Position Announcement: Fire Chief

Position Announcement: Upper Darby Township Fire Chief

About Upper Darby Township Fire Department
Upper Darby Township Fire Department has the responsibility of protecting a population which numbers approximately 81,777 residents within a large municipality of approximately 7.62 square miles. It currently consists of five (5) stations: Garrettford Drexel Hill Fire, Highliand Park Fire, Upper Darby Fire, Cardington-Stonehurst Fire, and Primos Secane Westbrook Park Fire. The fire department is a combination department which includes approximately 44 Career Fire Fighters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Fire Chief is responsible for fire prevention and oversees the enforcement of all fire code activities in the Township. Enforces all laws and ordinances pertaining to such activities.

  • Plan, organize, and administer a program of fire prevention and public safety in accordance with approved policies and directives.
  • Review and evaluate all work performed by firefighting forces and other departmental personnel in accordance with Township human resources policy and procedure.
  • Supervise and direct all Township fire departments including all firefighting and administrative personnel.
  • Serve as, and/or designate as needed, the incident commander of the fire/rescue operations when at the scene of any incident occurring in the Township and work with the District Chiefs at the scene of any incident.
  • Oversees and coordinates training programs for all firefighting personnel.

Desired Skills and Abilities:

  • Must have the ability to communicate both verbally and in writing with the public in a courteous and professional manner; prepare reports and correspondence.
  • Ability to pay close attention to detail and coordinate various activities simultaneously; must possess analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Knowledge of local, state, and national fire-related grant and other funding opportunities.

Qualifications:

  • Must possess a minimum of ten (10) years of firefighting experience and at least five (5) as a senior member in a fire department.
  • College degree required; advanced degree, preferred.
  • Must have general knowledge of recruiting/selection, training, financial, and supervisory skills needed to lead a combination response organization.
  • Must be knowledgeable in all areas of fire suppression.
  • Must be knowledgeable in rescue methods.
  • Must have acquired all necessary fire certifications to perform the duties of this position including: Fire Fighting, I and II, Fire Officer I, Fire Officer II, Fire Officer III, Incident Command
  • Hazardous material awareness.
  • SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus)
  • Rescue Training (Jaws of Life)
  • Must have knowledge of emergency response procedures, first aid, and CPR.
  • Must possess duly authorized current Commonwealth of Pennsylvania driver’s license.
  • Must have also attended the following: Driver Safety Program (EVOC), Pump Certification Class (Pump Operator), and Ladder Certification Class (Ladder Operator).

Physical Requirements:
This role must be able to pass a physical examination and perform physical functions associated within this role of Fire Chief. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at a time and sit at a desk for prolonged periods of time working at a computer.


To apply for this position, please email a resume and cover letter to jobs@upperdarby.org. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis.

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