Pay Growth
?
out of 5
Not enough data
Not enough info to score pay or growth
Division Chief (Fire)
Job
City of Graham
Graham, NC (In Person)
Full-Time
Review key factors to help you decide if the role fits your goals.
Job Security
?
out of 5
Not enough data
Calculating job security score...
Total Score
72
out of 100
Average of individual scores
Skill Insights
Compare your current skills to what this opportunity needs—we'll show you what you already have and what could strengthen your application.
Job Description
Performs highly responsible executive, administrative, and operational leadership work in assisting the Fire Chief with planning, directing, organizing, and managing all functions of the Fire Department. This position serves as the Fire Chief's principal assistant and second-in-command, exercising broad delegated authority over departmental operations, personnel, and resources. The Division Chief provides leadership and oversight of fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue operations, training, fire prevention, and community risk reduction programs. Work includes implementing the strategic direction established by the Fire Chief, ensuring operational readiness, regulatory compliance, and organizational effectiveness. The Division Chief serves as Acting Fire Chief in the absence of the Fire Chief and is responsible for maintaining continuity of operations, decision-making, and leadership of the department. An employee in this class functions as a senior executive member of the Fire Department command staff and is responsible for translating strategic priorities into operational execution. The Division Chief provides department-wide leadership across multiple divisions, shifts, stations, and functional areas. Work involves substantial independent judgment and discretion in managing complex administrative, operational, and personnel matters. The employee exercises delegated authority from the Fire Chief to direct operations, enforce policies, make personnel decisions, and ensure alignment with departmental goals and standards. This position differs from the Fire Chief in that the Fire Chief establishes overall vision, policy, and strategic direction, while the Division Chief is responsible for implementing those directives, managing day-to-day operations, and ensuring organizational performance and accountability. The Division Chief operates within the Incident Command System (ICS) and must be capable of assuming command at major emergency incidents or serving in senior command or general staff roles. Work is performed under the general direction of the Fire Chief and is evaluated based on operational effectiveness, leadership, program outcomes, and overall departmental performance. This position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Illustrative Examples of Work Serves as the second-in-command to the Fire Chief and provides executive leadership in the administration and operation of the Fire Department Exercises delegated authority of the Fire Chief in his absence, including operational, administrative, and personnel decision-making Implements departmental policies, goals, and strategic initiatives established by the Fire Chief Directs and oversees daily operations of the department, ensuring readiness, staffing continuity, and effective service delivery Provides senior-level command at emergency incidents; assumes Incident Command or serves in command/general staff roles during complex incidents Supervises, directs, and evaluates command staff, officers, and assigned personnel; provides leadership, mentoring, and professional development Participates in and administers personnel actions including hiring, promotions, discipline, and performance management in accordance with City policies Develops, administers, and monitors assigned portions of the departmental budget; ensures fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational priorities Oversees department-wide training programs and ensures compliance with all certification, accreditation, and regulatory requirements Ensures accurate maintenance of training records, certifications, and operational documentation in accordance with ISO, NCRRS, and other standards Develops, reviews, implements, and enforces Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Monitors operational performance, response effectiveness, and safety outcomes; implements continuous improvement strategies Oversees apparatus, equipment, and facility readiness, including maintenance planning, replacement schedules, and resource allocation Leads and supports community risk reduction, fire prevention, and public education programs Assists in long-range planning, capital improvement planning, and organizational development initiatives Coordinates with other departments, governmental agencies, and community organizations to ensure effective service delivery and collaboration Represents the Fire Department in meetings with City leadership, partner agencies, and the public as directed Performs other related duties as assigned Thorough knowledge of modern fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services, and special operations practices Thorough knowledge of fire service administration, leadership principles, organizational management, and strategic planning Thorough knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards governing fire department operations Working knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS), emergency management principles, and multi-agency coordination Strong leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to direct and develop command staff and personnel Skill in strategic planning, policy implementation, and organizational decision-making Skill in budget development, fiscal management, and resource allocation Skill in analyzing operational data, evaluating performance, and implementing improvements Effective verbal and written communication skills Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in high-risk emergency and administrative situations Ability to manage multiple divisions, programs, and priorities simultaneously Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, agencies, and the public Ability to lead organizational change and support workforce development and succession planning Ability to maintain required certifications and professional standards Physical Requirements and Working Conditions Work in this position is medium to heavy work involving exertion of up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or lesser amounts frequently or constantly. Physical activities include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and repetitive motions. The employee must possess the visual acuity to analyze data, conduct inspections, and operate equipment. Work includes both administrative office duties and emergency response activities. The employee is exposed to the hazards associated with fire suppression and emergency response, including extreme temperatures, noise, vibration, hazardous materials, confined spaces, and potential exposure to infectious materials. The employee is required to wear personal protective equipment, including a respirator. Minimum of (3) years of service as a Fire Captain with the City of Graham or in an equivalent supervisory rank in another fire department. Minimum of 10 years of progressive fire service experience, including significant supervisory/command responsibility Associate degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Public Administration, or related field Bachelor's degree preferred Certification Requirements NC Firefighter Level II NC Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) NC Hazardous Materials Responder NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 NC Class B Driver's License (Non-CDL) NC Emergency Vehicle Driver (EVD) Chief 101 NC Fire Officer