Durham Fire Department - Deputy Fire Chief - Prevention

Deputy Fire Chief - Prevention

Salary Range: $80,000 - $96,000 contingent on qualifications and experience

The Town of Durham is looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. We thrive on empowering our employees to be creative and to raise the bar for excellence in our organization.  Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the Durham Fire Department, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the values of: integrity, respect, professionalism, and customer service, and welcome all who share these values to apply. The Town offers a competitive benefits package and the opportunity to be part of a dynamic team and organization.

The Durham Fire Department is an all-hazards organization that is jointly funded by and services the Town of Durham and campus of the University of New Hampshire, providing fire prevention, public education, first responder non-transport EMS, fire, and rescue services.  Our dedicated, customer service-oriented team, is comprised of a fire chief, assistant fire chief, deputy chief, four captains, two inspector/firefighters, sixteen firefighters, an administrative assistant, a part-time secretary, and thirteen call firefighters. The department responds to approximately 3,000 calls for service annually and is a key team player in a robust mutual aid system comprised of surrounding communities, across two counties.

The Town of Durham, New Hampshire is located in Strafford County with an area of 22.4 square miles of land and 2.4 square miles of water (24.8 square miles total). According to the 2017 United States Census data, Durham has a population of 16,523, ranking Durham 15th in size compared to New Hampshire’s cities and towns. (NH Employment Security, 2020).  Durham is also home to the University of New Hampshire, which brings a vibrant culture to the community, and the Seacoast region. The University of New Hampshire community consists of approximately 13,000 undergraduates and 2,400 graduate students, from more than eighty countries, as well as 4,000 employees.

General Statement of Duties:

Under the direction of the fire chief, the deputy chief manages the Fire Prevention Bureau, which includes a staff of two full time firefighter/inspectors and a part-time secretary. The Bureau conducts approximately 1,000 inspections annually in the Town of Durham and on the University of New Hampshire campus.  Duties of the position include, but are not limited to: fire prevention, fire suppression, public education, fire investigations, management of the Housing Standards inspection program, and providing public safety messaging. The deputy chief is required to respond to emergency calls as necessary in order to effectively assist in the management of emergency scenes. The position is expected to perform other work as requested or assigned by the fire chief and assumes said role when directed. The deputy chief serves as third in command of the department, following the fire chief and the assistant chief.

Expected Qualifications: 

A Bachelor’s Degree in fire administration, business administration, or equivalent experience in a directly related field, including coursework in fire science technology, personnel and organizational management is highly desired. Completion of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program is preferred.  Certification as a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician is desired. Must have and maintain a valid New Hampshire New Hampshire Commercial Driver License (CDL) or be able to obtain equivalent within one year.

Preferred Certification Prior to Employment:

• Fire Inspector I and Fire Inspector II
• State of New Hampshire Fire Officer I and II disciplines (or equivalent)

Expected Experience & Knowledge:

Knowledge of modern fire prevention and suppression tactics, property and life saving techniques; and the principles and practices of organizational management and human resources.

Minimum of ten years of professional experience in an organized fire department with two years of experience in a command capacity desired and/or a combination of experience and education.

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that demonstrate the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.

Knowledge of and experience in the practical application of fire and life safety codes, including but not limited to: NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, NFPA 1 Fire Prevention Code, NFPA 72 Fire Alarm Code, NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation for Sprinkler Systems, and applicable NH Administrative Rules and Fire Laws and locally adopted ordinances related to code enforcement.

Expected Ability & Skills:

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, citizens, and elected officials; handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; establish and fulfill goals and objectives; directly and effectively supervise a large and diverse workforce; operate a computer with related software programs; prepare administrative program performance reports; and prepare and administer budgets.

Must have a strong ability to design and develop a framework of policies and procedures to move the prevention bureau forward in providing best practices to our internal and external customers.  

How to apply:

Starting base salary range for the position is $80,000 - $96,000 with a competitive benefits package. Interested and qualified candidates may apply by submitting a cover letter, resume, and Town of Durham application by e-mail to fire@ci.durham.nh.us in .pdf format as one document.  Please include your last name, date, and deputy fire chief in the title of your .pdf document and submit materials by May 15, 2020 at noon.  Candidates must successfully complete a polygraph examination as well as psychological, medical, and background pre-employment screening. Position to remain open until filled.  Candidates are welcome to submit any other relevant materials they deem suitable, however, please do not submit individual certifications.

Please e-mail documents to the attention of:

David F. Emanuel, Fire Chief
Durham Fire Department
51 College Rd
Durham, NH 03824-3585

The Town of Durham ("Town") is an equal opportunity employer. The Town is committed to providing a work environment that promotes an understanding of and appreciation for the value diversity brings to the organization.  A diverse staff strengthens the Town and enables the organization to better respond to needs in the community.

References: 
New Hampshire Employment Security - Community Profiles - Durham, NH
University of New Hampshire Institutional Summary - Enrollment Census