FIRE CHIEF – MILLS RIVER FIRE DEPARTMENT
HENDERSON COUNTY, NC.    3-19-26

The Mills River Fire Department in Henderson County, NC – just southeast of Asheville, NC, seeks an experienced fire service professional to serve as its next Fire Chief. The combination fire department of approximately 55 volunteers, 11 career members, and 23 part-time staff maintains an ISO Class 3/9E rating. It provides professional fire suppression, first response emergency medical, light rescue, hazardous materials, and fire prevention services.  With a rapidly growing fire district of approximately 67 square miles, the fire department provides services to rural and suburban areas and responds to approximately 1,700 calls annually.  The department currently operates four (4) fire stations.

The Mills River Fire Department, an independent private, non-profit organization, via contract serves the Town of Mills River and the Henderson County area surrounding the town.  The department desires a professional who has demonstrated experience in leading a combination fire department, working with volunteer duty crews and utilizing fire service best practices in staff recruitment, retention, succession planning, and acquisition and access to equipment, technology, and training. Experience in working with community target hazards is also important. Within the Mills River Fire District, target hazards include multiple manufacturing facilities, public-school facilities, Pisgah National Forest and adjoins the Asheville Regional Airport.    

Qualifications:

The following are required:

• Ten years, or more, progressive experience serving in a combination fire department.
• Five years, or more, at the Company Officer or above experience in a combination or career fire department.
• Experience in rural fire operations.
• Associate degree in public safety-related area.
• Experience in developing and managing an annual operating budget. 
• Demonstrated experience working directly with a progressive private, non-profit fire department Board of Directors.
• Certifications: Firefighter 2 and Fire Officer 2 from an IFSAC accredited agency, or equivalent; NCEMT or NREMT, Hazardous Materials Operations level; NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400.
• Residency within 15 road miles of the Mills River fire district boundary, or the ability to relocate within six (6) months of the hire date.

The following are preferred:

• Experience as a chief fire officer.
• Experience working with target hazards and the Insurance Services Office (ISO)/NCDOI Rating System.
• Proficiency in fire ground tactical and technical skills.
• Residency within the fire district. 

The most successful applicant will possess strong, demonstrated fire service leadership experience in:

• Managing rapid growth and community transition.
• Staffing and volunteer recruitment and retention.
• Facilities, apparatus and financial capacity and capital planning.
• Staffing and organizational development.
• Leadership, communication and cultural continuity with a people-centered, trust-based leadership style. 
• Leadership and management experience in combination fire departments.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Operational and administrative competence.
• Community relationships and support.
• Interagency relationships with response partners.
• Character, integrity and people skills.
• Qualified, respected and collaborative leadership.

Salary and Benefits: The hiring range for the position is $110,000 - $150,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Although not a part of local government, the Mills River Fire Department offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-paid health, dental, and vision, with the ability to purchase family coverage.  Additional benefits are also provided. 

To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates and click on the Fire Chief –Mills River Fire Department, NC title.

• All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) – NOT the department’s employment application portal or any other external website.
• Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
• Applicants should apply by April 19, 2026.
• Successful semi-finalists will be invited to participate in initial phone interviews in late April/early May 2026.
• Direct inquiries to Chief Scott Burnette:  SBurnette@mrfd.org.
• The recruitment and selection process is facilitated by North Carolina Fire Chief Consulting.