NAHANT — After two years of having a “working fire chief,” the town of Nahant is preparing for the real deal.
Earlier this week, the town posted an advertisement for a new full-time fire chief. Fiscal constraints were responsible for eliminating the full-time chief’s job two years ago, said Town Administrator Antonio Barletta.
“Two years ago,” said Barletta, “we ran into some money problems and the town voted to eliminate the full-time fire chief’s position and have a working chief from among the staff. He worked a full shift, and then acted as fire chief as well.”
However, the man who held that job, Dean Palombo, is retiring. And while the town has hired a new fireman, who still must go through the firefighter’s academy before joining the force, there will now be a full-time chief. That’s because at last month’s Town Meeting, the full-time position of chief was voted back in, Barletta said.
With the hiring of a new chief, the fire department will have nine members — eight firefighters and a chief.
In addition to the eight full-time firefighters, the town also has between 12 and 16 on-call firefighters.
The department provides fire, emergency medical services and rescue services for a town of approximately 3,500, with an annual budget of about $1 million.
The posting stresses that the candidate for chief “should have previous experience in a similar-sized organization, possess strong, team-building leadership skills, and possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully manage Nahant’s fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical services and ocean rescue services.”
Those who wish to apply can find a complete job description and list of prerequisites at www.Nahant.org.
Other desired qualifications include an associates degree in fire science or equivalent, as well as an established record of commitment to professional development within the fire and emergency medical services; five years of proven experience in a command level position with a demonstrated ability to manage all aspects in the delivery of fire, EMS, and rescue services; a requirement that they be currently licensed to the EMT-B level or above; and that they have a valid driver’s license.
Additional consideration will be given for all relevant certifications, credentials, licenses and/or accreditations. All submissions must contain a cover letter and resume. Interviews of leading candidates will be scheduled as applications are received. The position shall remain open until filled.
