The Deputy Fire Chief serves as the second-in-command of the Calabash Fire Department and assists the Fire Chief in the administration, management, and operational readiness of the organization. The Deputy Fire Chief provides leadership to career and volunteer personnel, oversees daily operations, and ensures compliance with applicable laws, standards, and organizational policies. The Deputy Fire Chief assumes command authority in the absence of the Fire Chief.

Shifts: 40-hour per week schedule

Starting Salary: Salary Range: $75,000 – $85,000 (commensurate with qualifications and experience)

Work includes:

• Ability to perform firefighting and command functions as required
• Availability to work extended hours, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to respond to emergency incidents and serve in a leadership role under adverse conditions
• Residency Requirement: The successful candidate must establish and maintain a primary residence within ten (10) miles or a thirty (30) minute driving time of 892 Persimmon Road, Calabash, North Carolina, within six (6) months of appointment, as a condition of continued employment.
• Reports directly to the Fire Chief
• Supervises Captains, Lieutenants, Firefighters, volunteer members, and assigned administrative staff

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED
• Fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible fire service experience, including eight (8) years in a supervisory or command role
• Valid North Carolina Firefighter certification (or equivalent)
• Valid EMT certification (required)
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license
• Ability to meet and maintain all physical and medical requirements of the position
• Proficiency with records management systems, scheduling software, reporting tools, and standard office applications

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in fire science, public administration, or a related field
• Fire Officer III
• ICS 300 and ICS 400
• Incident Safety Officer
• Instructor I or II
• Organizational budgeting

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of modern fire service operations and administration within a combination department
• Strong leadership, supervisory, and decision-making skills
• Ability to manage personnel and operations in high-stress environments
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, departmental policies, and nonprofit governance principles
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• Benefits provided in accordance with Calabash Fire Department nonprofit policies and applicable law
• Benefit package includes employee-only health, dental and vision insurance.
• 457 Retirement Plan
• Not a part of the Local Government Employee Retirement Plan​​​

REPORTING & SUPERVISION

• Reports directly to the Fire Chief
• Supervises Captains, Lieutenants, Firefighters, volunteer members, and assigned administrative staff

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Administration

• Assist the Fire Chief in planning, directing, and evaluating department operations
• Support the development and implementation of departmental policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives
• Oversee personnel functions including staffing, scheduling, performance evaluations, and corrective actions
• Assist with budget development, fiscal oversight, grant administration, and responsible stewardship of nonprofit resources
• Represent the department in meetings with elected officials, partner agencies, and the public as assigned
• Support recruitment, retention, and professional development of career and volunteer members

Operations & Emergency Response

• Oversee daily fire suppression, rescue, and emergency response activities
• Respond to emergency incidents and function in an incident command or senior command role
• Ensure readiness, safety, and proper operation of personnel, apparatus, equipment, and facilities
• Review incident documentation and operational outcomes to support continuous improvement

Training & Compliance

• Oversee or coordinate training programs to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements
• Ensure adherence to OSHA, NFPA, NCDOI, ISO, and other applicable regulatory standards
• Ensure personnel maintain required certifications and ongoing training

Community & Interagency Relations

• Support public education, fire prevention, and community risk reduction initiatives
• Coordinate training and operations with mutual aid and regional response partners
• Assist with emergency management planning, disaster response, and continuity of operations