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Job description
Job Description Job Description Job Title: Fire Chief
Department: Wea Township Fire Department
Location: Tippecanoe County, IN
Employment Type: Full Time (Exempt)
Estimated Salary: $96,000 / year
Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Individual & Family coverage available), Department Take-Home Vehicle
About the Role
The Wea Township Fire Department is seeking a dynamic, strong leader to continue driving the positive growth and modernization of our department. Having fully transitioned from a volunteer force to a thriving combination department in January 2025, we are looking for a Fire Chief to direct daily operations, foster department culture, and ensure top-tier service delivery to our community.
Reporting directly to the Wea Township Trustee, the Fire Chief oversees 11 full-time personnel and 18 volunteer firefighters. You will be responsible for operational effectiveness, financial management, long-term strategic planning, and building strong relationships across local and regional public safety networks.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Personnel Management: Lead, direct, and mentor full-time and volunteer staff; conduct regular performance evaluations and coordinate ongoing department training (including attending monthly volunteer meetings/trainings).
Operational Command: Direct emergency responses, serve as Incident Commander for major incidents (structure fires, natural disasters, etc.) during and after normal working hours, and maintain overall disaster management readiness.
Administration & Budgeting: Prepare and manage the department's annual budget, track expenditures, allocate resources, and provide regular operational and financial updates to the Township Trustee.
Community & Prevention: Oversee fire prevention, community risk reduction, public safety education, and incident investigation efforts.
Compliance & Logistics: Ensure strict compliance with local, state, and federal regulations while overseeing the maintenance and readiness of all equipment, vehicles, and facilities.
Stakeholder Engagement: Build collaborative relationships with neighboring departments, community stakeholders, and local government bodies.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Science, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
Experience: 8 years of fire service experience, including at least 4 years in an administrative/supervisory role within an organized full-time fire department.
Certifications:
Indiana or IFSAC Firefighter I/II
Indiana or IFSAC Haz-Mat Awareness/Operations
Indiana or IFSAC Fire Officer III
Indiana or IFSAC Fire Instructor II
Indiana or National Registry EMT-Basic
Skills & Abilities:
Proven leadership in emergency management and budget oversight.
Advanced training in emergency management concepts.
Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and crisis-decision-making skills.
Physical capability to perform firefighting and rescue operations as needed.
Thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal fire codes and safety laws.
Preferred Qualifications
Indiana or IFSAC Fire Officer IV
Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE)
Executive Fire Officer (EFO) designation from the National Fire Academy (NFA)
Worksite address
lafayette, IN, 47901, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.