Fire Chief VA)

Job Title:
Fire Chief

Department:
Fire

Reports to:
City Manager

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Salary Range: $ - $

Department:
Fire

This is a management position

This is a full time position

Performs highly responsible managerial and advanced professional work directing, administering, and evaluating all operations of the Fire & EMS Department. The Fire Chief is responsible for assessing community needs related to fire suppression, emergency medical services, and emergency management, and for implementing policies, programs, and services to meet those needs in a fiscally responsible manner.

The position provides executive leadership for departmental planning, organizational development, and succession planning, and ensures effective delivery of emergency services through both career and volunteer personnel. The Fire Chief has final decision-making authority within the department, subject to City Manager approval for major policy or organizational changes.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the City Manager and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and performance outcomes. Direct supervision is exercised over the Deputy Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, Emergency Management Coordinator, and other departmental personnel, as well as coordination with the Martinsville Volunteer Fire Company.

• Assesses community needs and determines required emergency services for the City of Martinsville.
• Provides executive leadership and sets a professional standard for ethics, performance, and organizational culture.
• Develops and directs strategic plans, annual goals, departmental policies, and standard operating guidelines.
• Oversees the delivery of emergency services through integrated career and volunteer staffing models.
• Plans, directs, manages, and evaluates all Fire & EMS Department operations.
• Implements career development and succession planning programs to ensure long-term organizational stability.
• Assigns duties and provides direction to departmental leadership staff.
• Oversees personnel management functions, including hiring, promotion, transfer, discipline, and evaluation processes.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable City policies, state laws, and federal regulations.
• Manages annual operating, capital, and special budgets in a fiscally responsible manner; monitors expenditures and financial performance.
• Reviews and approves procurement, equipment specifications, and vehicle acquisitions in accordance with City policy.
• Identifies training needs and ensures effective development programs are implemented and evaluated.
• Serves as liaison and supervisor of the Volunteer Fire Company.
• Represents the department on boards and committees, including the 911 Board of Directors, Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), and other regional organizations.
• Represents the department in public meetings, City Council sessions, community events, and interagency coordination efforts.
• Oversees facility and apparatus maintenance programs.
• Reviews and ensures compliance with occupational safety standards, including OSHA and NFPA requirements.
• Responds to emergency incidents as needed, including fire suppression, EMS operations, and command-level incident management.
• Serves as Incident Commander and directs all operations at emergency scenes.
• Requests and coordinates local, state, and federal resources during major incidents.
• Ensures compliance with patient privacy laws and departmental policies regarding protected health information.
• Serves as departmental liaison with the news media and public information channels.
• Responds to hazardous materials incidents and applies the Incident Command System (ICS) as required.
• Supports hazardous materials operations, including identification, containment, evacuation, and…