Fire Chief

We are committed to ensure fair and equal treatment for everyone we employ and as such,
we are an Equal Opportunity Employer
. We value diversity and believe employment, training, and promotional opportunities should be available to all persons without regard to race, color, gender (including gender nonconformity, gender identity, status as a transgender individual, and sexual orientation), sex (including pregnancy), age, religion, national origin, ethnicity, physical or mental disability, genetic information, political affiliation, protected veteran status or membership in the armed services, or any other consideration that is protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.

Location: Frankfort, KY

Remote Status: On-Site

The Franklin County Fiscal Court in Frankfort, KY is seeking a strategic, visionary, and community-oriented leader to serve as our next Fire Chief. In this executive role, you will direct and oversee all operations of the Fire Department, including fire suppression, emergency medical services (EMS), fire prevention, hazardous materials response, and disaster management. The ideal candidate is an active problem-solver who will successfully allocate resources, manage the department budget, and cultivate a positive working environment for all personnel.

• Strategic Leadership: Guide both short- and long-term strategic planning for the department.
• Financial Management: Prepare, administer, and present the annual departmental budget and pursue alternative funding/grants.
• Community Engagement: Build strong, collaborative relationships with the community, organizations, and the general public.
• Personnel Development: Supervise, train, and evaluate department personnel while fostering a culture of excellence and safety.
• Incident Command: Exercise command and control during complex emergencies and large-scale disasters.

• Plans, organizes, directs, coordinates, and evaluates activities of the fire service and command rescue operations in the unincorporated areas of Franklin County
• Formulates standard operating procedures and policies following consultation with County Judge/Executive and subordinate officers
• Performs fire suppression and prevention activities, emergency rescue and hazardous materials activities
• Supervises, instructs, disciplines and evaluates three 24-hour crews at all stations and office staff
• Prepares and administers departmental budget
• Supervises all purchasing and oversees mechanical repairs for fire apparatus
• Maintains and tests radio communication equipment for Franklin County Fire Department
• Makes periodic inspections to assure adherence to departmental policy regarding readiness
• Attends Fiscal Court, Emergency Services Committee, Safety Committee and other meetings as requested
• Responds to all major calls and may assume control upon arrival
• Responds to all chemical, hazardous material, and life-threatening incidents
• Serves as a member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)
• Develops and administers the County Plan for disaster response
• Supervises training officer, coordinates training, and may conduct training sessions
• Assists state police, county, city, state agencies and fire departments in surrounding counties for mutual aid
• Represents the department as needed including public relations activities
• Other duties as assigned
• Must adhere to provisions contained in Franklin County’s Administrative Code

• Strong communication and leadership skills with excellent planning and organizational skills
• Possess extensive knowledge of modern fire fighting principles, methods, techniques, equipment and fire apparatus
• Must be available to respond to emergency situations at all hours
• Use tact, diplomacy, good judgment, discretion, and required to keep confidential information

• Minimum of Associates in fire science, public administration or related experience, preferred.
• 10 years fire service
• 3 years administrative level fire-related experience
• Willing to move to Franklin County preferred
• Must possess a valid Kentucky driver’s license
• Kentucky Certified Firefighter at 400-hour level minimum
• EMT-b certified
  
  Kentucky Fire Inspector’s Certification NFPA Inspector I and Inspector II
• Ifsac Fire Officer 2 and inspector 1 and 2 (or obtain within 1 year)