Position: Fire Chief
Department: Wellsville Fire District
Location: Wellsville, KS
Reports To: Wellsville Fire District Board

Position Summary:

The Fire Chief serves as the highest-ranking officer responsible for overseeing all aspects of department operations in a volunteer agency. While the Fire Chief carries ultimate responsibility for everything that occurs within the department, governance is carried out by the body of officers. The Fire Chief must work collaboratively with this group, providing strong guidance and leadership to ensure informed decision-making that serves the best interests of the department, personnel, and community. The successful chief must have strategic vision, extensive firefighting experience, and a dedication to mentoring officers and firefighters to ensure effective emergency response, departmental administration, and public safety initiatives. This position requires proven leadership and excellent communication skills and commitment to department officers and personnel. The Fire Chief also serves as the department’s primary representative in public relations efforts and inter-agency communications. This role requires an individual who can balance responsibility and collaborative decision-making and lead with integrity.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Mentoring:

    * Provide strategic leadership and direction for department operations and personnel.

    * Mentor and guide officers and firefighters, fostering professional development and teamwork.

    * Lead department meetings, promote morale, and ensure adherence to policies and procedures.

    * Lead by example in a community-oriented volunteer organization.

    * Guide and advise the body of officers to make sound decisions in alignment with department goals and safety standards.

    * Oversee all disciplinary matters in a fair manner according to the department's guidelines.

Firefighting & Emergency Response:

    * Oversee emergency response operations, ensuring timely, effective, and safe firefighting efforts.

    * Maintain and enforce Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG).

    * Promote prevention strategies and community outreach programs.

    * Direct, develop, and implement firefighting protocols and best practices.

Budgeting & Financial Management:

    * Prepare, propose, and manage the department’s budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation.

    * Oversee grant applications and financial planning for department sustainability.

    * Ensure proper management of department expenses and financial reporting.

Maintenance:

    * Oversee apparatus and equipment maintenance and scheduling.

    * Coordinate building maintenance and upkeep of the station.

Training & Scheduling:

    * Develop and manage comprehensive training programs for firefighters and officers.

    * Establish training schedules that ensure competency in firefighting techniques, emergency medical services, and rescue operations.

Reporting and Outside Meetings:

    * Ensure all field reports are written and entered properly and submitted in a timely manner.

    * Submit reports to the board and other entities as required.

    * Follow the state reporting guidelines.

    * Attend and participate in Fire Board and County Chief’s meetings, as well as other agency meetings as required.

Public Relations & Community Engagement:

    * Represent the department in public relations efforts, fostering strong relationships with the community.

    * Organize fire prevention programs, educational events, and safety demonstrations.

    * Collaborate with local government officials, community organizations, and schools.

Interdepartmental & Agency Communications:

    * Serve as the department’s liaison with local, state, and federal emergency agencies.

    * Coordinate with law enforcement, emergency medical services, neighboring fire departments, and other city and county officials.

    * Maintain open communication with city officials, community leaders, and department personnel.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience:

    * Extensive experience in firefighting and emergency response (minimum 15 years).

    * Demonstrated leadership skills, with experience mentoring and managing fire and rescue personnel.

    * Strong knowledge of fire safety regulations, incident command systems, and firefighting equipment.

    * Budget management and financial oversight experience.

    * Excellent public relations, communication, and organizational skills.

    * Ability to work effectively under pressure in emergency situations.

    * Completed Firefighter I, Firefighter II and EMT certifications.

This role is crucial in ensuring the safety and trust of the community while maintaining a strong, well-trained, and motivated volunteer fire department.

To apply for this position, send a letter of interest and current resume to applications@wellsvillefiredistrict.org.  The application period will end on June 30, 2025.