Fire Services Director

York County Government; South Carolina; On-site; USD 98,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Retirement plan (SC)

Paid holidays

Longevity pay

401K/Deferred compensation

Training & conferences

Job summary

York County Government is seeking a full-time Fire Services Director to lead the county’s fire operations and strategy. The role emphasizes transformational leadership, budget oversight, and implementation of long-term plans for the York County Fire Service.

The incumbent will supervise staff, coordinate with volunteer districts and external partners, and drive innovation in firefighting techniques and community safety initiatives. Compensation is competitive and aligns with qualifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Safety, Fire Science, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Public Administration or related discipline and eight (8) years of fire administration experience.
• Associates degree in Public Safety, Fire Science, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Public Administration or related discipline and ten (10) years of fire administration experience.
• High School Diploma and twelve (12) years of fire administration experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Researches, plans, and develops budget recommendations including capital and operating expenditures for firefighting equipment and apparatus then procure such items as approved by the County Manager and York County Council.
• Updates and makes project recommendations for inclusion in the County Capital Improvement Plan and maintains the York County Fire Service 5-year capital expenditure and strategic plans.
• Develops, plans and implements goals, objectives, rules, regulations, standard operating guidelines and procedures that comply with laws and respond to community needs that standardizes the overall York County Fire Service.
• Coordinates mutual fire protection plans, emergency responses and other department activities with surrounding jurisdictions and external organizations.
• Coordinates countywide fire inspections and fire investigations, attend meetings, respond to inquiries and provide assistance to the County Manager and Assistant County Managers.
• May need to visit county wide fire districts to provide support using a county vehicle.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Strategic planning

Public administration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Safety

Associate degree in Public Safety

High School Diploma

Job description

We are excited to hire a full-time Fire Services Director to join our County leadership team! Our ideal candidate for the Fire Services Director must exemplify outstanding leadership skills, and capable of inspiring and motivating their employees. This individual should have the ability to make informed and decisive choices, particularly in high‑pressure scenarios. The role is essential for ensuring the safety and well‑being of the community. The ideal candidate should reflect transformational leadership, strategic vision, operational knowledge, and innovative thinking.

They should be equipped to devise and execute long‑term strategies that align with the York County’s Government Strategic Plan. This requires proficiency in analyzing current trends, evaluating risks, and preparing for future challenges to boost the fire department's effectiveness. A comprehensive understanding of fire service operations is essential. Experience in budget management and resource optimization is also a crucial competency to ensure that the department runs efficiently.

In this position, the Fire Services Director must excel in overseeing various departmental operations. This includes collaboration with other agencies including volunteer districts, staff management, and internal and external stakeholders. Our Fire Services Director will focus on innovative solutions that advance the department. This involves embracing new technologies, promoting modern firefighting techniques, and initiating programs that enhance community safety and readiness. In summary, the ideal candidate for our Fire Services Director position is a strategic, operationally knowledgeable, and visionary leader with strong management capabilities, adaptability, and communication skills. This individual will play a crucial role in steering the fire department toward its mission of protecting and serving the community.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am -5:00 pm. This position may have to work after hours, weeknights, and/or weekends and driving to multiple locations may be required to attend meetings and other functions related to the position.

Hiring Range/Pay Grade 128: $98,211.97 -$152,209.20 per year. Salary is determined based on qualifications.

This position will remain open until filled and applications will be reviewed as received.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Researches, plans, and develops budget recommendations including capital and operating expenditures for firefighting equipment and apparatus then procure through York County Government such items as approved by the County Manager and York County Council for York County Fire and the York County Fire Service system.
• Updates and makes project recommendations for inclusion in the County Capital Improvement Plan and maintains the York County Fire Service 5-year capital expenditure and strategic plans.
• In conjunction with the County Council, County Manager, Advisory Council, and appropriate boards; develops, plans and implements goals, objectives, rules, regulations, standard operating guidelines and procedures that comply with federal, state and local laws and in response to an assessment of community needs that standardizes the overall York County Fire Service.
• Coordinates mutual fire protection plans, emergency responses and other department activities with surrounding jurisdictions, other departments and external organizations to make recommendations for approval by the County Manager and York County Council.
• Coordinates countywide fire inspections and fire investigations, attend various meetings, respond to inquiries/concerns/complaints/requests for assistance regarding areas of responsibility and provide assistance to the County Manager and the Assistant County Managers in various assigned capacities.
• May need to visit county wide fire districts to provide support which may require use of a county vehicle.

Education and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Safety, Fire Science, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Public Administration or related discipline and eight (8) years of fire administration experience; OR
• Associates degree in Public safety, Fire Science, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Public Administration or related discipline and ten (10) years of fire administration experience; OR
• High School Diploma and twelve (12) years of fire administration experience.

Special Certifications and Licenses

• Valid driver's license.
• NFPA 1001 Firefighter I, II.
• NFPA 1002: Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator.
• NFPA 1072, Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents competencies. HAZMAT Awareness, OPS, TECH, IC.
• FEMA ICS-100, 200, 700, 800. Preferred ICS-300, 400.

Applicants with equivalent experience and/or education may be considered

Physical Demands

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs light to medium work that involves walking or standing virtually all of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or considerable skill, adeptness and speed in the use of the fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving close tolerances or limits of accuracy.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment)

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
  • Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
  • Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
  • Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
  • Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.
  • Traffic; Moving machinery.
  • Electrical shock; Heights.
  • Radiation; Disease/pathogens.

Americans with Disabilities Compliance Act

York County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Standard Clauses

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man‑made or natural) to meet the business needs of the County. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

York County is located in the Piedmont region, between the Broad River and the Catawba River. Its diverse landscape is home to family‑friendly towns/cities, a progressive urban region and lakefront communities. We are excited that you want to join our team and recognize that our employees are the foundation for our success.

Mission Statement

- York County provides quality public services in an open, efficient, and responsive manner.

Vision Statement

- York County provides an environment where all citizens and businesses can thrive and succeed.

Core Values - Excellence through Professionalism

• Respect -respect builds bridges, not silos. How we live it?Golden rule - treat others as you want to be treated.
• Dedicated- strong work ethic. How we live it?Persistence, reliability and commitment to do your best.
• Integrity- do the right thing instead of what is convenient. How we live it?Displaying strong moral principles.
• Knowledgeable- ready and able. How we live it?Having the right competencies necessary for achievement.
• Friendly- service with a smile. How we live it?Being respectful, pleasant and helpful to ALL.

York County Fire offers residents a wide range of fire prevention and fire protection services. Employees are trained and equipped to provide fire safety inspections, fire investigations, and public fire education programs for people of all ages.

Our volunteers are crucial to the rural fire system, the department supplies the County's 16 volunteer and combination paid/volunteer fire departments with in-depth firefighting instruction at its training facility on McFarland Road in York, South Carolina. York County Department of Fire Safety is staffed with Fire Prevention Technicians, Suppression Squads, Fire Marshals, Shop Maintenance, Training and Administration.

Additionally, the department's award-winning fire truck building and maintenance program continues to earn a reputation for excellence by saving tax dollars and by providing state‑of‑the‑art equipment.

Our Total Compensation Package

• Compensation – competitive market‑rate pay, and negotiable based on qualifications.
• Comprehensive State Medical Insurance, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long‑term disability
• Deferred Compensation 401K Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Public Loan Forgiveness Program (Student Loan Forgiveness Program)
• 11 Paid Holidays + 3 Optional Holidays
• Longevity Pay
• SC State Retirement Plan Pension
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Sick Bank
• Critical Care and Cancer Insurance
• Wellness Screenings
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Professional Development / Trainings / Conferences