The City of North Kansas City Fire Department staffs three primary fire companies and two ambulances in two fire stations. 24-hour shifts and the 54 shift personnel, excluding the Battalion Chiefs, are represented by the International Association of Fire Fighters of Greater Kansas City, Missouri, Local Union No. 42. The current contract will expire in 2025. Additional staff personnel consist of five Battalion Chiefs including the Fire Marshal, the Training Officer, as well as a Fire Inspector/Investigator and an Administrative Assistant.
The department is a metropolitan fire department protecting 4.6 square miles. The service area includes one of the largest hospitals in the metropolitan area, a riverboat casino (which has approximately 5 million customers annually), a railroad switch yard that serves 2,500 to 3,000 railcars daily (4% contain hazardous materials), and three (3) major bridges into downtown Kansas City. In the last year there were a total of 2,634 calls, of which 1,936 were medical, with an average response time of 5.95 minutes. The department currently has a rating of 1 from the Insurance Services Office (ISO).
The Fire Chief is appointed by the City Council and reports directly to the City Administrator. The Chief is responsible for fire suppression, advanced life support emergency medical response, hazardous materials team and fire prevention activities. It is the Chief’s responsibility to develop and direct Fire Department policy, procedures, goals and objectives. As a member of the Management Team, the Fire Chief participates in developing and directing the same for the City as a whole.
The Fire Chief prepares and oversees the annual $7.6 million Fire Department budget for Fiscal Year 2024. The Chief is also responsible for managing expenditures and applying for grants and other outside funding opportunities.
The Candidate
The Fire Chief must have well developed technical, analytical, interpersonal and communications skills. They must have the ability to perform well under pressure, the capability to meet deadlines, and the ability to develop and maintain credibility and trust with the department, City staff, City Council, the public, local, state and federal agencies and the union. Additionally, the successful candidate will have operational experience in the various ranks of a fire department and a commitment to mentoring, training, staff development as well as having a record of excellent professional accomplishment. The Fire Chief must have a strong sense of community, be supportive of business council and community events and be supportive of other departments within the organization, collaborating whenever possible.
Education and Experience
Candidates must have a minimum of four (4) years as a Chief Officer (i.e. Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, Battalion Chief, Training Chief or Fire Marshal) in an urban fire department or First Tier City. Prior experience as Fire Chief is preferred. Experience in a strong union environment and an understanding of Accreditation and ISO ratings are assets.
A bachelor’s degree, from an accredited college or university, with major course work in fire science, fire administration, public administration, business administration or a related field is required or the equivalent combination of education and experience. A Master’s degree is preferred.
Certifications required: Firefighter I and ll and NIMS Training. National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer (EFO), Missouri EMT and Certified Fire Officer is preferred.
Compensation and Benefits
The starting salary range for this position is $138,154-$170,000 DOQ. Benefits include medical and dental insurance; 457 defined contribution retirement plan with a city match after one year; pension plan; vacation, sick leave, holidays and personal leave; long-term disability and life insurance; training and conferences; City provided vehicle; and numerous voluntary benefits such as flexible spending, short-term disability, MO Cancer Pool and more. Residency within City limits is not required. The City will pay reasonable relocation costs.
Work Environment, Physical Demands, and Other Requirements
Work is performed both in an office environment and an outdoor setting under stressful and potentially dangerous conditions. May have exposure to severe trauma and death and, under emergency situations, may go 24 hours or more without sleep. A valid driver’s license is required. The candidate must successfully pass a comprehensive background check, post-offer physical and drug test.
To Apply
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and list of professional references on-line at www.nkc.org/jobs. For more information, please contact Casey Campbell, Human Resources Manager at ccampbell@nkc.org. To learn more about North Kansas City, please see our website at http://www.nkc.org/. The city of North Kansas City is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and values diversity at all levels of its workforce.
Applications must be received no later than May 24, 2024.
About North Kansas City, Missouri
A dynamic, diverse and highly desirable community -- North Kansas City is a small town of nearly 5,000 located in the heart of a big city! North Kansas City, Missouri, spread over 4.2 miles, is surrounded by Kansas City, Missouri and reaps great benefit from its central location with easy access to all parts of the Greater Kansas City region. The community is served by I-35/I-29, Missouri Hwy 9 and Missouri Hwy 210. Because it is home to nearly 900 businesses engaged in manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, wholesale and retail trade, and business and personal services, the City benefits from a daytime population of more than 30,000 people. This strong and stable economic base keeps taxes low and municipal services high in both quantity and quality. North Kansas City’s Downtown is an eclectic mix of visitors, restaurants, bars, business, and residents to keep the days and nights interesting. Major businesses include Harrah’s Casino & Hotel, BNSF Railway Company, Ingredion, Helzberg Diamond’s corporate headquarters and Meierotto Jewelers. North Kansas City Hospital, an important and highly respected regional health care provider operates an acute care facility with 451 licensed beds, more than 3,000 employees, and 508 physicians representing 46 medical specialties. The award winning and AAA-rated North Kansas City School District serves the community’s youth with outstanding Pre-K-12 educational opportunities. Advanced and adult education is readily available among area community colleges and four-year colleges and universities located in the metropolitan area. North Kansas City may be geographically small, but it offers a big package of services. Fire and police protection rank among the best in Missouri and in the Kansas City metro area, resulting in low property insurance rates for residents and businesses.
