Division Chief (Fire)

Division Chief

Performs highly responsible executive, administrative, and operational leadership work in assisting the Fire Chief with planning, directing, organizing, and managing all functions of the Fire Department. This position serves as the Fire Chief's principal assistant and second-in-command, exercising broad delegated authority over departmental operations, personnel, and resources. The Division Chief provides leadership and oversight of fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue operations, training, fire prevention, and community risk reduction programs. Workincludes implementing the strategic direction established by the Fire Chief, ensuring operational readiness, regulatory compliance, and organizational effectiveness. The Division Chief serves as Acting Fire Chief in the absence of the Fire Chief and is responsible for maintaining continuity of operations, decision-making, and leadership of the department.

An employee in this class functions as a senior executive member of the Fire Department command staff and is responsible for translating strategic priorities into operational execution. The Division Chief provides department-wide leadership across multiple divisions, shifts, stations, and functional areas. Work involves substantial independent judgment and discretion in managing complex administrative, operational, and personnel matters. The employee exercises delegated authority from the Fire Chief to direct operations, enforce policies, make personnel decisions, and ensure alignment with departmental goals and standards. This position differs from the Fire Chief in that the Fire Chief establishes overall vision, policy, and strategic direction, while the Division Chief is responsible for implementing those directives, managing day-to-day operations, and ensuring organizational performance and accountability. The Division Chief operates within the Incident Command System (ICS) and must be capable of assuming command at major emergency incidents or serving in senior command or general staff roles. Work is performed under the general direction of the Fire Chief and is evaluated based on operational effectiveness, leadership, program outcomes, and overall departmental performance. This position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Illustrative Examples of Work

Serves as the second-in-command to the Fire Chief and provides executive leadership in the administration and operation of the Fire Department

Exercises delegated authority of the Fire Chief in his absence, including operational, administrative, and personnel decision-making

Implements departmental policies, goals, and strategic initiatives established by the Fire Chief

Directs and oversees daily operations of the department, ensuring readiness, staffing continuity, and effective service delivery

Provides senior-level command at emergency incidents; assumes Incident Command or serves in command/general staff roles during complex incidents

Supervises, directs, and evaluates command staff, officers, and assigned personnel; provides leadership, mentoring, and professional development

Participates in and administers personnel actions including hiring, promotions, discipline, and performance management in accordance with City policies

Develops, administers, and monitors assigned portions of the departmental budget; ensures fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational priorities

Oversees department-wide training programs and ensures compliance with all certification, accreditation, and regulatory requirements

Ensures accurate maintenance of training records, certifications, and operational documentation in accordance with ISO, NCRRS, and other standards

Develops, reviews, implements, and enforces Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Monitors operational performance, response effectiveness, and safety outcomes; implements continuous improvement strategies

Oversees apparatus, equipment, and facility readiness, including maintenance planning, replacement schedules, and resource allocation

Leads and supports community risk reduction, fire prevention, and public education programs

Assists in long-range planning, capital improvement planning, and organizational development initiatives

Coordinates with other departments, governmental agencies, and community organizations to ensure effective service delivery and collaboration

Represents the Fire Department in meetings with City leadership, partner agencies, and the public as directed

Performs other related duties as assigned

Thorough knowledge of modern fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services, and special operations practices

Thorough knowledge of fire service administration, leadership principles, organizational management, and strategic planning

Thorough knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards governing fire department operations

Working knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS), emergency management principles, and multi-agency coordination

Strong leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to direct and develop command staff and personnel

Skill in strategic planning, policy implementation, and organizational decision-making

Skill in budget development, fiscal management, and resource allocation

Skill in analyzing operational data, evaluating performance, and implementing improvements

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in high-risk emergency and administrative situations

Ability to manage multiple divisions, programs, and priorities simultaneously

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, agencies, and the public

Ability to lead organizational change and support workforce development and succession planning

Ability to maintain required certifications and professional standards

Work in this position is medium to heavy work involving exertion of up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or lesser amounts frequently or constantly. Physical activities include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and repetitive motions. The employee must possess the visual acuity to analyze data, conduct inspections, and operate equipment. Work includes both administrative office duties and emergency response activities. The employee is exposed to the hazards associated with fire suppression and emergency response, including extreme temperatures, noise, vibration, hazardous materials, confined spaces, and potential exposure to infectious materials. The employee is required to wear personal protective equipment, including a respirator.

Minimum of (3) years of service as a Fire Captain with the City of Graham or in an equivalent supervisory rank in another fire department.

Minimum of 10 years of progressive fire service experience, including significant supervisory/command responsibility

Associate degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Public Administration, or related field

Bachelor's degree preferred

NC Firefighter Level II

NC Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

NC Hazardous Materials Responder

NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800

NC Class B Driver's License (Non-CDL)

NC Emergency Vehicle Driver (EVD)

Chief 101

NC Fire Officer I, II, & III

NC Fire & Life Safety Educator I, II, & III

NC Fire Service Instructor I & II

NC Driver/Operator Pumps

NC Driver/Operator Aerial

National Child Passenger Safety Technician (within 12 months of hire/promotion)

Must possess any six (6) of the following:

NC Instructor III

NC Fire Inspector I, II, III

Technical Rescue Certifications (any discipline)

Hazardous Materials Technician

Fire Investigation Technician

Rescue Officer

Instructor Qualification (multiple disciplines)

FEMA/NFA Leadership in Supervision Series

FEMA/NFA Incident Safety Officer

FEMA/NFA Health & Safety Program Manager

Inclement Weather/Emergency Response: Essential

Safety Sensitive Position: Yes

FLSA Status: Exempt

Government Careers

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