Division Chief, Fire & EMS

Division Chief, Fire & EMS

Salary

$86,936.31 - $143,444.91 Annually

Location

Varies - Charlotte County, FL

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

2026-00245

Department

PUBLIC SAFETY - FIRE RESCUE

Opening Date

07/17/2026

Closing Date

7/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

NB

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

How You Can Help Us Make a Difference

In this dynamic and impactful role, youll lead and shape the operational functions within the Fire/EMS Department, ensuring the smooth and effective delivery of critical services. As a key supervisor, youll oversee and coordinate specialized fire services-ranging from Administration and Operations to Training-while working closely with other divisions, departments, and agencies. Youll provide expert support to Deputy Chiefs, guiding a team of dedicated professionals and managing the workload to drive excellence in service. This full-time, 40-hour position offers the opportunity to make a real difference while enjoying a balanced workday with eight-hour shifts.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Recommends and implements division goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Manages, oversees, and participates in development of work plans; assignment of work activities, projects and programs; monitors workflow.
• Reviews and evaluates work projects, methods, and procedures.
• Prepares specialized budgets related to assigned activities; assists in budget implementation; participates in forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; administers the approved budget.
• Prepares reports; documents policies and procedures; performs research; makes presentations before various groups, as needed.
• Participates in recruitment and selection activities; makes recommendations for appointment of new staff; assists with staff orientation and training.
• Supervises staff including provision of timely performance evaluations; recommends and implements approved discipline; provides staff development; and maintains high standards necessary for efficient, professional operations.
• Answers questions; provides information to the public; recommends corrective actions; investigates, reports, documents and resolves complaints.
• Builds and maintains respectful, positive working relationships with staff, supervisors, outside agencies and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Models appropriate professional management conduct; maintains appropriate confidentiality of sensitive information; complies with and supports County policies and procedures, labor laws, and MOU provisions.
• Attends assigned meeting and training; interacts with outside agencies; provides leadership for teams, or committees, as needed.
• Responds to emergencies, assumes command and directs incidents until the hazard is mitigated or relieved by a higher authority.
• Assures staff work in a safe manner; follows safety requirements; monitors and assures compliance with regulations and other legal requirements.
• Coordinates resources for in-service training of personnel in firefighting and rescue techniques, methods, equipment operations, fire codes, regulations and related subjects.
• Participates in public safety educational programs; answers public inquiries and other department matters; represents the department and serves as a communication conduit.
• Participates in the selection, placement, promotion, training, safety, appraisal and discipline of assigned personnel by observing staff performance; provides coaching and development opportunities where needed.
• Prepares reports and maintains records (ie hose test records, equipment maintenance records, capital items, etc).
• Responsible for special programs or project assignments including but not limited to preparation of program guidelines, supervising subordinate personnel within the program, preparing operating guidelines and protocols, maintaining relationships with the appropriate state and federal agencies, attending meetings and making presentations.
• Conducts investigations into accidents, injuries, or incidents involving equipment loss, personnel, and/or citizens, as assigned.
• Conducts post-incident critiques with staff, as assigned.
• Provides exceptional customer assistance, problem-solving, and/or complaint resolution by all forms of communication.
• Gathers and prepares confidential information regarding negotiations, grievances, and employee discipline, etc.

Education & Credentials That Power This Role

• Bachelor's Degree:

• Preferred:

• Fire Science

• Fire Administration

• Emergency Medical Services

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in emergency services management. To include supervisor and/or management experience.

• Or an equivalent combination of relevant training, education and experience.

• Must maintain a valid driver's license

• Must possess and maintain the following certifications:

• State of Florida Firefighter

• State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or State of Florida Paramedic, depending on assignment.

• As issued by the Florida State Fire College:

• Fire Officer I

• Fire Officer II

• Instructor II

• NIMS ICS 400

Your Purpose & Day-To-Day Journey

• Knowledge of departmental policies, plans, and procedures.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, plans, and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other job-related computer programs and software applications.
• Knowledge of vehicle extrication and other additional emergency rescue techniques within specific area(s) of assigned discipline.
• Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of Fire Services administration and operations.
• Thorough knowledge of modern firefighting practices, techniques, and procedures including operation and maintenance requirements of various types of fire apparatuses and equipment.
• Knowledge of the Incident Management System; skill in emergency scene procedures
• Strong leadership and managerial skills, to include team building, mediation and motivational skills; ability to plan, organize, and review the work of subordinate, technical, and supervisory personnel
• Ability to lead people effectively in emergency situations; to maintain discipline, and to react calmly and quickly in emergencies.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality to matters of significance.
• Ability to plan, direct and manage activities within a division of the Department, including fire suppression, fire and life safety code compliance, training, apparatus/equipment maintenance, emergency medical services and mitigating hazardous materials incidents.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships throughout the organization.
• Ability to provide internal/external guidance and customer assistance via all forms of communication.
• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and/or accounting purposes.
• Ability to author reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

Extra Details You Should Know

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stooping, crouching, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, kneeling, reaching, pushing, talking, standing, finger movement, repetitive motions, depth perception. Frequent lifting up to 25 pounds; occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds; occasional heavy physical stress.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is exposed to outdoor weather conditions or irate customers, extreme noise, odors, heights, gases and fumes, and/or dust, changes in temperature and humidity, cramped body positions, and sustained positions.

RISK/SAFETY CONDITIONS

The position requires exposure risk related to physical and/or mental health and safety (e.g., exposure to environmentally hazardous material, heavy equipment, assault and battery, communicable disease, excessive noise levels, electrical hazards, etc.).

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:

All County employees are required to work before, during, or after an emergency as needed. This may include temporarily being assigned to work and performing duties outside of the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

Charlotte County is an Affirmative Action, ADA and Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As a veterans preference employer, certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, who claim and meet eligibility requirements of veterans' preference, receive preference and priority in employment and are encouraged to apply. In addition, certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.

All positions with Charlotte County may be subject to drug testing in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Program and/or County policy.

Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners offers a comprehensive benefits package to regular full-time employees.

Charlotte County Benefits & Total Rewards

01

Do you currently have a State of Florida Firefighter Certification?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess a valid, unexpired Florida EMT or Florida Paramedic Certification?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a minimum of 3-5 years of Chief Officer experience in Public Safety Fire & EMS?

• Yes
• No

04

Is your highest level of education an Associates Degree or above?

• Yes
• No

05

Please indicate your highest degree level title in the box below. If your highest level of education is "High School/GED", please state High School or Equivalent.

06

Did you attach your NIMS ICS 400 certificate to your application?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Charlotte, County of (FL)

Address 18500 Murdock Circle

Room 130

Port Charlotte, Florida, 33948

Phone 941-743-1260

Website https://www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov