Bellingham Searches for a new Fire Chief

Fire Chief | Town of Bellingham, Massachusetts
Application Deadline: March 16, 2023
The Town of Bellingham is seeking a community-oriented, experienced professional to serve as its new Fire Chief.
Bellingham is located in Norfolk County Massachusetts 30 miles southwest of Boston and 20 miles north of Providence Rhode Island with an approximate population of 17,000. The Town has a mix of industry, major distribution centers, as well as nearly 1,000,000 sq. ft. of retail which is located off of Interstate 495.
The Bellingham Fire/Rescue & Emergency Services is a full-service agency consisting of 28 Full-Time Career firefighters and 1 Administrative Assistant.
The Bellingham Fire/Rescue & Emergency Services strives for excellence in providing the highest level of emergency services, prevention, and education to the residents, businesses, and visitors of Bellingham. The ideal Fire Chief candidate is an innovative, progressive, and collaborative fire professional who is service-oriented and will continue to build upon the recognized success of our department.
Minimum qualifications & Requirements
Applicants must have a minimum of an Associate’s degree (Bachelor’s degree preferred) from an accredited college or university with a focus on Public Administration, Business Management, Fire Science or related field. Candidates must have at least eight years of progressive supervisory/administrative experience in the fire service or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Experience in Emergency Medical Services, Fire Suppression, and Emergency Management including knowledge in emergency planning and management for industrial complexes is strongly preferred.
To be considered, a candidate must have a thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of effective administration as it applies to the fire service. Candidates must presently have Massachusetts certifications of Fire Officer II. (III or IV preferred). Candidates must have a superior ability to analyze the ongoing effectiveness of departmental policy, procedures, and operations; the ability to develop and oversee departmental budgets; the ability to prioritize and lead training initiatives; the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; and the ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, other Town departments, the schools, community groups, and the general public. Experience working with diverse populations and a commitment to diversity, equity, and
inclusion are paramount. The Fire Chief shall reside within fifteen (15) miles of the Town of Bellingham border. Satisfying this residency requirement will be determined by the Town Administrator and final candidate.
Salary range is $150,000 to $160,000 per year dependent on qualifications and experience.
Qualified and interested candidates should send via email a cover letter and a resume (including three professional references) in a single PDF document to bsmith@bellinghamma.org
Or, by mail to:
Beth Cornell-Smith
Human Resources Director
Town of Bellingham
Human Resources Dept
10 Mechanic St
Bellingham, MA 02019
Responses are due by noon on Thursday, March 16, 2023.