Fire Chief – Lenoir, pop. 18,500. The City of Lenoir is seeking an individual with outstanding leadership and organizational skills to lead a department comprised of 58 full‐time and 7 part-time firefighters. The City currently operates with 3 fire stations and has an NC Department of Insurance Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Fire Insurance Rating of Class 2. This position is responsible for short and long-term program planning for operations and capital needs, determining administrative priorities, and ensuring the daily activities are completed in an efficient and effective manner. Accountable for the supervision of the departmental staff, preparation and monitoring of the budget, evaluation of work operations, and the performance of all human resource functions to include hiring, training, promotion, counseling and performance evaluation of personnel. This position also evaluates the need for new equipment and programs. The chief directs and oversees fire prevention, fire suppression, emergency medical and rescue operations and code enforcement activities, as well as administrative duties for the department. Work is conducted in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and standards; federal and state fire, building and mechanical codes, laws and regulations; local ordinances and departmental policies and procedures. The chief reports directly to the City Manager.
Recruitment and Selection guidelines: Thorough knowledge of standard fire prevention codes, NFPA standards and federal, state, county and departmental standards, rules, and regulations. Thorough knowledge of techniques for handling hazardous materials. Ability to act with sound judgment in routine and emergency situations. Thorough knowledge of departmental budgeting practices, and the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Needs to be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, employees, business owners, homeowners and the general public. Residency within the City is required within 12 months of appointment.
Desirable education and experience: Completion of a 4-year degree in fire science or related field and completion of advanced courses and seminars in fire administration and fire science and considerable experience of an increasingly responsible nature including supervisory and management experience in the municipal fire service; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of a valid North Carolina Class B driver’s license, a NC Firefighter Certification or higher, a NC Driver/Operator certification, and Fire and Rescue Instructor, Fire Officer and EMT Basic certification within timeframes required by the City.
The City of Lenoir participates in the N.C. Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System, and offers benefits in health, dental, vision and life. Salary Range ‐ $92,043 to $128,860 depending on qualifications.
The Community: Lenoir is centrally located in Caldwell County in the foothills of western North Carolina. The city is 21 miles southeast of Boone and 16 miles northwest of Hickory. Historically a furniture manufacturing community, Lenoir's economy is diverse and growing. Furniture is still strong in Lenoir with brands such as Bernhardt, Craftmaster, and Fairfield Chair still operating in the city, but Lenoir is proud to be the home of Google Data Center, Exela Pharma Sciences, Stallergenes Greer USA, Sealed Air, Bemis, Blue Ridge Energy, UNC Health Caldwell, and Swift Beef/JBS USA.
To apply: Please submit a City of Lenoir application form, in addition to cover letter, resume and transcripts to the City of Lenoir Human Resources Department, located at 801 West Avenue NW (PO Box 958), Lenoir, NC 28645. The application form, as well as the position classification description, can be downloaded from the City’s website at www.cityoflenoir.com. Completed applications may be emailed to ctsmith@ci.lenoir.nc.us or faxed to 828-367-1023. A pre‐employment background check, physical and drug screen is required following a conditional offer of employment. The position is open until filled. The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For additional questions please contact Crystal Smith, H.R. Manager, at 828‐757‐2202. Initial review of applications will occur on February 27, 2023.
