The Wilson’s Mills Fire Department in Johnston County, NC – just southeast of Clayton, NC, seeks an experienced fire service professional to serve as its next Fire Chief. The "combination" fire department of approximately 40 volunteers and 15 career members maintains an ISO Class 2/9E rating. It provides professional fire suppression, first response emergency medical, light rescue, hazardous materials, and fire prevention services. With a rapidly growing fire district of 50 square miles, the fire department provides services to rural and suburban areas and responds to approximately 1,500 calls annually. The department currently operates three fire stations, with the permanent building for Fire Station 3 nearing completion.
The Wilson’s Mills Fire Department, an independent private, non-profit organization, serves the Town of Wilson’s Mills and the county area surrounding the town. The department desires a professional who has demonstrated experience in leading a combination fire department, working with volunteer duty crews and utilizing fire service best practices in staff recruitment, retention, succession planning, and acquisition and access to equipment, technology, and training. Experience in working with community target hazards is also important. Within the Wilson’s Mills Fire District, target hazards include Johnston County Regional Airport, multiple pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and public-school facilities.
Qualifications:
The following are required:
- Ten years, or more, progressive experience serving in a combination fire department.
- Five years, or more, at the Company Officer or above experience in a combination or career fire department.
- Experience in rural fire operations.
- Associate degree in public safety-related area.
- Experience in developing and managing an annual operating budget of $3 Million, or greater.
- Demonstrated experience working directly with a progressive private, non-profit fire department Board of Directors.
- Certifications: Firefighter 2 and Fire Officer 2 from an IFSAC accredited agency, or equivalent; EMT, Hazardous Materials Operations level; NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400.
- Residency within 15 road miles of the fire district boundary.
The following are preferred:
- Experience as a chief fire officer.
- Experience working with target hazards and the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Rating System.
- Proficiency in fire ground tactical and technical skills.
- Residency within the fire district.
Salary and Benefits: The hiring range for the position is $95,000 - $115,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Although not a part of local government, the Wilson’s Mills Fire Department offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-paid health, dental, and vision, with the ability to purchase family coverage. Additional benefits are also provided.
To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates and click on the Fire Chief – Wilson’s Mills Fire Department, NC title.
- All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) – NOT the department’s employment application portal or any other external website.
- Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
- Applicants should apply by October 3, 2025.
- Successful semi-finalists will be invited to participate in interviews in late October/early November 2025. · Direct inquiries to Chief Chris Perry: CPerry@NCFireChief.com. The recruitment and selection process is facilitated by North Carolina Fire Chief Consulting.
