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Relocation Requirement: Due to emergency incident command duties and a department take-home vehicle, relocation to Tippecanoe County or the immediate surrounding area is required upon hire.

Job Title: Fire Chief

Department: Wea Township Fire Department

Location: Tippecanoe County, IN

Employment Type: Full Time (Exempt)

Estimated Salary: $96,000 / year

Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Individual & Family coverage available), Department Take-Home Vehicle

About the Role

The Wea Township Fire Department is seeking a dynamic, strong leader to continue driving the positive growth and modernization of our department. Having fully transitioned from a volunteer force to a thriving combination department in January 2025, we are looking for a Fire Chief to direct daily operations, foster department culture, and ensure top-tier service delivery to our community.

Reporting directly to the Wea Township Trustee, the Fire Chief oversees 11 full-time personnel and 18 volunteer firefighters. You will be responsible for operational effectiveness, financial management, long-term strategic planning, and building strong relationships across local and regional public safety networks.

Why Relocate to Greater Lafayette? Located just 1 hour from Indianapolis and 2 hours from Chicago, Tippecanoe County blends vibrant community life with exceptional Midwest affordability. Anchored by Purdue University, the area boasts top-rated public schools, a thriving downtown arts and dining scene, and extensive outdoor recreation.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Personnel Management: Lead, direct, and mentor full-time and volunteer staff; conduct regular performance evaluations and coordinate ongoing department training (including attending monthly volunteer meetings/trainings).
• Operational Command: Direct emergency responses, serve as Incident Commander for major incidents (structure fires, natural disasters, etc.) during and after normal working hours, and maintain overall disaster management readiness.
• Administration & Budgeting: Prepare and manage the department’s annual budget, track expenditures, allocate resources, and provide regular operational and financial updates to the Township Trustee.
• Community & Prevention: Oversee fire prevention, community risk reduction, public safety education, and incident investigation efforts.
• Compliance & Logistics: Ensure strict compliance with local, state, and federal regulations while overseeing the maintenance and readiness of all equipment, vehicles, and facilities.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build collaborative relationships with neighboring departments, community stakeholders, and local government bodies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Science, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Experience: 8 years of fire service experience, including at least 4 years in an administrative/supervisory role within an organized full-time fire department.
• Certifications:
• • Indiana or IFSAC Firefighter I/II
  • Indiana or IFSAC Haz-Mat Awareness/Operations
  • Indiana or IFSAC Fire Officer III
  • Indiana or IFSAC Fire Instructor II
  • Indiana or National Registry EMT-Basic
• Skills & Abilities:
• • Proven leadership in emergency management and budget oversight.
  • Advanced training in emergency management concepts.
  • Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and crisis-decision-making skills.
  • Physical capability to perform firefighting and rescue operations as needed.
  • Thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal fire codes and safety laws.

Preferred Qualifications

• Indiana or IFSAC Fire Officer IV
• Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE)
• Executive Fire Officer (EFO) designation from the National Fire Academy (NFA)

Why Relocate to Greater Lafayette? Located just 1 hour from Indianapolis and 2 hours from Chicago, Tippecanoe County blends vibrant community life with exceptional Midwest affordability. Anchored by Purdue University, the area boasts top-rated public schools, a thriving downtown arts and dining scene, and extensive outdoor recreation.

Serve with purpose
Wea Township Fire Department is a combination department built on career staff and dedicated volunteers. If you want meaningful work that protects your neighbors, we want to hear from you.

More than a paycheck
We are looking for people who want to be part of something bigger than themselves. Whether you are starting out or bringing years of experience, you will find a team that has your back.

Professional standards
Career and volunteer members train to the same expectations. Certifications, continuing education, and operational readiness are non-negotiable.

Neighbor-focused service
We respond to the people we live alongside. Every shift and every call is a chance to make a real difference where it matters most.

Room to grow
From firefighter to officer, EMS credentials to specialty rescue, we invest in the people who want to build a career in public service.

Modern equipment
Our fleet and gear are maintained to serve a growing community. You will train on apparatus and tools that match the job you are asked to do.