Fire Chief - Rural ALS(Paramedic) Dept

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Contact: Kelley Murphy
Phone: 864-895-4306
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The Glassy Mountain Fire Service Area (GMFSA) is seeking to hire a Fire Chief. Start date is negotiable. About the GMFSA: The GMFSA is nestled into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, comprising 52-square miles of northern Greenville County. The area is surrounded by several charming small towns which create a strong sense of community and access to nature, antiques, and local events, while still being close to larger cities like Greenville, Asheville, and Spartanburg. Landrum is noted for its walkable downtown, historic depot, unique shops (antiques), outdoor activities (Palmetto Trail), local markets, and low crime rate, making it attractive for retirees and families. The Department: The GMFSA is a special taxing district with an ISO Class 3/9 rating. It is a combination department comprised of five fire stations housing 22 pieces of apparatus. While historically known as “the dark corner,” our current fire chief and elected fire commissioners, with extensive executive experience, have created a modern, cutting-edge fire department which provides advanced level (Paramedic) medical coverage to our rural community. Approximately two-thirds of our annual call volume (800+) are medical in nature. Due to the terrain our team is prepared for diverse response environments. Leadership includes a Fire Chief, an Administrative Manager, three Battalion Chiefs, 9 full-time firefighters (EMT-B or Paramedic), approximately 25 part-time firefighters, and approximately 12 volunteers. The department will add three additional Firefighter/EMTs in 2026 through a SAFER grant. A volunteer, elected board of seven fire commissioners provide oversight, approve an annual budget, assist with communication for public relations, and provide, along, with the Fire Chief long term strategic planning. The Position: The Fire Chief is the executive leader of the GMFSA and oversees all daily operations. The Fire Chief works closely with the fire commission to provide overall departmental strategy, operations, and personnel management. Job Summary: Plans, organizes and directs fire prevention, fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous material incidents, disaster planning, regulatory compliance, facility maintenance, equipment management, community relations, loss prevention (safety, workers’ compensation, liability, etc.), positive employee/volunteer relations, and training activities; and performs all other related duties as required. Education and Experience Requirements: Ten or more years of progressively responsible related experience, and possesses the combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. License and/or Certifications: In accordance with state laws. Eligibility to be certified as a Firefighter in South Carolina. National Registry and South Carolina certification as a Paramedic or eligible (both are required in South Carolina to practice). Certification as a fire service and EMS instructor. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements: Thorough knowledge of fire department activities and services, including modern fire suppression techniques, fire prevention, emergency medical services, all applicable fire and life safety codes, hazardous incident mitigation techniques, recordkeeping, and department administration. Competently provide in-service training for EMS providers at all levels, serve as the agency's Ryan White and Infection Control Officer, and serve as the agency's EMS Director in accordance with the South Carolina Department of Health, EMS Division. Compensation & Benefits: Salary negotiable. The GMFSA offers competitive executive compensation and benefits pack commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include participation in the SC Retirement System, family health insurance (100%), paid time off, and additional executive benefits. The Recruitment Process: Candidates must submit a complete application. Applications may be obtained at https://gmfd.net/applications/ Resumes and additional documents may be attached. Applications will be received through February 28 or until position is filled. Applications may be sent to administration@gmfd.net or mailed to GMFSA, 2015 HWY 11, Landrum, SC 29356.