Fire Chief
Fire Chief
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Job Description
Job Summary/Scope
With a community-focused mindset Wilsons nextFire Chief workswell within diverse cultures and environments;promotes accountability across ranks including self; and encourages professional growth through mentorship and empowerment. The ideal candidate brings a positive leadership style and has experience administering uniform and progressive discipline in a fair and consistent manner. A solid understanding of emergency management incident command and public administration is essential along with a forward-thinking approach to technology and evolving fire service of ISO standards and accreditation processes is essential.
About the Organization Department and Position:
The City of Wilson which operates under a Council/Manager form of Government is led by a Mayor and seven council members. Wilson is well-managed and has several high-performing and award-winning departments including accredited Police Fire Parks and Recreation Departments and the Downtown Development Division. Wilson Energy which serves 35000 customers in a five-county region is a Reliable Public Power Provider and is consistently recognized for first-in-class reliability.
The Citys recently completedWilson Growing Together: The 2043 Comprehensive Planguides future development and growth within Wilson and addresses many key issues including growing intentionally connecting people and places fostering vibrant neighborhoods promoting economic prosperity conserving green places creating active and thriving communities plan implementation and community engagement. The CitysFY2026 proposed budget totals $and maintains the Citys current tax rate of $0.525 cents per $100 of taxable valuation.
Wilson Fire/Rescue Services (WF/RS ) has five strategically located stations and provides 24/7 service through a system of engine and ladder companies. WF/RS is committed to continuous improvement strategic planning and fostering a culture of professionalism accountability and service. In 2024 WF/RS responded to 5492 calls for service in 2024 utilizing a traditional deployment model consisting of five engines one tower ladder one safety and training captain and a shift battalion chief.
WF/RS is known for its strong emphasis on training and preparedness partnering with Wilson Community College to deliver comprehensive fire rescue and EMS education. WF/RS also plays a key role in emergency management and regional disaster response. Learn more about WF/RS byvisiting its website.
Key Position Priorities:
- Maintain operational excellence by preserving the departments ISO 1 rating accreditation status community risk reduction focus and apparatus/equipment replacement schedules.
- Recruit retain and develop high-quality personnel by using thoughtful hiring practices investing in officer development and fostering employee engagement while navigating generational differences and continuing the current Chiefs open-door policy to ensure every employee feels heard and valued.
- Has a strong understanding of modern fire service issues with clear decision-making skills the ability to anticipate future challenges and experience managing growth including new station construction and budgeting.
- Ensure the department keeps pace with city growth by aligning strategic plans with service demands maintaining the Standard of Coverage and addressing emerging community risks effectively.
- Participate actively as a member of the Citys leadership team and the NC Metro Chiefs organization.
Qualifications:
The City of Wilson seeks a fire safety leader with a minimum of 20 years of progressive fire safety experience who must have 5 years of cross-functional and progressively responsible experience including fire suppression prevention EMS and administrative work at the rank ofBattalionChief Assistant Chief Deputy Chief or Fire Chief. A BA/BS degree and equivalent years of experience is required.
The following qualifications are preferred:
- A masters degree.
- Graduation from the Executive Fire Officer Program.
- Designation of Chief Fire Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
- Experience managing special eventssuch as stadium events or street events.
The Successful Candidate:
- is a present engaged leader who is visible in the department and community communicates clearly understands the political environment of city government and leads by examplenot from behind a desk;
- has a proven track record of effective leadership marked by strong communication skills adaptability honesty and a collaborative approach that values input from all ranks;
- is a transformational and servant leader who leads with humility integrity and a deep commitment to both the department and the broader community;
- is approachable genuine and demonstrates the ability to connect with people at all levels meeting individuals where they are while maintaining a strong and confident command presence in times of crisis;
- builds relationships within the department and the community; supports downtown events and special initiatives including adowntown ballpark opening in 2026 which will bring many community benefits;
- supports and guides the departments continued growth by building on current progress not reversing it; casting a clear proactive vision; and visionary planning for potential infrastructure needs that are identified.
- leads with presence humility and inclusivityshowing up engaging with staff and community and building a team culture grounded in trust respect and shared ownership of our fire department;
- promotes diversity equity and inclusion across all levels of leadership and remains open-minded approachable and committed to employee engagement growth and development;
- focuses on the departments most pressing issues while not being sidetracked by minor concerns;
- embraces Wilson as a long-term professional home not a career stepping stone and is motivated by service not self-promotion; and
- demonstrates a commitment to fostering a strong family-like culture within the department.
Salary and Benefits: The expected hiring range for the position is $150000 - $175000. The full salary range for this position is $140486.58-$246456.21. Starting salary will depend on experience and qualifications. The citys comprehensive benefits package can beviewedhere on the website.
To apply please visit and click on theFire Chief City of Wilson NCtitle.
- All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) NOT the citys employment application portal or any other external website.
- Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
- Applicants should apply by July 25 2025.
- Successful semi-finalists will be invited to participate in interviews and skill evaluation onAugust 21-22 2025. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for meetings should they be invited to participate.
- Interviews with the Executive Team will follow quickly at a subsequent time in person.
- Directinquiriesto
The City of Wilson NC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Developmental Associates LLC manages the recruitment and selection process for this position. To learn more about our selection process visit select Client Openings and scroll down to Important Information for Applicants.
Required Experience:
Chief
Employment Type
Full-Time
