Town of Kittery - Fire Chief

Start Date: July 07, 2025 | End Date: September 07, 2025
County: York County
Job Type: Public Safety - Fire
More Information: Click here

The Town of Kittery is hiring a full-time Fire Chief.  The salary range for this salaried-exempt non-union position is $105,000 to $125,000 annually.  This position is eligible for medical, prescription, dental, life insurance, short-term disability, and MainePERS Plan 3C retirement benefits. 

Other Benefits of Working for the Kittery Fire Department

• Full-time Fire Department
• Staff:  2 Captains, 2 Lieutenants, 8 Full-Time Firefighters
• Staff work 24-hour shifts (1-2-1-4)
• Annual Budget of $1.312 Million

The purpose of this position is to provide and maintain a well-trained, equipped department enabling the department to protect the lives and property of the citizens of Kittery against fire and other emergency situations. This position reports to the Town Manager. Duties include, but are not limited to: responding to emergency calls; supervising fire captains, lieutenants, and firefighters; planning and coordinating administrative and technical functions of fire prevention service (including motor vehicles and small water craft); maintaining incident reports, workers’ compensation records, maintenance logs and records, and insurance reports; providing for the upkeep of firefighting and rescue equipment; and performing additional tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required, associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or related field preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive firefighting experience, including at least 5 years as a Fire Lieutenant or equivalent supervisory role;
• Certified Firefighter II;
• Certified Fire Officer II;
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Supervises and evaluates assigned staff; manages firefighter concerns; directs work assignments, employs/counsels/disciplines firefighter, when necessary; provides supervision of departmental firefighter training and development;
• Direct and supervise firefighting, rescue, hazardous materials, and emergency medical operations;
• Enforces fire department rules and regulations; plans and organizes firefighting and prevention activities; develops improved fire protection methods; develops department operations, dispatching and training regulations;
• Enters into mutual aid agreements with other departments; informs other department officers of mutual aid agreements; and ensures Town is properly protected before employees or equipment are sent out of town;
• Prepares various reports, documents and logs to maintain files; evaluates emergency situations;
• Insures proper use and maintenance of firefighting and emergency clothing, equipment and vehicles;
• Attends Seacoast Chief Fire Officers Mutual Aid district meetings, meeting involving development, emergency management, Town Council and other meetings as needed;
• Prepares annual budget request, annual capital improvement program, and is responsible for fund allocation;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Essential Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of principals, practices and methods of effective fire prevention, administration, organization and operations; knowledge of federal, state and local laws, codes and ordinances;
• Able to make sound judgments, assess situations, report on those situations, and react calmly under hostile conditions;
• Must be proficient in the use of computer-based reporting;
• Ability to utilize mathematical formulas, and to understand a variety of professional, technical and administrative documentation, directions, regulations, instructions, methods and procedures;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, other agencies, elected officials, and the general public;
• Ability to produce reports that are accurate and complete.

Physical Requirements

The physical abilities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be physically able to operate a variety of emergency management equipment and vehicles, including lifting up to one hundred (100) pounds;
• Must be physically able to endure prolonged standing and visual concentration, stooping/ kneeling; crouching/crawling; climbing; and balancing;
• Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines and equipment, including, but not limited to: computer, facsimile machine, copier, and telephone;
• Must be able to move or carry job-related objects or materials.

To complete an application, please visit www.kitteryme.gov/employment and submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references to:

Town of Kittery

Attn: Human Resources

200 Rogers Road, Kittery, ME 03904

[email protected]

Accepting application packets until position is filled.

The Town of Kittery is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to excellence through diversity in its staff.  We strongly encourage all qualified individuals to apply.