stow headquarters. The Marshal advises the Governor and Legislature on fire safety, oversees a multi-division agency, and ensures readiness across emergencies, HazMat, and incident response.

Applicants should bring extensive executive experience in public safety, strong budget and policy

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of management experience in the fire service or a related public safety organization.
• At least 5 years of experience managing non-field operations focusing on policy, budget, staffing, and oversight.
• Experience providing executive leadership to a large, complex public safety agency.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and maintain public accountability.
• Knowledge of government structures, regulatory processes, and statutory boards and commissions.
• Understanding of emergency management and coordinated response to major incidents.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and direction to advance fire service priorities, manage the DFS operating budget, and oversee statewide operations.
• Advise the Governor and Secretary on fire safety, hazmat and emergency management matters; coordinate with policy makers.
• Liaise with the fire service community and partners; ensure transparent public communications.
• Direct DFS support to local incident commanders during major fires, explosions, and HazMat incidents.
• Oversee DFS administrative and programmatic functions, facilities and capital planning, and collaboration with state agencies.

Skills

Executive leadership

Budget management

Policy development

Public safety management

Communication skills

Stakeholder relations

Interagency coordination

Incident command knowledge

Team leadership

Job description

KARIER is seeking The Marshal, the Commonwealth’s chief fire official and head of the Department of Fire Services, to lead statewide fire prevention, training, investigation, and enforcement efforts from its Stow headquarters. The Marshal advises the Governor and Legislature on fire safety, oversees a multi-division agency, and ensures readiness across emergencies, HazMat, and incident response.

Applicants should bring extensive executive experience in public safety, strong budget and policy