Fire Chief

The Town of Kennebunkport is seeking an experienced and collaborative Fire Chief to lead its on-call Fire Department as the current Chief prepares for retirement. This is a unique opportunity to serve a historic coastal community while helping guide the department through a period of transition and long-range planning for both fire and emergency medical services.

Kennebunkport is a close-knit, engaged community with strong municipal leadership, a commitment to public safety, and a deep appreciation for its emergency responders. The Town values innovation, professionalism, and teamwork, and offers the opportunity to lead a department that is both proud of its traditions and open to thoughtful evolution.

About the Department

The Kennebunkport Fire Department consists of:

• Approximately 60 volunteer/on-call firefighters
• One full-time administrative staff member and one part-time training coordinator
• Roughly 350 calls for service annually, including fire and emergency medical responses

The Fire Chief works closely with officers, municipal leadership, and partner agencies to ensure effective emergency response, strong recruitment and retention of volunteers, and long-term operational readiness.

Position Overview

The Fire Chief is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and strategic direction of the Fire Department. Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing fire suppression, emergency medical, and related response operations
• Leading recruitment, training, and retention efforts for an on-call/volunteer workforce
• Providing administrative leadership, budgeting, policy development, and regulatory compliance
• Working collaboratively with Town leadership on strategic planning for current and future departmental needs
• Supporting organizational development and implementing structures to meet evolving service demands

This position requires the ability to respond to emergencies as needed and to maintain a visible, engaged leadership presence within the department and community.

Qualifications

• Minimum five (5) years of leadership experience within fire services
• Paramedic-level certification and Emergency medical services (EMS) licensure and experience are strongly desired
• Demonstrated knowledge of emergency medical response protocols and integration of EMS within fire service operations
• Experience working with volunteer or on-call departments strongly preferred
• High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor’s degree in fire science or a related field is desirable

Work Schedule & Compensation

The Town is open to hiring either a full-time or part-time Fire Chief: approximately 24 to 40 hours per week, with administrative responsibilities supplemented by emergency response as needed. The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $60,000 to $120,000, depending on qualifications, experience, certifications, and the agreed-upon weekly schedule. Final compensation and schedule will be determined in consultation with the selected candidate.

Please email the following items to Yanina Nickless, Director of Support Services/HR, at ynickless@kennebunkportme.gov.

• 1. Town application
• 2. Resume
• 3. Cover letter
• 4. Five (5) professional references
• 5. Salary expectations with proposed schedule (can be included in the cover letter)

The position is open until it is filled.

The Town of Kennebunkport is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person