Job Announcement:

Fire Chief/District Administrator-Hopkins Hill Fire District / Fire Chief-Central Coventry Fire District

Coventry, Rhode Island

 

District Profile:

Coventry, Rhode Island, is a town located in the western part of Kent County with a population of 36,000. It is known for its blend of rural landscapes and suburban communities. Spanning over 64 square miles, Coventry is one of the largest towns in the state in terms of land area. It is characterized by wooded areas, small lakes, and historic villages, giving it a distinct New England charm.

The town’s history dates back to the 18th century, and it still retains some of its early American character, with historic homes, mills, and landmarks like the Nathanael Greene Homestead. Greene, a Revolutionary War general, was a notable figure from Coventry. Many of the town’s villages, such as Greene, Washington, and Anthony, reflect its industrial past, particularly in textile manufacturing.

Coventry has a strong sense of community, there are plenty of lakes and rivers that offer boating, kayaking, fishing and recreational spaces like the Coventry Greenway, a popular trail for biking and walking. The town’s geography is diverse, from more developed areas in the east near the border with West Warwick to the forested and rural west.

Modern-day Coventry offers a peaceful suburban lifestyle with access to nature, yet it’s within driving distance of Providence and other parts of Rhode Island, making it convenient for commuters.

The Town of Coventry consist of 4 fire districts providing an all-hazards approach to public safety.

The Hopkins Hill Fire District and the Central Coventry Fire District cover an area of 27 square miles with a population of 24,000.00. Both fire districts provide 24/7 service with a combined of 8 personnel on-duty represented by IAFF Local 4824 and 3372. In 2023 Total Incident responses were approximately 5000.

**Reports To:** Board of Fire Commissioners  

**Job Summary:**

The Fire Chief/District Administrator is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and administration of both the Hopkins Hill Fire District and Central Coventry Fire District. The Chief will oversee daily fire department operations, personnel management, budgeting, emergency response, training, and public safety efforts. The Fire Chief serves as the top fire officer and district administrator, ensuring the efficient delivery of fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue operations, and fire prevention education to the community.

**Operational Leadership:**

• Direct all fire department operations, including fire suppression, emergency medical services (EMS), technical rescue, and hazardous materials response.
• Establish and enforce policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and guidelines that align with district and regulatory standards.
• Lead incident command during significant emergency responses, ensuring the safety and well-being of personnel and the community.
• Manage the district’s fleet, facilities, and equipment, ensuring all are maintained in excellent condition and readiness for response.
• Coordinate with mutual aid agencies and neighboring districts for collaborative response to large-scale emergencies.

 

**Human Resources (HR) Management:**

• - Oversee all aspects of personnel management, including recruitment, training, promotion, and discipline of fire district staff.
• - Ensure compliance with state and federal labor laws, collective bargaining agreements, and internal policies.
• - Foster a positive and professional workplace culture that promotes teamwork, accountability, and employee well-being.
• - Develop and implement effective training programs that ensure readiness, skills development, and certifications for all personnel.
• - Manage performance evaluations, conflict resolution, and employee development strategies to enhance department effectiveness.

 

**Administration and Budgeting:**

• - Develop and manage the annual budget for both fire districts, including forecasting expenses for personnel, operations, equipment, and capital projects.
• - Oversee procurement, contracts, and financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.
• - Identify and pursue grant opportunities and alternative funding sources to support district initiatives.
• - Maintain accurate records and reports on departmental activities, incidents, inspections, and personnel performance.
• - Experience working with ADP Payroll Workforce Now (HHFD)
• - Serve as a liaison between the fire districts and the Board of Fire Commissioners, presenting regular reports on department performance, budgeting, and strategic initiatives.

 

**Public Relations & Community Engagement:**

• - Serve as the primary representative of the fire districts to the public, media, and local government officials.
• - Ensure effective communication and outreach efforts to educate the community on fire safety, emergency preparedness, and public health initiatives.
• - Attend community events, public meetings, and engage with residents to build strong relationships and trust between the fire district and the community it serves.

 

**Emergency Planning and Preparedness:**

• - Lead the development and maintenance of emergency response plans, disaster preparedness, and risk management strategies.
• - Collaborate with local, state, and federal emergency management agencies to ensure coordinated disaster response and recovery efforts.
• - Stay informed on current firefighting technologies, safety protocols, and emergency response trends to ensure continuous improvement in district operations.

 

**Qualifications:**

• - Education: Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Emergency Management, or related field.
• - Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible fire service experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role (Captain, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, or Fire Chief).
• - Certifications: Must hold Rhode Island Firefighter I/II Pro Board Certification, NFPA 1021 Fire Officer I, Incident Command certifications (ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 800), and EMT certification Basic (higher certification preferred EMT Cardiac or EMT Paramedic.
• - Leadership: Proven leadership experience in managing personnel, operations, and financial aspects of a fire department or district.
• - Skills: Strong decision-making, interpersonal, and communication skills. Ability to work under pressure during emergencies and make quick, effective decisions.
• - Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.

**Compensation:**

Competitive salary and full benefits package commensurate with experience.

 

**Application Process:**

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to the District Clerk Daniel Kaplin, 240 Arnold Road, Coventry, R.I. 02816 by Thursday, November 14, 2024, 4PM. 

Please direct questions regarding this position to fbrown@hopkinshillfd.com