The Town of Edenton seeks a highly qualified professional with proven management experience for the Fire Chief position. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a dedicated fire department in the "South's Prettiest Small Town" and one of North Carolina's most desirable communities.
TOWN GOVERNMENT
The Town of Edenton operates under a Council-Manager form of government with the Town Council consisting of a Mayor and six Council members. The Town Council appoints a professional Town Manager who serves as the chief administrative officer, overseeing day-to-day municipal services. The Town of Edenton operates under a multifaceted mission focused on preservation, community engagement, and resilience. The Town functions in full partnership with its residents, business owners, and visitors to ensure that Edenton remains the most welcoming, thriving, and inspiring waterfront community in the South.
ABOUT THE EDENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT AND FIRE CHIEF POSITION
The Town of Edenton operates under a Council-Manager form of government, where the Town Manager serves as the chief administrative officer. The Fire Department serves both municipal and county areas with a 5/9E ISO rating, employing both career firefighters and a dedicated volunteer force. Reporting to the Town Manager, the Fire Chief plans, organizes, and leads firefighting, rescue, training, public education, and emergency management response. The incoming Chief will have the unique opportunity to oversee the operational setup and design of a new fire station recently authorized by the Town Council, with the goal of developing the training facility into a regional hub for all public safety. Key responsibilities include:
- Establishing a vision of excellence for customer service and emergency readiness.
- Managing staff, preparing budgets, and directing the hiring and training of personnel.
- Evaluating needs for new equipment, technology, and apparatus.
- Overseeing the Fire Marshal and building inspection programs.
- Providing major incident response and taking command at sites as needed.
For full position details, please review the position brochure at: Mercer Group Associates Current Searches.
DESIRED BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in public or business administration or related field and completion of advanced courses and seminars in fire administration and management and considerable management experience of an increasingly responsible level in fire suppression and/or prevention; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Certification and Licenses
- IFSAC/Proboard Firefighter II certification required.
- IFSAC/Proboard Fire Officer III certification required with Fire Officer IV preferred.
- NC OSFM Chief 101 or ability to complete that course within one year of appointment.
- Code Enforcement Official (CEO) certification preferred.
- Possession of Emergency Vehicle Operator certification.
- Valid North Carolina driver’s license or ability to obtain one by date of hire required.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The expected starting salary range for the Fire Chief is $85,811 - $122,588 depending on experience and qualifications. Edenton offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Employer Paid Benefits: Medical coverage for the employee (valued at $12,511/year) or HSA contributions ($2,400–$3,600), dental coverage, $10K Life/AD&D insurance, and longevity pay.
- Retirement: Enrollment in the NC Local Government Retirement System (14.38% Town contribution) and an Empower 401K (1% Town contribution).
- Leave: Paid vacation, sick, and holiday leave, plus one floating holiday per year.
- Other: Cell phone stipend, tuition assistance, and certification increases.
- Relocation negotiable
TO APPLY: Interested candidates are invited to apply by emailing the following items to Jeff Hale, Senior Associate, Mercer Group Associates at jeffhale [at] localgovhrs.com (jeffhale[at]localgovhrs[dot]com) by 11:59 PM EST on Friday, March 27, 2026:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- List of five job-related references with email and phone contact information
- Adobe (.pdf) format is preferred.
For questions, please contact: Jeff Hale, Senior Associate: jeffhale [at] localgovhrs.com (jeffhale[at]localgovhrs[dot]com), (706) 371-6126
The Town of Edenton is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace.