Fire Chief: Bluffton Township Fire District

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Contact: Holly Bishop
Phone: 919-813-6096
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Position Closing Date: August 31, 2025 The Bluffton Township Fire District, located in the charming and historic Lowcountry town of Bluffton, SC, is seeking an experienced, principled, and visionary leader to serve as its next Fire Chief. This executive-level position is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational oversight, and continued growth of a full-service, all-hazards fire department serving one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing communities. The ideal candidate will lead with integrity, demonstrate both operational and administrative excellence, and foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, and community engagement. The next Fire Chief will be a strong listener who respects every rank, can bridge the gap between political and service-oriented responsibilities, establish a clear and effective division of labor, and consistently recognize and celebrate the successes of the organization. The next Fire Chief will be fully committed to the role and community as this position is not intended to be a retirement job or a steppingstone for someone seeking a lifestyle change. The Bluffton Township Fire District operates as a special purpose district (SPD), similarly to a non-governmental entity, and the role demands active, engaged leadership. The ideal candidate is ready to meet the challenges of a rapidly growing department and community, not simply looking for warmer weather or a slower pace. About the Community: Bluffton, SC, has a rich and colorful history that dates back to the early 18th century. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, the area attracted European settlers due to its prime location along the May River. Bluffton grew as a small agricultural and shipping community, benefiting from its access to waterways. The town flourished in the 19th century as a summer retreat for wealthy planters escaping the heat of inland plantations. While it remained a quiet riverside community for much of the 20th century, Bluffton began to grow rapidly in the late 1900s and early 2000s, evolving into one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing towns. Despite this growth, it has managed to preserve its historic charm and natural beauty. Today, Bluffton is not only known for its scenic setting and rich history but also for its vibrant arts and cultural scene. The town is home to galleries like the Society of Bluffton Artists and hosts popular events such as Mayfest—a family-friendly celebration with food, music, and local artisans—and the Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival, held each fall to highlight locally harvested seafood and the unique flavors of Lowcountry cuisine. For outdoor enthusiasts, Bluffton offers a variety of activities, including dolphin watching and sunset cruises on the May River, as well as kayaking, and relaxing at riverfront parks like Wright Family Park and Oyster Factory Park. For those looking for a more upscale experience, Montage Palmetto Bluff provides a sprawling 20,000-acre resort with spa services, golf, boating, fine dining, and luxury accommodations. Calhoun Street serves as the town’s commercial and cultural center, featuring boutiques, galleries, antique shops, and artisan stores. The Bluffton Oyster Company is especially notable as South Carolina’s only hand-shucking oyster house and a local culinary landmark. Dining options in Bluffton range from Southern comfort food at The Cottage Café and FARM to farm-to-table cuisine at Nectar Farm Kitchen, along with distillery tours at Burnt Church Distillery and casual brunch spots like Corner Perk. On Thursdays, Calhoun Street hosts a popular farmers’ market filled with local vendors, delicious food, and live music, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. The Town of Bluffton is primarily residential, with some light commercial development and no significant heavy industrial zones. As of 2023, it has a population of approximately 31,300 people, with a median household income of $105,463. Between 2022 and 2023, the population grew from 29,375 to 31,323—a 6.63% increase—while the median household income rose by nearly 6%, from $99,575 to $105,463. The presence of the University of South Carolina Beaufort further enriches the town’s educational and cultural opportunities, contributing to Bluffton’s reputation as a vibrant and thriving community in the Lowcountry. Learn more about the Town of Bluffton, South Carolina by visiting its website. About the Organization/Department: The Bluffton Township Fire District was formally founded in 1978 as a special fire tax district by the Beaufort County Council to provide emergency services in the southern portion of the County and the Town of Bluffton. Initially, the district was made up of three independent volunteer fire departments – Chelsea (Station 32), Pritchardville (Station 31), and Bluffton (Station 30). These local departments were created by concerned citizens seeing a need for fire and medical services in the area prior to the County combining them into a single department in 1978. Over the years the department evolved from a volunteer service and started hiring paid firefighters. In 2007, the district became a fully career department that now serves a population of approximately 75,000 residents with 170 personnel within its 246 square miles. The Fire District is guided by a seven-member Fire Board, which works closely with the Fire Chief. The Board makes recommendations to the County Council on matters such as annual operating budgets, expenditures for equipment, personnel, and facilities, and other business-related matters of the Fire District. The Bluffton Township Fire District runs 24/7 on a three-shift system (24 on / 48 off) with a minimum of 39 personnel on duty per shift. It operates nine strategically placed fire stations, including: • 3 ALS Engine companies • 6 BLS Engine companies • 1 Squad (QRV) • A dedicated Truck company • A Heavy Rescue company • 2 Battalion Chiefs Learn more about the Bluffton Township Fire District by visiting its website, by or reading its community-driven 2024-2029 Strategic Plan. Bluffton Township Fire District Core Values • Respect: We respect all people in our community and in our agency through dignity and compassion. • Advancing: We actively seek and value input from our community members, prioritizing the ongoing professional development of our team, and working towards reducing risks through data-driven decision-making. • Leadership: Through communication, we seek to serve and inspire people for proactive change maintained through a strong organizational foundation. • Dedication: To maintain professionalism and commitment beyond the expectations of our community. • Trust: Establishing and maintaining integrity through professionalism, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. About the Position: Reporting to the seven-member Board, the Fire Chief manages a budget of nearly $27 million and oversees two direct reports—the Deputy Chief of Administration and the Deputy Chief of Operations—as well as 170 full- and part-time employees. With new stations planned, the workforce is expected to grow by 12 to 15 employees per company. While the job description is dynamic, the Fire Chief is broadly responsible for overseeing all core fire service functions—including fire suppression, emergency medical services (excluding patient transport), fire prevention, special operations, and training. The next Fire Chief must possess strong financial management skills to support the Bluffton Township Fire District’s continued growth. This includes developing, communicating, and advocating for the department’s budget, as well as guiding others through the budgeting process to ensure fiscal responsibility across all levels. Strong, collaborative relationships with both the town and county are vital, and the next Fire Chief must be a team player—someone who prioritizes the greater good of the department over personal agendas or rigid stances that could hinder progress. Key Position Priorities: • Set the vision for the department’s future, aligning strategic plans with growth, emerging risks, and best practices in public safety. • Serve as the public face of the department, promoting a positive and professional image to citizens, elected officials, and partner agencies. • Mentor and guide department leaders and personnel at all levels, with a strong focus on recruitment, retention (including women and minorities), professional development, and succession planning as many senior personnel are approaching retirement eligibility. • Develop and execute policies that reflect both the department’s historical strengths and an openness to innovation and modernization. • Oversee budgeting, staffing, and capital improvements with transparency and fiscal responsibility. Required Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration, EMS Administration, Business, Management, Public Administration, or related field. • Minimum of fifteen (15) years of firefighting, emergency medical service, or fire prevention experience with progressively increasing responsibilities in administrative or supervisory experience, including at least eight (8) years of administrative or supervisory experience as a chief officer in a paid fire department. • Possession of a valid Driver’s License. • NIMS ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800. • IFSAC or Pro Board Fire Officer II Preferred Qualifications • Master’s degree in Fire Administration, EMS Administration, Business, Management, Public Administration, or a related field. • Experience with the accreditation process through the Commission for Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) and the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE). • National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer completion certificate. • Credentialed Fire Officer (FO), Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Chief EMS Officer (CEMSO), or Fire Marshal (FM) through the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE). • IFSAC or Pro Board Fire Officer IV The Successful Candidate is: • A clear and confident communicator who sets expectations, addresses challenges directly, and avoids reactive decision-making in favor of thoughtful planning and consistent follow-through; • Inclusive and collaborative, valuing input from across the department and empowering committees and subject matter experts to contribute meaningfully; • A strong believer in the chain of command, who leads with presence while maintaining open communication with the Town of Bluffton and Beaufort County Council; • Committed to maintaining regular communication with staff through emails, bulletins, and meetings, even when teams operate in different locations; • Experienced in managing organizational growth, including leading the construction of the 10th fire station in Sun City and preparing for two additional station projects anticipated within the next three years—all in response to increasing call volume and service demand; • Focused on maintaining competitive pay to minimize turnover, recognizing that over 90% of the operating budget is dedicated to salaries and benefits; • A proven and transparent leader with a strong command presence who works effectively with the public, inspiring confidence and trust; • Supportive of regional and national training opportunities, encouraging advancement and exposure to best practices across the industry; • A relationship-builder who earns trust across ranks, especially with Battalion Chiefs, who are closely connected to day-to-day operations, and values their insight into these operations; • A collaborator who works closely with partner agencies like the Bluffton Police Department and welcomes interdepartmental cooperation and learning; • Skilled at balancing administrative leadership with operational awareness, ensuring the department runs efficiently while staying connected to service delivery; • Thoughtful about organizational structure, promoting a healthy division of labor and celebrating departmental achievements; • Capable of aligning the fire department’s strategic plan with those of both the Town of Bluffton and Beaufort County, and contributing to the continued development of a relatively new department-wide strategy. • Committed to long-term service, not seeking a short-term position or a path to retirement, but ready to lead the department into its next chapter; and, • Strategic and grounded in community trust, capable of building a roadmap for growth rooted in collaboration, accountability, and respect. Salary and Benefits: The hiring range for this position is $150,000-$175,000. Compensation is negotiable based upon experience and qualifications. Bluffton Township Fire District offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: • Health Coverage 100% employer-paid health insurance for the employee. Affordable, competitively priced plans are available for spouses and families, including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Supplemental Insurance options. • Retirement Benefits Enrollment in the South Carolina Police Officers Retirement System (SC PORS), with additional contributions to the 1% Fund after completion of the probationary period. • Additional Benefits o Employer-provided Life Insurance o Deferred Compensation options (401(k)/457 plans) o Tuition Reimbursement o Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential support and resources for employees and their families To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates and click on the Bluffton Township Fire District Fire Chief title. • All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) - NOT the Bluffton Township Fire District’s employment application portal or any other external website. • Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application. • Applicants should apply by August 31, 2025. • The hiring team will invite successful semi-finalists to virtual interviews and skill evaluations on October 2-3, 2025. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate. • Direct inquiries to [email protected]. The Bluffton Township Fire District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Developmental Associates, LLC manages the recruitment and selection process for this position. To learn more about our selection process, visit https://developmentalassociates.com/client-openings/, select “Client Openings," and scroll down to “Important Information for Applicants.”