The towns of New Salem and Wendell, located in Franklin County in western Massachusetts, are accepting applications for the position of Fire Chief. This is a shared position between both towns providing a unique opportunity for a qualified individual to lead both fire departments. New Salem and Wendell were the first towns in Massachusetts to have a shared fire chief, and the current chief, who is retiring, has held the position since 2014. This is a 40 hour-per-week position with regular additional hours as required for responding to emergency incidents. The position is Fair Labor Standards Act exempt and ineligible for overtime.
General Job Description
For both departments, the Chief supervises all personnel, performs all administrative duties, plans, organizes, coordinates all activities, trainings, and inspection services in accordance with Massachusetts General Law, the Massachusetts Fire Code and local by-laws.
The Fire Chief is appointed by and is directly accountable to both Selectboards. This is a “strong chief” position, as defined under Massachusetts General Laws Title VII Chapter 48 Section 42, and the Chief has total operational control of both departments.
Duties And Responsibilities
The Chief is responsible for all emergency service operations for both departments. The Chief establishes policies, procedures, rules, regulations, issues all general orders, special notices and memorandums. The Chief also prepares individual department budgets for each Finance Committee. The budgets are subject to Town Meeting approval. The Chief approves payrolls, expense payments, and prepares capital budget requests.
Education Requirements
A High school diploma is required. The ideal candidate shall have completed various training programs offered by the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA) or a comparable National Academy with a required minimum of Firefighter I/II, MFA Call/Volunteer Recruit Training or proven equivalent training. While not required, an Associate’s Degree or better in Fire Science is preferred. Chief Fire Officer credentials or equivalent training will be viewed favorably.
Experience Required
The ideal candidate shall have a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience and have achieved the rank of Lieutenant. The candidate shall have a thorough knowledge of modern firefighting principles, equipment, techniques, hazardous materials, the National Incident Management System and emergency medical services. The candidate will need to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of state fire laws, fire codes, building codes, fire inspection practices and procedures. The candidate must be skilled in the operation of fire equipment, fire apparatus, computers, and have good organization and communication skills. The candidate shall possess and maintain a valid Massachusetts driver’s license.
Annual salary $60,000+/- depending on qualifications. Chief’s vehicle, competitive health care and vacation/sick time benefits are included. A full job description and related documents are available at (insert link). Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume in .pdf format to the New Salem Town Coordinator at newsalemwendell@gmail.com. The applicant’s resume must specify all fire service experience as full time, part time, call or volunteer.
Full Job Description
