The City of Keene, New Hampshire is accepting applications for a Deputy Fire Chief to assist the Fire Chief and the other Deputy Fire Chief in leading their highly-trained and dedicated team of professionals into the future!

Position Summary

The Deputy Fire Chief directs, manages, and supervises a division of the Fire Department, its assigned resources, and staff, overseeing day-to-day operations and administration, sharing senior management responsibility with the Fire Chief, and the other Deputy Fire Chief to plan and deploy resources to meet community needs.

The City of Keene Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief serves as a member of the Fire Department’s senior executive team. The Deputy Fire Chief aids the Fire Chief in providing leadership to the Fire Department staff and helps the Fire Chief define, establish, and attain overall goals and objectives of the Department. The Deputy Fire Chief is responsible for the day-to-day operations of their assigned area and performs complex, technical, and analytical work involving budgeting, planning, and program evaluation. 

The Deputy Fire Chief is responsible for engaging in community-based problem-solving strategies, working with other senior City officials regularly. The Deputy Fire Chief may be assigned to any of the Department’s organizational branches, divisions, or programs. Examples of duties include: developing priorities and strategic implementation for new and existing activities of the Fire Department, representing the Fire Department and City of Keene in public forums, news media, and with government agencies, fostering cooperation and support, overseeing technical operations of the Fire Department and maintaining compliance systems for legal and financial components, making recommendations to the Fire Chief regarding current and future operations of the Department, managing personnel performance, labor relations, and policies of the Department and establishing and monitoring progress of short- and long-range plans , support efficient and effective department operations and life safety and community objectives.  When resource demands require, this position is also responsible for responding to emergency medical, fire, accident, or technical rescue service calls.

Our ideal candidate will not only have the technical aptitude required for this position, but will also:

            Be forward thinking, welcoming of challenges and hard work.

            Be collaborative, empathetic, and approachable.

            Bring a passion for excellence in service delivery.

            Prioritize organizational culture and accountability.

            Serve as an advocate for Fire Department staff in decision making and prioritization.

 

About the Department

The Keene Fire Department holds a rich history, predating 1808 when 42 prominent area citizens united as the original members of the fire society, calling themselves “Subscribers for an Engine”.  The title “Keene Fire Department” was later adopted in April of 1856, and when the town became a city in 1874, the fire department was turned over to the city government.

Today, the department is a progressive full-service Fire Department, averaging 5,200 emergency calls annually, including 3,200 EMS related to City and area communities. Team members provide Fire Suppression, Fire Prevention/Inspection, Emergency Medical Service, Technical Rescue Response, and Hazardous Material Response to the City of Keene and surrounding communities through the Southwestern New Hampshire District Fire Mutual Aid System. Members participate in extensive training programs for all technical rescue disciplines including trench, structural collapse and confined space. The department also provides fire prevention and inspection services along with several public education programs related to fire and EMS safety.

The Keene Fire Department operates out of two fire stations, the Central Station, built in 2012 and located on Vernon St., and Station Two located on Hastings Ave. in West Keene. They have a career staff of 49 uniformed personnel, 2 civilian employees and a call company.  Department services include advanced, RSI, paramedic level care (State of New Hampshire’s 2022 EMS service of the Year), a State Regional HM team that operates at the Technician Level, State Asset for Swift Water Response at Technician Level, and provides a substantial level of fire suppression mutual aid support to their surrounding region.  Response equipment includes 2 engines, 2 ladders, 1 tanker/engine, 1 heavy rescue, 4 ALS ambulances, 1 rescue boat, 1 technical rescue trailer, 2 hazmat trailers, 1 OHRV, and 3 command units.

About the City of Keene

A friendly and vibrant college town with over 23,000 residents, Keene is a vital part of this southern New Hampshire area. As the hub of Cheshire County, the Keene community places a high value on environmental sustainability, locally-sourced food and products, and historic preservation. You’ll find the best characteristics of small city living here, with a thriving downtown area which offers shopping, restaurants, the arts, farmer’s markets, a growing food co-op, festivals, events, and live theaters.  If you prefer to stay busy with outdoor recreation opportunities, there are many green areas, parks, ponds, and lakes in the area, as well as a vast trail system for biking, hiking, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.  With convenient access to Interstate 91, many popular ski areas are within close proximity as well. Keene is a welcoming area with something for everyone, including sports leagues for youth and adults (such as an adult softball league, rugby, and ice hockey).  We even have our very own collegiate baseball team, the Keene Swamp Bats, which we welcome to the area every summer!

The City offers a variety of public and private education opportunities for students in kindergarten – grade 12. We are also home to Keene State College, which is ranked by U.S News and World Report as a top regional college, as well as River Valley Community College, and a private graduate school, Antioch University of New England. Your healthcare needs will be covered by Cheshire Medical Center, which is part of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health system. Cheshire is the area’s largest health care provider and a leading employer, with numerous satellite locations.

The City offers a diverse economy which includes a spectrum of everything from family-owned companies to global industry leaders.  It is a great place to live, learn, work, and play for families and professionals!

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science, Emergency Services, Public Administration, or a related field required, with a Master’s degree and/or NFA certification preferred; supplemented by ten years of progressively responsible experience in fire suppression, prevention, EMS, and administrative work at the rank of Battalion Chief, Assistant Chief or Deputy Chief; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.   Additionally, candidates specifically should articulate experience in program management related to fire prevention, code compliance and collaboration with other code disciplines.    

IFSAC or Pro Board Certifications

Fire Officer III [Required] Fire Office IV [Preferred].

Fire Instructor II [Required].

Fire Inspector II [Preferred].

Incident Safety Officer [Required]

HazMat Incident Commander [Preferred]

National Registered EMT or higher, with ability to attain NH Providers License [Preferred]

Compensation and Benefits

The annual salary for this position is $96,708- $120,516, plus opportunities for an annual performance bonus of $2,000! Starting salary will be based on qualifications and prior experience. The Deputy Fire Chief will also receive an attractive benefits package which includes low-deductible/low-cost health insurance, low-cost dental insurance, State of NH Group II retirement, and other benefits such as life, disability, and paid time off!

Ready to apply?

Click the “Apply Now” link to start your application by visiting https://keenenh.gov/jobs.  As part of the application process, you are required to upload your resume and cover letter where indicated.

Applications will be accepted through Sunday, September 24, 2023, at midnight EST. Confirmation that your application has been received and information regarding the recruitment process will be sent via email. Be sure to check your email for status updates. Please check your spam or junk folders in the event the email did not deliver to your email inbox.

If you have questions regarding the position of Deputy Fire Chief or the application and selection process outlined herein, please contact humanresources@keenenh.gov or at (603) 357-9858.

 

Job Description: Deputy Fire Chief

 

The City of Keene is an Equal Opportunity Employer.