Fire Chief

Fire Chief

This position is a unique opportunity to lead a progressive and growing fire rescue organization that plays a critical role in protecting the lives, property, and well-being of the Clay County community. Clay County Fire Rescue is committed to delivering exceptional emergency services while strategically expanding its operational capabilities, workforce, and infrastructure to meet the demands of one of Florida's fastest-growing counties.

Clay County Fire Rescue has a long-standing history of community engagement and collaboration, built on trust, visibility, and consistent service. The next Chief will build upon this strong foundation, leading with a practical, forward-looking approach, one that values people while maintaining high standards, and supporting organizational growth. The Fire Chief serves as the senior administrator and operational commander of Clay County Fire Rescue and is responsible for organizational leadership, strategic planning, operational oversight, fiscal management, labor relations, and community engagement. The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated experience leading complex and growing organizations as well as navigating the public sector environment.

This is a highly responsible executive leadership position with the Public Safety Department, serving as the senior administrator and operational commander of Clay County Fire Rescue. The Fire Chief provides strategic direction, executive oversight, and command leadership for all fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, and disaster operations throughout Clay County. The Fire Chief directly supervises Division Chiefs and senior command staff and is responsible for ensuring effective emergency response, organizational readiness, fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, and alignment with the strategic priorities of the Board of County Commissioners and County Manager. The position requires 24-hour availability and executive-level decision-making during routine operations and declared emergencies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Executive Leadership and Strategic Planning
• Operational Command and Emergency Management
• Emergency Medical Services Oversight
• Fiscal and Resource Management
• Personnel Leadership and Organizational Development
• Community Risk Reduction and Public Engagement
• Policy, Compliance, and Administration

Minimum Requirements

• Valid Florida Driver's License with an acceptable driving record, or the ability to obtain a Florida Driver's License within six months of hire.
• Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, Emergency Management, or related field required.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in fire suppression, prevention, and EMS operations.
• Five (5) years of command-level leadership experience within a multi-station fire department.
• Current State of Florida Firefighter Certification, or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• Current State of Florida Fire Officer Certification, or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• Current Florida EMT or Paramedic Certification, or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• Ability to successfully pass a Level II Background Screening.
• 24-hour on-call availability required.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of operational characteristics of a comprehensive all-hazards fire rescue and EMS organization. Knowledge of modern fire suppression, prevention, emergency medical response, disaster management, and community risk reduction principles. Knowledge of public sector budgeting and capital improvement planning. Knowledge of NFPA standards, Florida Statutes Chapter 633, OSHA regulations, and EMS regulatory requirements. Knowledge of principles of executive leadership, organizational development, and labor relations. Provide decisive leadership in high-stress emergency environments. Supervise and evaluate executive-level staff. Develop and administer complex budgets. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, staff, partner agencies, and the public. Plan and organize work to meet strict timelines and operational demands.

Working Environment and Physical Demands

Meet the physical demands and requirements set out by Florida Statutes 633.34 and NFPA 1582. Some Sedentary work Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, or pull otherwise move objects, including the human body. Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds with no less than a 40 db loss @ 55 HZ, 1,000 HZ and 2,000 HZ with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when making fine adjustments on machined parts. Work includes both office and field environments. Position may require exposure to extreme temperatures, hazardous conditions, smoke, chemicals, noise, and emergency scenes. Physical activities may include standing, walking, lifting, bending, kneeling, reaching, climbing, operating emergency equipment, and performing duties necessary to supervise emergency operations. May risk exposure to extreme temperatures, strong odors, toxic agents or chemicals, smoke, humidity, electrical current, noises extremes, etc.