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The Larkspur Fire Protection District, CO (population served approximately 6500) is seeking an experienced and passionate leader, committed to excellence in delivery of fire and EMS services to serve as its next Fire Chief. The Fire Chief position is a very visible member of the fire district community and requires well-developed leadership abilities and management skill sets that are based upon consensus building and problem-solving. The next Chief must be a highly motivated, self-starting, and confident individual with excellent, genuine, and trustworthy interpersonal skills, which mirrors the values instilled by the current Chief who will be retiring at the end of 2023 with 25-years of dedicated service. 
 
The fire district is in Douglas County, CO which ranks in the top ten counties in the country measured by population and income.  The district is located midway between Denver and Colorado Springs (under 40 miles in either direction) making it a very desirable location in a predominantly rural residential area, with access to major urban destinations.  The district covers 109 mi2 and has 13.5 miles of interstate highway that runs through the middle of the district with a vast area of wildland interface (its largest exposure to fire emergencies).  There is a railroad line (BSNF) which carries the most transient tonnage of cargo/freight per day of any rail segment in the country. Larkspur is a charming town that offers a variety of outdoor activities and historical attractions.  There are scenic trails, the annual Renaissance Festival featuring a 16-century village setting with costumes, crafts, and entertainment.  
 
More About the District
 
  • LFPD is staffed by fifteen (15) career, nine (9) part-time, and twelve (12) volunteer personnel.  The Chief is supported by a part-time Fire Marshal, career Training Officer, career Administrative Assistant, and part-time Bookkeeper.
  • The district provides services from three (3) stations.  Two are staffed and one is an equipment only facility.  The stations with on-duty personnel cross-staff engines, ambulances, Type-6 Brush Trucks and Type-1 Tenders.
  • The district is divided into four (4) zones for the effective and timely response to the areas served.
  • Automatic aid agreements are established with the Douglas County agencies of Castle Rock Fire Department, Jackson 105 Fire Protection District, and Franktown Fire Protection District. The district also has automatic aid agreements with the El Paso County agencies of Palmer Lake Fire Department and Monument Fire Protection District.
  • 9-1-1 services are provided by the Douglas County Regional Communications Center (fire/EMS, and police/sheriff agencies).
  • The district’s annual budget is around $3.9 million per year and the current chief has established a sound fiscal policy process with the Board of Directors including reserves for capital and contingencies.
  • The district is governed by a five (5) member Board with a strong background in fire/EMS services, many of whom have served in firefighter/EMS roles.  Board members are elected to two (2) and four (4) year terms and meet on the second Thursday of each month.
  • EMS/hospital services are supported by Centura Castle Rock Adventist Hospital, a Level III Trauma Center.  Denver to the north and Colorado Springs to the south have Level 1 Trauma centers.
 
We are looking for an: 
 
“Innovative, Dynamic and Visionary Leader”
 
  • An experienced engaged and collaborative fire/EMS leader with a strong background in modern fire, EMS, emergency management and demonstrated managerial, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
  • Demonstrates a work ethic and moral compass which is the personification of a “Firefighter” within a group of peers and the public perception.
  • Provide leadership that:
    • Promotes safety in all aspects of work-life
    • Exhibits a high level of respect equally towards individuals, groups, and organizations
    • Possesses emotional intelligence (Self-management, Self-awareness, Social and Relationship management)
    • Sets an exemplary and principled standard for organizational culture and beliefs
    • Approachability exampled by “open door” accessibility
  • Responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and planning.
  • Formulation and adherence to the annual budget.
  • Conduct long-range financial planning.
  • Demonstrates progressive and forward-thinking with an emphasis on proactive LFPD leadership which is inclusive of long-term strategic planning.
  • Proficiency in commonly used business software applications (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite)
  • Proactively administering Human Resources (HR) duties.
  • May be required to perform the physical job duties of a firefighter or EMT-B.
  • A strong communicator with all facets of a modern fire/EMS provider with a complex but manageable structure.
 
Required Credentials:
 
  • Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an accredited university or college in fire science, public administration, or closely related field.
  • Minimum of (10) consecutive years of fire service experience with a career pattern of advancement including a minimum of (4) years of fire/EMS management or executive administration functions which include personnel supervision.
  • EFO (Executive Fire Officer) from the NFA or the ability to, or already enrolled in the program within the first contract term.  Colorado FO I or equivalent.  Wildland Firefighter; S-130 and S-190.  ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800.
  • Ability to pass the Larkspur Fire Protection District physical agility test initially and annually thereafter.
 
Compensation and Benefits
 
  • The compensation for the position is from $125,000 – $136,000 depending on experience and qualifications.
  • The Larkspur Fire Protection District provides an excellent benefit package commensurate with the candidate's experience.
 
How to Apply 
 
Candidates should apply by July 7, 2023, with résumé/CV, cover letter and contact information for five (5) references (both are required). Only electronic applications are accepted.  Questions may be directed to the attention T.E. Sashko, Vice President, or John Storm, Vice-President Tel:  VP Sashko – (847) 380-3240 x123, VP Storm – (847) 380-3240 x143.  Larkspur Fire Protection District is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Application Deadline: July 7, 2023 

Posted: 2023-05-25

To apply for this job please visit www.govhrusa.com.