Position Announcement
FIRE / EMS CHIEF
Newport, NC
The Town of Newport, NC (a growing, coastal community with a population of 4,500), is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Fire/ EMS Chief. The Town of Newport is the gateway to Carteret County and the Crystal Coast. The Town is proactively preparing for anticipated growth from the development of US 70 (the future I-42 corridor) and defense-related facilities.
The Fire/EMS Chief, who is hired by and reports to the Town Manager, will lead the dedicated staff of the Town’s Fire/EMS Department as they continue to provide high quality public safety services to the community.
The Town of Newport Fire/EMS Department has a total budget of $2.15 million. It has 15 F/T positions, 12 P/T staff, and about 25 volunteers. In addition to the town, the department also provides service to a county fire district on a contract basis. The department’s goal is to protect the lives, property, and environment of all people in the Newport community by preventing the occurrence and minimizing the adverse effects of fires, accidents, and all other emergencies.
The department provides paramedic-level EMS service and operates under a 48/96 shift schedule. It covers seventy-five square miles of response area composed of rural and suburban districts. Shift personnel staff both fire apparatus and ALS transport units with a steadily increasing call volume, answering over 2,400 calls for service in 2022.
The desired Fire/EMS Chief will promote an environment of pride, preparedness, and professionalism, with a focus on quality customer service and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will not only have the technical aptitude required for this position, but will also:
- Be proactive and forward thinking;
- Be collaborative, empathetic, and approachable;
- Bring a passion for excellence in service delivery; and
- Prioritize organizational culture and accountability.
Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science, Emergency Services, Public Administration, or a related field preferred; supplemented by seven years of progressively responsible experience in fire suppression, prevention, EMS, and administrative work at the rank of Battalion Chief, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief or Fire/EMS Chief; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. May be required to obtain and maintain additional certifications and licensures, as deemed necessary. Salary DOQ. Hiring range – $75,222 – $94,032.
The Eastern Carolina Council of Governments is assisting the Town of Newport with its Fire/EMS Chief search. Interested applicants should email a cover letter, employment application (available at www.newportnc.gov/careers), résumé, and at least three references to: Town of Newport, Fire/EMS Chief Recruitment, c/o ECC Executive Director at executivedirector@eccog.org. Candidates are responsible for assuring delivery. The position is open until filled.
Newport is an EOE. More information about the Town is available at www.newportnc.gov.
