The Town of Bethlehem, located in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, seeks a qualified individual to serve as its next full-time Fire Chief. Working under the general direction of the Board of Selectmen, the Fire Chief is responsible for supervising, directing, and managing all aspects of the Fire Department and Ambulance Service. The Chief oversees all personnel in the department, which is made up of roughly 30 on-call firefighters and emergency medical technicians, including training and equipping. The Fire Chief oversees fleet management for the vehicles, equipment, and apparatus of the department, which currently includes: an ambulance, two engines.

This “working chief” plays a critical role in responding to the community’s 500 + annual fire and medical calls. The Fire Chief also conducts routine inspections, sits on the regional mutual aid committee, and serves as the emergency manager.

This chief will have the opportunity to work on the design of a new fire station and address potential regionalization of services, including pursuing grant funds.

Desired skills in the next Chief include excellent knowledge of firefighting, EMS, and rescue in varied environments and terrain, including fire ground management, incident command, and mutual aid. Thorough knowledge of all applicable laws, codes and standards is expected. Ability to establish and maintain effective and positive relations with all personnel in the department, public officials and the public is critical. Ability to function as a team leader and a team player, as appropriate, is needed. Experience with budgeting, building collaborative interagency relationships, effective oral/written communications, grant seeking/writing are needed.

Requirements: Valid driver’s license, Firefighter Level I & II, Fire Officer I, EMT-A and at least 5 years (full-time or equivalent) experience in a high-level supervisory position in Fire and/or EMS.

Preferred: Firefighter III, Fire Officer II, Fire Inspector I, CDL-B, Paramedic; College degree in fire science, safety, public administration, or a closely related field; and ten years of increasing responsibility in a fire or emergency medical service position. Additional training and certification in the field of fire, EMS, and emergency management are welcomed. Equivalent combination of skills and experience may be considered.

Salary range for this position is $70,000 to $80,000 and includes a competitive benefit package. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and (3) references to Town Administrator, Mary Moritz, at admin@bethlehemnh.org. Review of applications will begin on October 28.

Equal Opportunity Employer.