Fire Prevention & Emergency Management Director

Hamilton County; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Hamilton County is seeking an experienced leader to direct the Fire Prevention Bureau within the Emergency Management Department. This exempt, salaried role oversees daily operations, budgeting, grants, training, and cross-agency coordination.

The position requires a high school diploma with five years in Life Safety/Fire Codes Enforcement, TN driver license with F endorsement, and relevant certifications. On-site, essential/safety sensitive with possible after-hours duties.

Qualifications

• High school diploma with five years of Life Safety/Fire Codes Enforcement.
• Valid Tennessee driver’s license with F endorsement.
• Tennessee Code Inspector Certification and NFPA/ICC Fire Inspector 1 Certification required.
• Fire Officer I/II certifications preferred.
• Strong leadership and budget management skills.

Responsibilities

• Directs day-to-day operations of the Fire Prevention Bureau; oversees programs, budgeting, grants, training, and compliance.
• Develops and monitors annual budgets; justifies staffing needs; ensures fiscal accountability in line with county guidelines.
• Researches and drafts grant proposals to secure funding from federal/state sources; tracks post-award reporting.
• Provides direction and supervision to staff; conducts evaluations; maintains safe, collaborative work environment.
• Ensures documentation and records related to incidents, inspections, and fiscal actions are accurate.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Grant writing

Public safety

Training facilitation

Incident command

Fire inspection

Education

High school diploma

Five years life safety/fire codes enforcement

Job description

Hamilton County is seeking an experienced leader to direct the Fire Prevention Bureau within the Emergency Management Department. This exempt, salaried role oversees daily operations, budgeting, grants, training, and cross-agency coordination.

The position requires a high school diploma with five years in Life Safety/Fire Codes Enforcement, TN driver license with F endorsement, and relevant certifications. On-site, essential/safety sensitive with possible after-hours duties.