Description

Part-Time Fire Chief – Superior Township, Washtenaw County

Superior Charter Township
Part-Time Fire Chief Position Description
Department Information
Department: Superior Charter Township Fire Department

Appointing Authority: Superior Charter Township Board of Trustees

Reports To: Township Board and Township Supervisor (administrative coordination)

Supervises: Fire Department Personnel

Employment Status: Part-Time Appointed Official

FLSA Status: Exempt

This position is established pursuant to:

Michigan Charter Township Act, Public Act 359 of 1947 (MCL 42.1 et seq.)

Township fire protection authority under general law township powers

Michigan Uniform Budgeting and Accounting Act (PA 2 of 1968)

Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA)

Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council Act (MCL 29.361 et seq.)

The Fire Chief serves at the pleasure of the Township Board unless otherwise provided by written agreement or resolution.

Position Purpose
The Part-Time Fire Chief serves as the executive and administrative head of the Superior Charter Township Fire Department and is responsible for strategic leadership, policy implementation, fiscal oversight, regulatory compliance, and long-range planning.

Operational command and daily response supervision are delegated to the Assistant Fire Chief, except during major incidents or when otherwise required.

The position is designed to provide professional administrative leadership while supporting an operational command structure led by the Assistant Fire Chief.

Role Relationship to Assistant Fire Chief

The Fire Chief establishes policy direction, administrative oversight, and strategic priorities.

The Assistant Fire Chief manages day-to-day operations, training execution, scheduling, and operational readiness.

The Assistant Fire Chief reports to the Fire Chief.

Operational authority may be delegated but ultimate departmental accountability remains with the Fire Chief.

Administrative Oversight

Provide administrative supervision of the Fire Department.

Establish departmental policies, rules, and Standard Operating Guidelines.

Oversee administrative functions including reporting, compliance documentation, and recordkeeping.

Coordinate intergovernmental relationships and mutual aid agreements.

(Daily operational execution is delegated to the Assistant Fire Chief.)

Personnel Administration

Lead hiring recommendations, promotions, and disciplinary actions consistent with Township policy.

Ensure compliance with Township personnel policies and applicable labor agreements.

Promote professional standards and leadership development.

Fiscal Management & Capital Planning

Prepare and administer the Fire Department budget.

Provide capital improvement recommendations, including apparatus and facility planning.

Ensure compliance with PA 2 budgeting requirements.

Monitor expenditures and financial controls.

Pursue grants and external funding opportunities.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

Ensure compliance with MIOSHA regulations, Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council standards, NFPA standards adopted by the Township, and FEMA/NIMS requirements.

Maintain departmental accreditation and certification compliance.

Emergency Management & Major Incident Oversight

Provide executive oversight during significant or prolonged incidents.

Serve as Incident Commander when necessary or when operational escalation requires.

Coordinate with Washtenaw County Emergency Management and regional agencies.

Support continuity of operations planning.

Community & Intergovernmental Relations

Represent the Township in regional fire service organizations.

Support community risk reduction and public safety outreach initiatives.

Maintain collaborative relationships with neighboring jurisdictions and public safety partners.

Duties Primarily Assigned to Assistant Fire Chief
The following functions are primarily delegated to the Assistant Fire Chief:

Daily shift operations and response supervision

Training scheduling and implementation

Personnel scheduling and staffing coordination

Equipment readiness monitoring

Routine incident command and scene management

Day-to-day station operations

The Fire Chief retains oversight authority but does not routinely perform these operational functions.

Appointed by majority vote of the Township Board.

Exercises authority consistent with Township policy and Michigan law.

The Superior Charter Township Fire Department operates under a dual leadership model:

Fire Chief — Administrative and Strategic Authority

Assistant Fire Chief — Operational Command Authority

This structure ensures professional administration, operational efficiency, and clear accountability consistent with Michigan township governance best practices.Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and relevant certifications to:

Emily Dabish Yahkind, Township Supervisor

Superior Charter Township

Email: edy@superior-twp.org

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Michigan Firefighter I & II certification.

Command or supervisory fire service experience.

Fire Officer certification preferred.

NIMS/ICS certification required.

Valid Michigan driver’s license.

EMS licensure preferred.

Demonstrated administrative or leadership experience.

Primarily administrative and supervisory in nature.

Periodic emergency response participation.

Availability for meetings, emergencies, and community functions outside standard hours.

Compensation established by resolution of the Township Board and appropriated through the Township annual budget.