Chief of Fire (Fire)

Shelby County TN; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Shelby County Fire Department seeks an experienced chief executive to lead all divisions, including fire suppression, EMS, rescue, and public safety education. The role directs budgets, facilities, equipment, and policy, while aligning services with County goals and community needs.

The leader will work with county leadership, elected officials, partner agencies, and the public to ensure professional, efficient, and responsive emergency services across the department.

Qualifications

• Ten years of progressively responsible fire service experience, including five years as a Division Chief or higher.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field; or equivalent combination of education/experience.
• Master's degree or professional designation preferred (e.g., National Fire Academy EFO, CFO).
• Proof of education, training, and/or experience required.

Responsibilities

• Directs and administers all departmental functions through subordinate command staff.
• Develops and implements the Department's strategic plan and service priorities.
• Ensures operational readiness and effective delivery of all-hazard emergency services.
• Oversees fire prevention, EMS, hazardous materials, and special operations.
• Oversees emergency communications and dispatch in coordination with partner agencies.
• Manages operating and capital budgets and forecasts personnel/resource needs.

Skills

Executive leadership

Budget oversight

Strategic planning

Personnel management

Emergency management

Public administration

Policy development

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fire Administration/Fire Science/Emergency Management/Public Administration/Management

Master's degree preferred

Equivalent combination of related education/experience

Job description

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Public Works Director, serves as the chief executive and administrative head of the Shelby County Fire Department. Provides strategic direction, organizational leadership, and executive oversight of fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue, special operations, fire prevention, public education, emergency preparedness, and emergency communications. Directs departmental personnel, budgets, policies, facilities, equipment, and service delivery through subordinate command staff. Works with County leadership, elected officials, partner agencies, employees, and the community to protect life and property and provide professional, efficient, and responsive fire and emergency services.

Pay Grade

59

Salary Commensurate with Experience and Education

Minimum Qualifications

• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible fire service experience, including five (5) years as a Division Chief or higher, with demonstrated responsibility for command, personnel management, budgeting, and department administration; AND
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Administration, Fire Science, Emergency Management, Public or Business Administration, Management, or a closely related field; OR
• An equivalent combination of related education and/or experience demonstrating the required executive leadership and administrative competencies.
• Master's degree in a related field, completion of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program, or Chief Fire Officer designation is preferred.
• PROOF OF EDUCATION; TRAINING; AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Directs and administers all departmental functions through subordinate command staff; establishes clear authority, responsibilities, performance expectations, and accountability for sworn and civilian personnel.
• Develops and implements the Department's strategic plan, goals, service priorities, policies, and organizational structure in alignment with County objectives and community needs.
• Ensures operational readiness and effective delivery of all-hazard emergency services; establishes staffing, deployment, and resource priorities based on community risk, service demand, available resources, and performance data.
• Provides executive oversight of fire suppression, EMS, rescue, hazardous materials response, and other special operations; responds to major emergencies and assumes or supports incident command as conditions require.
• Directs fire prevention, code enforcement, fire investigation, public education, and community risk reduction programs through assigned personnel.
• Oversees emergency communications and dispatch services; coordinates with partner agencies to support reliable communications, effective deployment, and continuity of service.
• Develops, presents, and administers operating and capital budgets; forecasts personnel and resource needs, monitors expenditures, and ensures responsible stewardship of public funds.
• Directs long-range planning for stations, apparatus, equipment, technology, and facilities; oversees procurement specifications and capital requests in accordance with County purchasing and approval procedures.
• Ensures consistent implementation of personnel policies and applicable labor agreements; oversees recruitment, selection, promotion, performance evaluation, employee development, corrective action, and discipline within delegated authority.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KSAs

• Knowledge of executive leadership, public administration, strategic planning, organizational development, and performance management.
• Knowledge of modern fire suppression, EMS, rescue, special operations, fire prevention, community risk reduction, and emergency communications practices.
• Knowledge of incident command, emergency management, fireground strategy and tactics, and responder safety practices.
• Knowledge of public budgeting, capital planning, procurement, resource allocation, and financial accountability.
• Knowledge of personnel administration, labor relations, labor agreements, employee development, and applicable employment policies.
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable laws, regulations, policies, contracts, and professional standards.
• Ability to lead through subordinate managers, establish priorities, delegate effectively, and hold personnel accountable for results.
• Ability to evaluate community risks, analyze operational and financial data, and develop practical solutions to complex administrative and technical problems.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decisive leadership during emergencies and sensitive organizational matters.
• Ability to develop and sustain effective relationships with elected officials, County administrators, employees, labor representatives, partner agencies, and the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly, prepare concise reports and recommendations, present complex information, and resolve conflict professionally.
• Abili