Town of Edenton (NC): Fire Chief

Contact Information

Contact: Jeff Hale
Phone: 7063716126
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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.

ABOUT EDENTON AND THE INNER BANKS AREA

Nestled along the banks of the Inner Banks, Edenton is consistently recognized as the “South’s Prettiest Small Town” and one of the most desirable places to live and work in North Carolina. That quality of life is woven into the 18th-century architecture of our historic downtown, the scenic waterfront vistas of our harbor, and the welcoming spirit of a community that prides itself on authenticity, safety, and a deep sense of heritage. Our community is rich with arts and history, anchored by the Chowan Arts Council and a thriving network of local galleries and live music venues. Residents enjoy a year-round calendar of events, from the vibrant street celebrations of “Boogie on Broad” to the artistic flair of “Easels in the Gardens” and the timeless charm of our Christmas Candlelight Tour. Edenton offers a breathtaking landscape of waterfront vistas and winding tributaries in the heart of North Carolina’s Tidewater region. Residents enjoy access to world-class paddling on the Albemarle Regional Canoe Trails and boating at the Edenton Town Harbor. The Chowan River and Albemarle Sound provide ideal settings for sailing and kayaking, while tree-lined streets and parks offer picturesque terrain for walking and cycling. Edenton offers a sophisticated after-hours culture that perfectly blends its 300-year history with a vibrant, modern social scene. Professionals and locals gather at waterfront anchors like The Herringbone, a reimagined 19th century icehouse, or local favorites such as Waterman’s, 309 Bistro, and Downtown Roots. The Town’s combination of innovative dining, robust music circuit, and waterfront traditions further make it easy to transition from the workday to relaxed coastal evening. Our families are served by the Edenton-Chowan School System, which consistently boasts a graduation rate that outpaces the state average. Complementing our K-12 system is the College of The Albemarle, which provides high-level academic and technical training. These institutions serve as vital cultural and economic stakeholders, fueling innovation, workforce development, and community engagement. Edenton is home to coastal tranquility without the high cost of urban living. With a pro-business climate, a designated “Certified Retirement Community” status, and a focus on supporting entrepreneurs and remote workers, Edenton provides the perfect environment to build a career and a life in the beauty of North Carolina’s first colonial capital.

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 at https://mercergroupassociates.com/job/fire-chief-3/

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.
• alid 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 [email protected] 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.

The Town of Edenton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For questions, please contact: Jeff Hale, Senior Associate: [email protected], (706) 371-6126