Deputy Fire Chief

Salary : $57,518.00 - $89,153.00 Annually
Location : Town of North Topsail Beach, NC
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2025-00013
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 10/01/2026

Distinguishing Characteristics of the Class
An employee in this class performs responsible fire administration, suppression, inspections, fire investigations, and public safety activities, including operating fire and rescue apparatus. An employee in this class shall perform supervisory work in directing the activities of the Town's fire department. An employee in this class supervises the 24-hour operations of fire suppression personnel and operations at the fire station and is subject to the call-back response. The employee coordinates departmental training, compiles various information and prepares reports, assists the Chief with research for budget preparation and other administrative matters, and participates in the operation of fire and rescue apparatus and equipment and facilities maintenance. The employee also conducts fire code enforcement inspections within the Town and origin and cause fire investigations and assists with the Town's safety programs. Work requires the employee to stay abreast of the state-of-the-art fire suppression procedures, techniques, and equipment and to incorporate the necessary changes into in-service training. The ability to make effective decisions under pressure is essential for all aspects of work, particularly in commanding an emergency incident response to ensure the proper operation and safety of the event. The employee is subject to the hazards associated with firefighting and rescue work, including working inside an outside environment, in extreme hot and cold temperatures, loud noise, vibration, moving parts, high heat, chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, gases, poor ventilation, oils, wearing respirators and breathing apparatus, and working in close quarters. The employee is also subject to the final OSHA standards on blood-borne pathogens. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Fire Chief and is evaluated through observation, conferences, and written reports concerning the quality and effectiveness of work completed.

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Respond to alarms and participate in firefighting operations; respond and participate in remediation activities of chemical spills, hazardous materials, and other related incidents; takes command of incident scenes in the absence of the Fire Chief.
• Conducts fire prevention inspections to enforce North Carolina Fire Code; communicates remedial needs to the owners and occupants of buildings and facilities within the jurisdictional authority of the North Carolina Fire Code.
• Inspects stations and equipment for proper appearance and condition; ensure that all repairs and maintenance are performed as needed; Supervise and ensure the fire department is operationally ready at all times and records are maintained in every aspect to function as required and also be prepared for any inspections by the appropriate agencies.
• Conducts investigations on all fires for origin and cause where an injury, death, or damage to tangible property has occurred. In incendiary fires, shall direct the fire investigation, work with local, state, and federal law enforcement officials and assist them in case preparation for the appropriate authority.
• Collects, compiles, and prepares various data, statistics, and information concerning departmental activities for reporting to management, the state, and other agencies; assists the Chief with research for budget preparation and other administrative tasks.
• Manage Town safety programs, including accident investigations, safety inspections, coordination of safety training, and related programs.
• Assist with selecting career staff. Serves in the absence of the Fire Chief.

Additional Job Duties

• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of Fire Suppression, Fire Prevention, Fire Inspection, and Fire Investigation.
• Thorough knowledge of the Town's Personnel Policy and Departmental Policies.
• Thorough knowledge of the Town's streets and layout.
• Comprehensive knowledge of fire apparatus, equipment, maintenance, and testing.
• Working knowledge of hazardous materials recognition and approach.
• Working knowledge of the department's computer systems, software applications, and skills in their use.
• Working knowledge of emergency services in Onslow County and Pender County.
• Working knowledge of supervisory principles and practices, purchasing, and personnel procedures of the Town.
• Ability to operate all departmental apparatus and equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, Town staff, and public members.
• Ability to make sound judgments in emergencies.

Physical Requirements

• Must perform the essential life functions of climbing physically, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform heavy work, occasionally exerting up to 100 pounds of force, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Must possess visual acuity to size up the color, volume, and extent of fire involvement at fire scenes, operate heavy fire apparatus in emergencies, and prepare records and reports.

Desirable Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school with supplemental education by completing courses and seminars in the fire service and fire code enforcement and extensive experience in the fire service, fire service management, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid North Carolina Class B driver's license.
• Possession of a Standard Level II Fire Inspection Certificate
• Possession of a North Carolina Firefighter II Certification.
• Possession of a North Carolina Fire Arson investigator's Certification
• Possession of a North Carolina EMT-B Certification
• Possession of a Fire Instructor Level II Certification

• 401(k) - 3% employer contribution
• Participation in the Local Government Employee's Retirement Plan - 14.48% employer contribution
• 100% employer paid health, dental, and vision insurance per employee as well as short-term disability
  • Options to add dependents for additional deductions
• Employer paid life insurance policy for $50,000
  • Option to add additional coverage for additional deductions
• Telehealth services
• Additional voluntary benefits through Colonial including: Extended Short-Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness and Cancer
• 15 employer paid holidays and 2 floating holidays
• Employer paid sick and vacation leave
• Annual longevity
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
  • $1,500 per employee each fiscal year to be used to assist employee and dependents
• Free beach parking for up to two (2) vehicles