Plumstead Township. Photo by James Short.
Plumstead Township has officially begun its search for a fire chief who will also serve as township fire marshal and Emergency Management Coordinator, marking a major milestone as the township moves toward establishing its first paid career fire service to complement existing volunteer companies.
The position, announced by township officials and shared publicly through Plumstead Township Police Department, represents a significant shift in how fire protection and emergency management will be delivered locally.
Township leaders said the new chief will play a central role in building weekday daytime coverage while continuing to coordinate closely with Plumstead’s volunteer fire companies.
“This is a foundational hire,” township officials said in the announcement, describing the role as a senior leadership position that will be responsible for creating the operational readiness, structure, and administration of a new paid fire service from the ground up.
Building a paid fire service from scratch
Initially, the fire chief will work alongside township staff to design and implement the paid fire service, including policies, staffing models, equipment needs, and operational procedures. Once operational, the chief will oversee all aspects of township fire protection, including supervising weekday daytime paid firefighters, coordinating with volunteer companies, and responding to major fire, rescue, and emergency incidents as incident commander when required.
The chief will report directly to the township’s Director of Public Safety and will serve as a key liaison between township officials, regional emergency partners, and the community. Responsibilities will also include preparing budgets, pursuing grant funding, managing apparatus and equipment, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, including NFPA and OSHA standards.
In addition to fire suppression and rescue operations, the role carries broad administrative and planning authority. Duties include overseeing training programs, developing internal standard operating guidelines, administering fire prevention and inspection programs, and preparing reports and strategic recommendations for the Board of Supervisors.
Fire marshal and emergency management duties
Beyond leading the fire service, the successful candidate will also function as Township Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Coordinator, expanding the scope of the position well beyond traditional fire chief responsibilities.
In that capacity, the chief will oversee fire inspections, code enforcement related to fire safety, and public education programs aimed at community risk reduction. The role also includes reviewing and revising the township’s Emergency Operations Plan and working directly with Federal Emergency Management Agency, as well as state and county officials, during natural disasters and other large-scale emergencies.
The township noted the position will involve a mix of office-based administrative work and field response, with availability required for major incidents and emergency call-backs. Exposure to hazardous environments, including fire, smoke, and hazardous materials, is an expected part of the job.
Experience and qualifications sought
Plumstead Township is seeking a highly experienced fire service professional, with a minimum of 10 years of progressive fire service experience, including at least five years in a supervisory or command role. Required certifications include Pennsylvania Firefighter II and Pennsylvania Fire Officer I, while Pennsylvania EMT certification is preferred.
Additional desired credentials include Fire Inspector II certification through the International Code Council or NFPA, Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) or an equivalent credential, and completion of FEMA Incident Command System courses 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800. A valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and the ability to meet departmental physical and medical standards are also required.
While a high school diploma or GED is required, township officials said a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or a related field is strongly preferred, reflecting the administrative and leadership demands of the position.
Salary, benefits, and next steps
The position offers a starting salary of $110,000 for candidates who meet all required qualifications, along with a generous benefits package that includes health insurance and retirement benefits.
Township officials said the hire will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of public safety in Plumstead, balancing the integration of a new career fire service with the longstanding tradition and value of volunteer firefighting in the community.
“This is an opportunity to build something new while strengthening what already exists,” the township’s announcement stated. “We are looking for a motivated and experienced fire service leader ready to guide Plumstead Township into its next chapter of emergency services.”
Additional information on the position and application process is available through Plumstead Township’s official channels.
