Upper Darby Township is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Fire Chief to lead our combination career and volunteer Fire Department. This is an exceptional opportunity to assume the position of the highest-ranking fire department official, responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Upper Darby Fire Department, which functions as a combined fire and EMS first response system. The Fire Chief will have the opportunity to make a substantial impact on the safety and well-being of our diverse community.

About Upper Darby Township
Upper Darby Township, the sixth largest municipality in Pennsylvania, is a vibrant and dynamic community, proudly known as the "World in One Place." Our rich history and diverse population contribute to a unique and thriving environment. We are seeking individuals who embrace diversity, connection with the community and workforce, and are committed to serving our community with dedication and professionalism.

Position Summary
The Fire Chief is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating all fire protection, EMS first responder, technical rescue, operational services, and all programmatic aspects of the Fire Department.
Responsibilities include strategic planning; fiscal management; personnel supervision and employee relations management; ensuring department and system compliance with applicable local and state laws and regulations; policy and guidelines development, implementation, and compliance; coordinating department activities with other township departments; overseeing the training and development of organizational members; and the enforcement of fire code regulations and life-safety community outreach.
The Fire Chief reports directly to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The following represent the duties of the Fire Chief. Additional duties may be performed as assigned.
- Collaborate with external agencies, the CAO, and department heads to represent the Township in a positive manner.
- Prepare reports, advise on policies, and develop regular reports on department operations.
- Direct record and report analysis to optimize service delivery.
- Participate in collective bargaining as part of the management team.
- Respond to inquiries from the CAO and Township Council members.
- Supervise all fire department activities, including fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention, technical rescue, and hazardous materials response.
- Develop, review, and revise standard operating procedures and implement fire department programs and policies.
- Provide leadership, advocacy, and motivation to and for career and volunteer fire department personnel.
- Respond to major emergencies and assume command when necessary.
- Ensure firefighters respond safely and appropriately with proper equipment.
- Develop and implement short and long-term plans, including innovative programs that focus on efficiency and effectiveness.
- Provide effective and on-going communication with all components of the fire department.
- Direct all aspects of the Fire Department, including budgeting, procurement, and maintenance of service deliverables.
- Develop and implement fire prevention programs and policies.
- Professionally represent the fire department to the public and other Township officials.
- Develop and oversee public education and community outreach programs.
- Attend meetings to explain fire department activities and establish positive public relations.
- Liaise between the fire department, volunteer companies, and other Township agencies and community groups.
- Select, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate subordinates.
- Ensure firefighters have adequate training and skills, attend specialized training, monitor and maintain firefighting equipment, develop fire safety policies, monitor fire investigations, oversee records, prepare and collect reports on firefighting and EMS, and provide ongoing support to all administrative, operational, and community programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Thorough knowledge of modern fire safety, emergency medical services, fire suppression, heavy rescue, training, fire prevention, hazardous materials, public fire safety education, and emergency management.
- Comprehensive knowledge of safety and risk management systems, incident command systems, recruitment and selection of career and volunteer staff.
- Knowledge of labor laws, collective bargaining, contract administration, and laws governing the fire service.
- Proficiency in computer systems and the ability to apply new technology.
- Knowledge of Township functions, policies, and procedures.
- Strong written, oral, and relational communication and relational skills, including public relations and customer service skills.
- Ability to work within a combination fire department service delivery system that includes inclusiveness, trust, and open communication.
- Skills in the operation and maintenance of firefighting apparatus and equipment.
- Budgetary development and administration skills.
- Ability to follow and relay complex instructions, policies, and procedures.
- Ability to operate office equipment and work with independent judgement under pressure.
- Ability to develop and maintain relationships with a diverse group of associates.
- Ability to work in a team-oriented organization.
- Ability to train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate personnel.
- Ability to prepare oral and written reports.
- Ability to work calmly in stressful situations and assume risks inherent in fire service.
- Ability to work in a small to mid-size department with limited support resources.

Supervisory Responsibilities
- Direct Reports: 4 Deputy Chiefs, 1 Administrative Assistant,
- Indirect Reports: 12 Captains, 43 Firefighters, Fire Cadets, volunteer department members.

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's Degree in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
- Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in fire department operations, with at least five (5) years as a senior command staff member (e.g., Deputy/Assistant Chief or above).
- General knowledge of recruiting/selection, training, financial, and supervisory skills needed to lead a combination fire department.
- Ability to plan, implement, direct, and evaluate programs, operations, and other activities including training and development, emergency operations, fire prevention and emergency medical services.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with civic groups, the public, and township departments.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all members of the Upper Darby Fire Department and hold the respect and discipline of all members.
- NFPA 1001 Firefighter 1 and II; Hazardous Materials Operations; NFPA 1041 Fire Services Instructor I; NFPA 1021 Officer III; NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800.
✓ Pro-Board and IFSAC equivalent certifications are eligible. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a fire certification reciprocity system. Pennsylvania fire certification reciprocity required within one-year of employment.
- Knowledge of emergency response procedures, first aid, CPR, and personal protective equipment.
- Knowledge of the ordinances and statutes affecting administration and operations of the Upper Darby Fire Department.
- Current and valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania driver's license (or ability to obtain).
- Successful completion of pre-employment testing, including a psychological evaluation, drug screening, and criminal background check.

Preferred Education and Experience:
- Extensive experience working at all levels within a successful combination career and volunteer fire-rescue system.
- Extensive experience working with collective bargaining units and collective bargaining agreements.
- Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Fire Administration or related field.
- Chief Fire Officer credential through The Center for Public Safety Excellence.
- Graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program.
- NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector certification; NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator certification.
- Emergency Medical Technician-Basic.
✓ National Registry EMT certification is eligible. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has an EMT certification reciprocity system. Pennsylvania EMT reciprocity required within one-year of employment.

Physical Demands
- Ability to pass a physical examination and perform physical functions associated with the Fire Chief position.
- Must be able to lift 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force to move objects.
- May sit at a desk for prolonged periods of time working at a computer.

Compensation and Benefits
Upper Darby Township offers competitive wages and an excellent benefits package, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a pension plan, and life insurance. Employees also have the option to obtain supplemental coverage.

The hiring range for this position is $145,000 to $155,000.

The hiring process may include Initial Screening of Applications, First Round Interviews, Written Question Exercise, and a Final Assessment Center.