DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF

Dorchester County; St. George (SC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorchester County seeks a Deputy Fire Chief to join its executive leadership team. You will guide a growing fire and rescue organization, leading operations, personnel development, and strategic planning.

The role emphasizes integrity, accountability, and strong communication with the Fire Chief and command staff. Qualified candidates will have an Associate's degree and eight years of supervisory experience, with demonstrated leadership in budgeting, safety, and emergency response.

Qualifications

• Requires Associate's degree or higher.
• Eight years of supervisory experience.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and required certifications.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily department operations and staff scheduling.
• Assist with budget preparation and financial oversight.
• Lead hiring, testing, and staff development.
• Ensure compliance with laws and safety standards.
• Coordinate emergency response and public communications.

Skills

Fire Service Operations

Personnel Management

Budget & Fiscal Management

Strategic Planning

Employee Development

Organizational Leadership

Education

Associate's degree

Job description

DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF

LEAD. SERVE. MAKE AN IMPACT.

Are you an experienced fire service professional ready to take your leadership to the next level?

Dorchester County is seeking a Deputy Fire Chief to join its executive leadership team and help guide a growing, progressive fire and rescue organization.

We're looking for a proven leader with experience in:

• Fire Service Operations
• Personnel Management & Leadership
• Budget & Fiscal Management
• Strategic Planning
• Employee Development
• Organizational Leadership

The ideal candidate should have at least an Associate's degree and eight years of supervisory experience and can lead with integrity, accountability, sound judgment, strong communication, and a commitment to excellence. This is an opportunity to lead by example, develop future leaders, strengthen accountability, manage public resources, and work collaboratively with the Fire Chief and command staff.

WHY DORCHESTER COUNTY?

Located just 25 miles from Charleston, Dorchester County offers the best of both world-modern amenities and small-town charm. Enjoy excellent schools, modern libraries, affordable housing, quality healthcare, low cost of living, and the warmth of true Southern hospitality.

With scenic beauty, vibrant communities, and a high quality of life, Dorchester County is a great place to live, work, serve, and grow.

Your leadership. Your community. Your impact.

SELECTION PROCESS

Qualified candidates may participate in a formal selection process evaluating leadership, communication, personnel management, fiscal responsibility, strategic thinking, decision-making, and executive-level readiness.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Supervises the daily operation and functions of the department and oversees workload and schedules of assigned full-time / part-time employees and temporary staff as well as volunteers. Oversees the operations of the Fire Department in the absence of the Fire Chief.
• Evaluates and prepares work schedules; ensures any related legal requirements are met; assists with the preparation of cost estimates and departmental budgets; and provides oversight and maintenance planning of equipment and facilities.
• Oversees the hiring process and new hire testing for department.
• Supervises assigned staff. Supervisory duties include instructing; assigning, reviewing and planning work of others; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; selecting new employees; acting on employee problems; recommending and approving employee discipline; and recommending discharge as appropriate.
• Reviews the work of assigned staff for completeness and accuracy; offers training, advice and assistance as needed.
• Periodically reviews and evaluates state and federal laws/requirements; ensures departmental compliance and implements changes.
• Manages department computer/software and communication equipment functions.
• Reviews current operations to modify procedures, standards and quality control.
• Responds to emergencies, inquiries and complaints from citizens, advocacy groups, government entities, media, etc.
• May inform general public of crisis conditions, emergency response, life and death situations, on-scene updates, etc., through press releases; performs interviews with television, radio and print media in the absence of the Fire Chief.
• Receives, reviews, prepares and submits various records and reports including invoices, purchase orders, budget documents, cost spreadsheets, maps, training material, memos, etc.
• Administers department related grants from the application process through award management.
• Plans, coordinates and conducts test and trial emergencies to prepare staff and volunteers in crisis conditions.
• Ensures appropriate certifications and paperwork are processed for staff and works effectively and efficiently; meets necessary staffing requirements, guidelines, expectations and goals of the department and state.
• Manages Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Insurance Services office (ISO).
• Plans strategy for the future regarding apparatus, personnel, buildings, and equipment for the department.
• Performs semi-annual/annual assessments of all Shift Captains; determines changes needed; develops plans for implementation; delegates to appropriate personnel; and provides oversight to ensure proper execution.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Requires an Associate's degree, vocational technical degree or specialized training that is equivalent to satisfactory completion of two years of college education.
• Eight years as a supervisor.

Special Qualifications, Certifications and Licenses

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.
• Must have National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Firefighter II; and National Incident Management System (NIMS-ICS) Incident Command training or equivalent including.
• Incident Command System (ICS) 300 and 400 as well as IS 700 and 800.
• Must have Fire Instructor I and Fire Officer I minimum or equivalent and other education as deemed necessary.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment)

Work is performed regularly making decisions that could lead to major community or organizational consequences upon failure to make the appropriate decision at the time.

Dorchester County has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position; typical work 40 hours per week Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Some flexibility in hours is allowed, but employees must be available during the "core" work hours of 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and must work 40 hours each week to maintain full-time status. Must be available to work holidays and weekends during emergencies. This is a safety sensitive position and employees holding this position have the responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. This position is subject to random drug testing.

E.O.E. Dorchester County does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability or military service in employment or the provision of services.