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Fire Chief, Director of Fire and EMS

Clemson University -
Clemson, SC

Job Details

Full-time

Qualifications

Structural fire response
Participating in emergency response calls as a firefighter
Driver's License
Bachelor's degree
Senior leadership
Emergency care

Full Job Description

WELCOME TO CLEMSON!

Clemson is calling...are you ready to answer the call?

One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others.

Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.

So,... are you ready?

JOB SUMMARY:

Clemson University invites applications for the position of Fire Chief, Director of Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), a senior leadership role responsible for providing strategic direction, operational oversight, and administrative leadership for comprehensive fire protection and emergency medical services serving the University community and surrounding region.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Public Safety, the Fire Chief serves as a key member of the public safety leadership team and is responsible for ensuring operational readiness, regulatory compliance, fiscal stewardship, personnel development, and delivery of high-quality emergency response services. This role advances the University¿s mission through strong community partnerships, proactive planning, and a commitment to service excellence.

Clemson Fire and Emergency Medical Services is a branch of Clemson University¿s Department of Public Safety within the Finance and Operations Division. Fire and EMS have a primary response area of the main campus of the University and provide contracted fire suppression response to the City of Clemson.

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the Clemson University community, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The department encompasses various units, including law enforcement, fire, and emergency management and Tiger One involving safety technology systems. DPS plays a vital role in maintaining a safe and secure environment for all members of the University community, contributing to the overall well-being and success of Clemson University. For more information on Clemson¿s DPS, visit the website.

JOB DUTIES:

Responsibilities include,

Strategic Leadership & Department Administration

Provide executive leadership for all Fire and EMS operations, including long-range planning, policy development, and organizational strategy. Direct all operational, administrative, and personnel functions to ensure effective fire suppression, emergency medical response, rescue services, prevention initiatives, and special event readiness.

Lead response planning for critical incidents, unusual occurrences, and major campus events. Collaborate with building officials, planners, and institutional stakeholders to ensure code compliance, inspections, permitting, and fire safety readiness. Analyze operational data and service trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and future growth.

Personnel Leadership & Workforce Development

Oversee the planning, selection, supervision, and evaluation of Fire/EMS personnel across all ranks. Establish a professional environment that promotes accountability, wellness, retention, safety, and career development. The new Fire Chief will have the opportunity to select their new Deputy Chief.

Direct departmental training programs to ensure personnel maintain current certifications and competencies in fire suppression, rescue operations, emergency medical services, and safety protocols. Lead succession planning efforts and administer performance management and disciplinary processes in alignment with university human resources policies.

Fiscal Management & Resource Planning

Develop and manage departmental budgets across multiple funding sources, including E&G, self-generated revenue, internal recovery, and EMS revenue streams. Monitor expenditures, forecast future funding needs, and align resource allocation with operational priorities.

Lead planning for apparatus, specialized equipment, technology, and supplies through multi-year capital strategies. Identify grant opportunities and pursue state and federal funding to strengthen departmental capabilities, training, and operational readiness.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

Ensure full compliance with all applicable fire, EMS, safety, and regulatory standards governing emergency response operations. Maintain oversight of certifications, required training, mutual aid agreements, automatic aid partnerships, and interagency coordination requirements.

Provide direct leadership for controlled substance compliance, including DEA requirements for storage, administration, documentation, security, and reporting. Ensure EMS operations comply with standing orders, medical protocols, and medical director requirements.

Community Outreach & External Relations

Serve as the University¿s senior representative on fire and EMS-related committees, commissions, and external partnerships. Build strong relationships with local fire departments, EMS agencies, municipal partners, and regional emergency response organizations to strengthen service delivery and mutual aid coordination.

Represent the department in community presentations, institutional meetings, and public forums, including Board and municipal meetings as needed.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree
15+ years of progressive Fire and Emergency Medical Services experience
Significant leadership experience in emergency response operations and personnel management
Demonstrated experience in Advanced Life Support (ALS) EMS systems
Experience supporting EMS clinical practices, protocols, and quality improvement initiatives
Valid driver's license
Current or prior certification as EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic (Paramedic preferred)
South Carolina Chief Fire Officer certification or equivalent

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

Master¿s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Emergency Management, Fire & Emergency Services Administration
Executive Fire Officer (EFO) certification or Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation
Experience in EMS supervision, coordination, or program management
Familiarity with EMS documentation systems, clinical protocols, and quality assurance processes
Experience working with a Medical Director
Compliance training related to controlled substances
Paramedic certification with ALS experience
NIMS ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 certifications

RESPONSIBILITIES

JOB KNOWLEDGE
Comprehensive Job Knowledge - Comprehensive knowledge of theories and practices and ability to use in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Manages Work of Others - Manages work of others including hiring, terminating, training and developing, reviewing performance and administering corrective action for staff. Plans organizational structure and job content.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Develops Department Budgets - Responsible for developing one or more departmental budget(s). Estimated amount of budgetary responsibility in dollar amount must be added.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

40% - Stand for prolonged period
40% - Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period
50% - Walk or move about
55% - Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc
35% - Ascend or descend (i.e. stairs, ladder)
20% - Position self to accomplish task (i.e. stoop, kneel, crawl)
85% - Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself
70% - Recognize or inspect visually
15% - Move, transport, raise or lower
10% - Extends hands or arms in any direction
20% - Use taste or smell to detect or determine particular flavors or odors
100% - Perceive, observe, clarity of vision

WORKING CONDITIONS:

80% - Exposure to heat or cold
35% - Exposure to dust/fumes
40% - Wet or humid
25% - Noise
25% - Vibration
25% - Mechanical hazards
25% - Chemical hazards
25% - Electrical hazards
25% - Radiant energy hazards
25% - Burn hazards
40% - Exposure to bio-hazards (i.e. blood, bodily fluids)
10% - Overnight Travel

WORK SCHEDULE:

Standard Hrs: 40

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL

Essential Level 1 employee

Required to respond during an emergency closure or modified operations in order to provide the University's initial response to the emergency situation, including the execution of mission essential functions. Some positions in this category may be required to work remotely or be on-call.

JOB LOCATION:

Clemson, SC

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications and nominations will be accepted until a new Fire Chief is selected. Interested parties must apply electronically via Interfolio and submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for five references by May 6th, 2026, to assure full consideration.

For nominations or questions regarding this position, please email Brennan Ledford, Executive Talent Partner at [email protected].

MILITARY AND VETERAN:

MILITARY EQUIVALENCY:
Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

VETERAN PREFERENCE:
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

State policy for veteran preference states that for qualifying, full-time permanent positions, a veteran applicant may receive preference if they meet the job's minimum qualifications, were discharged under honorable conditions from the military, and submit their DD-214 for confidential review by the Office of Human Resources.

To claim Veteran Preference for qualifying positions, email [email protected] upon submission of your application.

CLOSING STATEMENT:

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.