Fire Chief - McAlester

Oklahoma Municipal League, Inc.; McAlester (OK); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

McAlester seeks a Fire Chief to lead the City’s fire department, setting vision and guiding resources for fire protection, EMS, hazmat, and emergency management. You will elevate training, equipment, budgeting, and strategic planning while coordinating with local, state, and federal partners.

The role requires extensive leadership experience, a strong background in public safety operations, and readiness to meet OFPRS and regulatory requirements. Central to city safety and growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Emergency Management, or related field is recommended.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in fire service or public safety operations.
• 5+ years of supervisory/command experience.
• Certifications: Firefighter, ICS/NIMS, HazMat, EMS; Chief Officer preferred.
• Must meet OFPRS membership and physical/medical/agility standards.
• Must reside within 30 minutes travel to work site and have Oklahoma Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision and leadership for the fire department and community risk reduction.
• Oversee operations, personnel, equipment, training, budgeting, and planning.
• Coordinate emergency management, mutual aid, and interagency activities.
• Ensure delivery of fire protection, EMS, hazmat, and disaster response services.
• Serve as the City’s principal emergency response leader during disasters.
• Develop partnerships with outside agencies and communicate with officials.

Skills

Leadership

Decision making

Communication

Strategic planning

Public administration

Budgeting

Fire service knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fire Science/related field

Job description

Listing Description

The Fire Chief serves as the executive leader of the McAlester Fire Department and is responsible for providing vision, leadership, guidance, and resources necessary to ensure the delivery of effective fire protection, fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, emergency management coordination, and community risk reduction programs for the citizens of McAlester.

The Fire Chief develops and maintains a highly trained, equipped, and prepared organization capable of responding to emergencies while safeguarding the lives, property, and economic well-being of the community. The position oversees all departmental operations, personnel, equipment, training, budgeting, strategic planning, and interagency coordination.

The Fire Chief serves as the City\'s principal emergency response leader and coordinates emergency preparedness, disaster response, mutual aid operations, and emergency management activities with local, regional, state, and federal partners.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor\'s degree in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Emergency Management, or a closely related field is recommended.

Experience

• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in fire service, emergency medical services, emergency management, or related public safety operations.
• Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory and command-level experience.
• Experience in budget administration, personnel management, strategic planning, and emergency response leadership preferred.

Certifications

• Must possess or be able to obtain and maintain all certifications required by the State of Oklahoma and applicable regulatory agencies, including:
• Firefighter Certification
• Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) training
• Hazardous Materials certification appropriate to departmental responsibilities
• Emergency Medical certification as required by department operations
• Chief Officer certification preferred

Statutory and Department Requirements

• Must be a current member, or meet the requirements to enter the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System (OFPRS).
• Must meet all physical, medical and agility standards required for OFPRS membership.
• Must reside within a geographic area that allows arrival at the work site within 30 minutes of notification.
• Must have a valid Oklahoma Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Modern fire suppression and prevention practices.
• Emergency medical services operations.
• Hazardous materials response and special operations.
• Emergency management principles and disaster response.
• Public administration, budgeting, and personnel management.
• Fire and life safety codes, regulations, and standards.
• Incident command systems and emergency response coordination.

Ability to:

• Lead a diverse public safety organization.
• Make sound decisions during emergencies.
• Effectively manage personnel, budgets, and resources.
• Develop cooperative partnerships with outside agencies.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Build trust with employees, elected officials, and the public.
• Plan strategically for future departmental needs and community growth.

Full job description available online:www.cityofmcalester.com

Contact Information

• Company/Municipality Name: McAlester
• Street Address 28 E. Washington Ave
• City McAlester
• Phone Number 918-423-9300
• Contact Job Title: Human Resources Director