Job Description
Position: Volunteer Fire Chief / Administrator
Job Classification: Full-time
Pay Classification: Administrator
Location: Pine Hill Fire District No. 1, Camden County, New Jersey
Reports To: Board of Fire Commissioners
Position Summary
The Volunteer Fire Chief/Administrator is the highest-ranking officer of Pine Hill Fire District No. 1 and serves in a dual capacity:
• Volunteer Fire Chief: Provides operational leadership to the volunteer fire department, including emergency response, training, and overall readiness.
• Administrator (full-time paid): Manages the day-to-day administration of the Fire District, including budgeting, compliance, planning, personnel support, facilities, and coordination with the Board of Fire Commissioners.
This role ensures the District operates effectively and maintains a high level of service to the Pine Hill community.
Duties and Responsibilities
Operational Leadership (Volunteer Chief):
• Lead and direct firefighters during fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical incidents.
• Oversee training, certification, and readiness of volunteer members.
• Establish and enforce departmental policies, procedures, and operational standards.
• Recruit, retain, and mentor members of the Fire District.
• Assume command of emergency scenes as needed.
Administrative Management (Full-Time):
• Prepare, coordinate and manage annual operating and capital budgets.
• Oversee maintenance of fire apparatus, equipment, facilities, and hydrants.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, NFPA standards, and occupational safety laws.
• Maintain required records, reports, and regulatory filings.
• Serve as the primary liaison to Camden County agencies, the State of New Jersey, and mutual aid partners.
• Provide reports, recommendations, and administrative support to the Board of Fire Commissioners.
• Attends Board of Fire Commissioners meetings and work sessions; prepares and presents reports to Board of Fire Commissioners on operations and administration of the fire department; makes recommendations for policy and procedure changes; and identifies discrepancies between actual performance and adopted goals, objectives and budget.
• Coordinate public education and community outreach programs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
Requirements
Skills/Abilities:
• Proven leadership ability, especially in a fire service environment.
• Strong knowledge of fire suppression, prevention, rescue, and emergency management.
• Administrative and organizational skills including financial management, planning, and compliance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to motivate, manage, and retain volunteers.
• Strong decision-making skills under stress.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
Education and Experience:
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Some college coursework is a plus, especially in Fire Science, Fire Science Administration, Public Administration, or a Financial/Business-related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years serving as a Fire Chief or Deputy Fire Chief.
• Minimum 7–10 years of fire service experience with at least 3 years in a command role.
• Prior experience working with or leading a fire department strongly preferred.
• Must hold a valid New Jersey driver’s license.
Certifications (NJ or equivalent):
• NJ Firefighter I and II (IFSAC/Pro Board accepted).
• NJ Emergency Medical Technician (or higher).
• NJ Fire Instructor Level 1.
• NJ Hazardous Materials Technician.
• ICS and NIMS certifications.
Compensation and Benefits
• Competitive full-time salary commensurate with experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance (as offered by District policy).
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Pension/retirement program eligibility (per NJ statutes).
• Uniform and equipment allowance.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
EEO Disclaimer
Pine Hill Fire District No. 1 provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
10/22-11/25/2025 ($502.32)