Fire Chief

Fire Chief

North Sioux City Fire Department Dakota Valley Emergency Services District North Sioux City, South Dakota

The Dakota Valley Emergency Services District is seeking a dynamic and experienced Fire Chief to lead the North Sioux City Fire Department (NSCFD) — a progressive combination department providing fire suppression, rescue, and advanced life support (ALS) EMS services to the growing North Sioux City community and surrounding area.

Reporting directly to the District Board of Directors, the Fire Chief is responsible for the development, coordination, direction, planning, and administration of all department functions, including operations, training, fire prevention, and emergency medical services. The ideal candidate will be an operational, hands‑on leader who is equally comfortable commanding complex incidents as managing personnel, budgets, and strategic goals.

The North Sioux City Fire Department serves a population of approximately 8,000 residents across 25 square miles, with a daytime population exceeding 15,000. The department responds to an average of 900 calls annually, providing comprehensive fire suppression, EMS, rescue, and prevention services.

Operating under the Dakota Valley Emergency Services District (DVESD), NSCFD functions as a combination department consisting of paid and volunteer personnel who work together to protect the community. The department operates out of two stations and a newly opened William

D. Pappas Training Facility, which supports advanced live‑fire, technical rescue, and other training programs.

Administrative leadership includes a Fire Marshal, Operations Manager, and EMS Director, all of whom report to the Fire Chief. The department employs 3 full‑time paramedics, 4 part‑time paramedics, and maintains a volunteer base of approximately 30 members.

• Prepare and submit regular reports to the District Board on operations, prevention, EMS, training, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Develop, coordinate, direct, and administer the daily operations of all fire and emergency medical service functions.
• Oversee DVESD equipment, facilities, and apparatus to ensure operational readiness.
• Develop and implement comprehensive administrative and operational programs, policies, and procedures that enhance service delivery and meet department goals.
• Ensure the effective enforcement of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations relating to fire and emergency services.
• Provide oversight of EMS personnel to ensure compliance with patient care protocols approved by the Medical Director.
• Respond to major fires, disasters, and other emergencies; assume command and manage incident operations as required.
• Collaborate and enter into contracts with surrounding communities and fire districts as needed for mutual aid agreements.
• Evaluate, develop, and maintain department rules, regulations, and standard operating guidelines.
• Review and approve all departmental policies and ensure compliance by all staff and volunteers.
• Perform supervisory duties including staffing, scheduling, assignment and review of work, motivating personnel, conducting evaluations, and administering discipline.
• Evaluate department training needs, provide instruction, and approve training programs.
• Direct and oversee the department’s budget, including planning, monitoring, and financial reporting.
• Attend District Board meetings, City Council meetings, CID meetings, and other relevant regional sessions.
• Serve as the department’s representative to local, state, and federal agencies, maintaining positive and professional working relationships.
• Lead and participate in public education and community relations programs, including fire and life safety initiatives, citizen inquiries, and media relations.
• Ensure the department’s image and operations reflect professionalism, transparency, and public trust.
• Maintain familiarity with current trends, standards, and legislation in fire and emergency medical services.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

• Knowledge of technical and operational principles of…