DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF

Salary : $90,707.90 - $99,778.69 Annually Location : Saint George, SC, SC Job Type: FULL-TIME Job Number: 02495 Department: Fire Rescue Department Opening Date: 09/09/2026 Closing Date: 9/28/2026 5:00 PM Eastern Description

DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF

LEAD. SERVE. MAKE AN IMPACT.

Are you an experienced fire service professional ready to take your leadership to the next level? Dorchester County is seeking a Deputy Fire Chief to join its executive leadership team and help guide a growing, progressive fire and rescue organization. We're looking for a proven leader with experience in:

• Fire Service Operations
• Personnel Management & Leadership
• Budget & Fiscal Management
• Strategic Planning
• Employee Development
• Organizational Leadership

The ideal candidate should have at least an Associate's degree and eight years of supervisory experience and can lead with integrity, accountability, sound judgment, strong communication, and a commitment to excellence. This is an opportunity to lead by example, develop future leaders, strengthen accountability, manage public resources, and work collaboratively with the Fire Chief and command staff.

****WHY DORCHESTER COUNTY?

Located just 25 miles from Charleston, Dorchester County offers the best of both world-modern amenities and small-town charm. Enjoy excellent schools, modern libraries, affordable housing, quality healthcare, low cost of living, and the warmth of true Southern hospitality. With scenic beauty, vibrant communities, and a high quality of life, Dorchester County is a great place to live, work, serve, and grow. Your leadership. Your community. Your impact.

LETTER OF INTEREST

The Letter of Interest should briefly explain why the candidate is interested in joining Dorchester County Fire Rescue, their leadership philosophy, relevant executive-level experience, and how they can contribute to the department's continued growth and future direction.

SELECTION PROCESS

Qualified candidates may participate in a formal selection process evaluating leadership, communication, personnel management, fiscal responsibility, strategic thinking, decision-making, and executive-level readiness. READY TO ANSWER THE CALL? Apply today and make a lasting impact!

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 9/28/2026

Submit a completed application at this site. A Resume will not take the place of your application. Submit Letter of Interest and Résumé to: Chief Tres Atkinson 101 Ridge St., St. George, SC 29477 Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Supervises the daily operation and functions of the department and oversees workload and schedules of assigned full-time / part-time employees and temporary staff as well as volunteers. Oversees the operations of the Fire Department in the absence of the Fire Chief.
• Evaluates and prepares work schedules; ensures any related legal requirements are met; assists with the preparation of cost estimates and departmental budgets; and provides oversight and maintenance planning of equipment and facilities.
• Oversees the hiring process and new hire testing for department.
• Supervises assigned staff. Supervisory duties include instructing; assigning, reviewing and planning work of others; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; selecting new employees; acting on employee problems; recommending and approving employee discipline; and recommending discharge as appropriate.
• Reviews the work of assigned staff for completeness and accuracy; offers training, advice and assistance as needed.
• Periodically reviews and evaluates state and federal laws/requirements; ensures departmental compliance and implements changes.
• Manages department computer/software and communication equipment functions.
• Reviews current operations to modify procedures, standards and quality control.
• Responds to emergencies, inquiries and complaints from citizens, advocacy groups, government entities, media, etc.
• May inform general public of crisis conditions, emergency response, life and death situations, on-scene updates, etc., through press releases; performs interviews with television, radio and print media in the absence of the Fire Chief.
• Receives, reviews, prepares and submits various records and reports including invoices, purchase orders, budget documents, cost spreadsheets, maps, training material, memos, etc.
• Administers department related grants from the application process through award management
• Plans, coordinates and conducts test and trial emergencies to prepare staff and volunteers in crisis conditions.
• Ensures appropriate certifications and paperwork are processed for staff and works effectively and efficiently; meets necessary staffing requirements, guidelines, expectations and goals of the department and state.
• Manages Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Insurance Services office (ISO).
• Plans strategy for the future regarding apparatus, personnel, buildings, and equipment for the department.
• Performs semi-annual/annual assessments of all Shift Captains; determines changes needed; develops plans for implementation; delegates to appropriate personnel; and provides oversight to ensure proper execution.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Requires an Associate's degree, vocational technical degree or specialized training that is equivalent to satisfactory completion of two years of college education.
• Eight years as a supervisor.

Additional Requirements Special Qualifications, Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.
• Must have National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Firefighter II; and National Incident Management System (NIMS-ICS) Incident Command training or equivalent including.
• Incident Command System (ICS) 300 and 400 as well as IS 700 and 800.
• Must have Fire Instructor I and Fire Officer I minimum or equivalent and other education as deemed necessary.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment): Work is performed regularly making decisions that could lead to major community or organizational consequences upon failure to make the appropriate decision at the time. Dorchester County has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment. Position Type and Expected Hours of Work This is a full-time position; typical work 40 hours per week Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Some flexibility in hours is allowed, but employees must be available during the "core" work hours of 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and must work 40 hours each week to maintain full-time status. Must be available to work holidays and weekends during emergencies. This is a safety sensitive position and employees holding this position have the responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. This position is subject to random drug testing. E.O.E. Dorchester County does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability or military service in employment or the provision of services. For more information on Dorchester County Government please view the information below: Benefits for County Employees County Employees may be eligible for a variety of State benefits associated with their employment. From a comprehensive health and dental insurance program, to generous annual and sick leave policies, to a solid and secure retirement system. Healthcare Benefits (Full-time employees) Dorchester County is a part of the State Benefits Program. The State program offers its employees a comprehensive health and dental program, along with a wide array of supplemental insurance programs. South Carolina has long been committed to providing its employees the best possible insurance benefits at the greatest possible value. We've maintained that commitment, too, even in the face of healthcare costs that continue to soar. You may refer to the link for more information. Retirement Benefits In addition to our health and dental insurance programs, all county employees are a part of the South Carolina Retirement System. These programs are designed to help provide county employees secure retirement alternatives that will best meet their needs. You may refer to the link for more information. Workplace Benefits In addition, county employees may be eligible for other benefits, such as holidays, annual leave, and sick leave. Note: The above benefits are available to most county employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or none of these benefits based on the benefits associated with each position. For these positions, please contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available for the particular position. 01 The following Supplemental Questions are specific to the position for which you have applied to assist the hiring manager in screening applications for specific experience being sought. Please be specific in answering these questions as they will be used to evaluate which applications will be given further consideration in the process. Do not answer "see resume" or "see application" as these are not valid answers or copy and paste the same answers. Please note that if you are invited to be interviewed by the department, your responses to the following questions may be subject to verification. I understand and will answer the following supplemental questions completely and thoroughly. Yes No 02 Do you have at a minimum an Associate degree, vocational technical degree or specialized training that is equivalent to satisfactory completion of two years of college education? Yes No 03 Do you have at least eight (8) years of supervisory experience? Yes No 04 Do you possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history? Yes No 05 Do you have National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Firefighter II; and National Incident Management System (NIMS-ICS) Incident Command training or equivalent? Please upload a copy of certificates. Yes No 06 Have you completed the Incident Command System (ICS) 300 and 400 as well as IS 700 and 800? Please upload a copy of certificate. Yes No 07 Describe your supervisory experience to include, assignments, and number of staff supervised. 08 This position requires a Fire Instructor 1 and Fire Officer I minimum or equivalent and other education as deemed necessary. Are you able to satisfy this requirement? Yes No Required Question Dorchester County, SC