Fire Lieutenant

Chatham County, GA; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chatham County Fire Department in Savannah is seeking a Fire Lieutenant to supervise a company, assist in command of emergencies, and mentor firefighters for safe and effective operations.

The role emphasizes leadership, training, and accountability, guiding daily shift activities and ensuring readiness of personnel and equipment while maintaining strong communication with the chain of command.

Qualifications

• Three years of continuous, full-time paid experience in a municipal or county career fire department.
• Three years of full-time paid experience as a certified front-line structural firefighter.
• Two years as a pumper and aerial driver/operator.
• Two years experience leading fire-education topics to demonstrate required knowledge and skills.
• Valid Georgia Class F driver's license (or equivalent).
• Georgia Certified Firefighter or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Georgia EMT-B license (or NR-EMT-B with GA reciprocity within 30 days).
• NPQ or IFSAC certifications: Firefighter 1 & 2, HazMat Awareness/Operations, Fire Instructor 1, Apparatus Driver/Operator – Pumper & Aerial, Fire Officer 1.
• GFSTC NPQ Evaluator.
• NIMS IC 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a fire company on an assigned apparatus (engine, truck, or squad).
• Assume command at emergency scenes until relieved by a higher-ranking officer.
• Ensure apparatus and equipment are maintained in a constant state of readiness.
• Conduct daily shift assignments, personnel accountability, and pre-incident planning.
• Provide hands-on training, guidance, and mentorship to firefighters and apparatus operators.
• Maintain compliance with department policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
• Conduct company-level inspections and participate in fire prevention activities.
• Document incident reports, training records, and personnel evaluations.
• Represent CCFD with professionalism and leadership in community and inter-agency settings.
• Participate in administrative duties, including staffing adjustments and performance reviews.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support department operations and strategic goals.

Skills

Leadership

Firefighting knowledge

Rescue operations

HazMat response

EMS

Communication

Mentoring

RMS software

Fire service tools

Education

Georgia Certified Firefighter

NPQ/IFSAC certifications

Associate’s degree (fire service)

Tools

RMS/records management

Fire service software

Job description

Lead with Purpose. Serve with Integrity. Strengthen Your Fire Service Legacy.

The Chatham County Fire Department (CCFD) is accepting applications for the position of Fire Lieutenant. Based in the coastal and rapidly growing community of Chatham County, Georgia, CCFD is committed to delivering outstanding emergency services across 242 square miles, serving over 109,000 residents.

As the department evolves and expands its operational capabilities, including high-angle rescue, water rescue, community paramedicine, and behavioral health response, CCFD is seeking experienced and driven fire service professionals to take on key leadership roles within its frontline operations.

Under the supervision of a Fire Captain, the Fire Lieutenant serves as the company officer for an assigned fire apparatus and crew. The Lieutenant is responsible for supervising daily shift operations, ensuring readiness of personnel and equipment, and assuming command of emergency incidents as required.

This position plays a pivotal role in fostering a culture of safety, training, and accountability, while maintaining clear communication between frontline personnel and the chain of command. Fire Lieutenants act as mentors, trainers, and operational leaders ensuring effective fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical response services.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise a fire company on an assigned apparatus (engine, truck, or squad)
• Assume command at emergency scenes until relieved by a higher-ranking officer
• Ensure apparatus and equipment are maintained in a constant state of readiness
• Conduct daily shift assignments, personnel accountability, and pre-incident planning
• Provide hands-on training, guidance, and mentorship to firefighters and apparatus operators
• Maintain compliance with department policies, procedures, and safety regulations
• Conduct company-level inspections and participate in fire prevention activities
• Document incident reports, training records, and personnel evaluations
• Represent CCFD with professionalism and leadership in community and inter-agency settings
• Participate in administrative duties, including staffing adjustments and performance reviews
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support department operations and strategic goals

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of firefighting strategy, rescue operations, hazardous materials response, and emergency medical services
• Ability to lead and direct emergency scene operations under stressful and dynamic conditions
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Proven leadership and mentoring capabilities
• Proficiency in the use of fire service software, records management systems, and communication tools
• Ability to interpret and apply CCFD policies, SOPs, and industry standards

• 3 years of continuous, full-time paid experience in a municipal or county career fire department
• 3 years of full-time paid experience as a certified front-line structural firefighter
• 2 years of full-time paid experience as a pumper and aerial driver/operator
• 2 years of experience in structing fire related topics that demonstrate the required knowledge, abilities, behaviors, and traits to successfully perform the essential function of a lead fire instructor
• Valid Georgia Class F driver’s license (or equivalent)
• Georgia Certified Firefighter (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)
• Georgia Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B) license (or National Registry EMT-B with ability to obtain GA license reciprocity within 30 days)
• Required NPQ or IFSAC certifications:
  • Firefighter 1 and 2
  • HazMat Awareness and Operations
  • Fire Instructor 1
  • Apparatus Driver/Operator – Pumper & Aerial
  • Fire Officer 1
• GFSTC NPQ Evaluator
• NIMS IC 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800 (current versions)

• CCFD Company Officer Academy or must successfully pass within 180 days hire

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree from an accredited institution in a fire service related field of study
• Georgia Certified Fire Investigator
• Georgia Certified Fire Inspector
• NFA Managing Officer (MO) and CPSE Fire Officer (FO) designation
• Experience serving on an Incident Management Team or in a regional command structure
• Experience with CFAI/CPSE accreditation standards and strategic planning models

Lateral Hire Requirements (If Applicable)

• Must have successfully completed a career fire academy with a minimum of 800 training hours.
• Successful completion of the CCFD lateral academy.
• One-year probationary period.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old
• U.S. Citizenship
• High school diploma or GED
• Successful completion of all pre-employment evaluations, including:
  • Written exam
  • Physical agility test
  • Interview
  • NFPA 1582 medical and fitness evaluation
  • Drug screening
  • Background and MVR check
  • Successful completion of the CCFD Lieutenant Assessment Center

Why Join Chatham County Fire Department?

• Be part of a growing, professional fire department with a clear mission and strategic vision
• Assume a leadership role where you can mentor others and influence operations
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Professional development opportunities and leadership training

For questions or more information, please contact Chatham County Fire Department administrative office at [phone].