Hybrid District Chief bei Chatham County Government, GA

About the Department

Lead from the Front. Shape Operations. Serve with Integrity.

The Chatham County Fire Department (CCFD) is seeking a proven and strategic fire service leader to serve as its next District Chief. Based in one of Georgia’s most dynamic and fast-growing coastal communities, CCFD protects approximately 109,000 residents across 221 square miles, offering a full range of emergency services including fire suppression, technical rescue, behavioral health crisis response, and mobile integrated healthcare.

The District Chief plays a key role in ensuring effective shift command and district-wide operations, supporting a workforce of dedicated professionals who embody CCFD’s mission of excellence in service, safety, and innovation.

Position Duties

Under the general direction of the Deputy Chief of Fire Services, the District Chief provides strategic leadership, oversight, and supervision of a 24-hour shift across multiple battalions. This position ensures the operational readiness of personnel, stations, and apparatus while directing all emergency and non-emergency activities within the assigned district. The District Chief collaborates with command staff, supports professional development, enforces policy compliance, and serves as the highest-ranking officer on duty during a shift.

During major incidents, the District Chief assumes command responsibilities and may serve as a Section Chief or Branch Director during emergency activations of the CCFD Incident Management Team. This position is considered part of the department’s critical workforce and is subject to callback as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and emergency response for fire district and shift personnel
• Lead and mentor Battalion Chiefs, Captains, Lieutenants, Apparatus Operators, and Firefighters
• Ensure operational readiness of all facilities, equipment, and apparatus within the fire district
• Approve schedules, reports, station activity logs, and incident documentation
• Serve as Incident Commander at major emergencies; ensure compliance with tactical, medical, and safety protocols
• Coordinate district-wide training, fire prevention efforts, pre-incident planning, and hydrant inspections
• Investigate policy violations and recommend appropriate corrective or disciplinary action
• Manage staffing levels, approve leave requests, and ensure district coverage
• Participate in strategic planning, resource allocation, and departmental budget development
• Foster a positive, safety-focused work culture that emphasizes teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Engage in public education, community risk reduction, and interagency cooperation
• Perform other duties as assigned in alignment with the department’s mission and strategic priorities

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive understanding of fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials operations, and EMS
• Thorough knowledge of fire codes, NFPA standards, and emergency operations best practices
• Effective leadership and team management in high-pressure environments
• Skilled in incident command, personnel supervision, strategic planning, and resource management
• Proficiency with fire service software, communication systems, and reporting platforms
• Ability to maintain professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Commitment to professional development, ethical leadership, and operational excellence

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of continuous, full-time paid experience in a career municipal, county, or state fire department
• 10 years of structural firefighting experience
• Minimum of two (2) years as a pumper and aerial apparatus driver/operator
• Minimum of three (3) years as a Fire Captain or higher rank in an operational fire company
• Minimum of three (3) years as a lead instructor teaching fire-related topics
• Demonstrated experience in increasing leadership responsibility and supporting organizational goals
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (or equivalent combination of education and experience)

• CCFD Company Officer Academy or must complete within 180 days of hire.

• Valid Georgia Class F Driver’s License (or equivalent)
• Georgia Certified Firefighter (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)
• Georgia Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B) license (or National Registry EMT-B with ability to obtain GA license reciprocity within 30 days)
• Required Certifications (NPQ or IFSAC):

1. Firefighter 1 and 2
2. Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations
3. Fire Instructor 1
4. Apparatus Driver/Operator – Pumper and Aerial
5. Fire Officer 4
6. Incident Safety Officer

• GFSTC NPQ Evaluator
• NIMS ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800 (current versions)

Preferred Qualifications

• Georgia EMT-Paramedic License or National Registry EMTP with ability to obtain GA license within 30 days)
• NFA Executive Fire Officer (EFO)
• NFA Managing Officer (MO)  
• CPSE Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation
• CPSE Fire Officer (FO) designation
• Master’s degree in Fire Administration, Public Administration, Emergency Management, or related field
• Experience serving on an Incident Management Team or in a regional command structure
• Familiarity with CFAI/CPSE accreditation standards and strategic planning models
• Prior experience in budgeting, policy development, or performance management systems
• Georgia Certified Fire Investigator
• Georgia Certified Fire Inspector

Lateral Hire Requirements

• Must have successfully completed a career fire academy with a minimum of 800 training hours.
• Submit a complete application along with all required documentation to verify eligibility.
• Successfully obtain Georgia-licensed Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) licensure reciprocity within 30 days of hire.

• Successfully obtain GeorgiaFirefightercertification within 30 days of hire.
• Successfully complete the CCFD Company Officer Academy within 180 days of hire.

• Successful completion of the CCFD lateral academy.
• Successfully pass in a final interview conducted by the Fire Chief.
• One-year probationary period.

Eligibility and Pre-employment Requirements

• U.S. Citizen, at least 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED
• Meet all certification and licensing requirements for the position
• Successfully complete the following evaluations:
  • Written examination
  • Candidate physical agility test
  • Interview process
  • NFPA 1582 medical evaluation and fitness assessment
  • Drug screening
  • Background, criminal, and motor vehicle history review
  • Successful completion of the CCFD District Chief Assessment Center

Other Qualifications

Why Join the Chatham County Fire Department?

• Directly lead and shape operations across an entire fire district
• Contribute to a department committed to service excellence, innovation, and professional growth
• Competitive salary and full benefits package
• Collaborative and supportive command structure
• Opportunity to advance department-wide initiatives and public safety goals

Apply Now

If you're ready to lead from the front, empower future leaders, and elevate fire service delivery in one of Georgia’s premier fire departments—apply now to become a District Chief with Chatham County Fire Department.

To Apply: https://jobs.chathamcounty.org

For questions or more information, please contact Chatham County Fire Department administrative office at (912) 219-0420.

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