Orion Township, MI (pop. 40,209) – Orion Township, Where Living is a Vacation, is a slice of the best of Michigan’s lakes, parks, schools, and communities – boasting more than 4,200 acres of parks and open spaces, including 42 lakes, more than 10 square miles of recreation, and more than 50 miles of safety path and trailways!  Situated in northern Oakland County, Orion Township, at 36-square miles and with a population of approximately 40,000 residents, benefits from the economic advantages of Oakland County and the Southeast Michigan region while remaining distinct in its quality-of-life offerings.

The Fire Department provides full-service fire and Advanced Life Support (ALS) services to Orion Township, including the Village of Lake Orion. The Fire Chief is responsible for all resources and programs delivering fire protection, rescue, ALS, and hazardous materials response.  The Fire Chief is hired by the Township Board of Trustees and reports to the elected Supervisor (Chief Administrative Officer of the Township).  The elected leadership of the Township is stable, with Supervisor Chris Barnett holding the office since 2012. 

The Chief will have an opportunity to be part of a dynamic Township leadership team committed to cross-functional support and superior local government service.  In 2020, Township residents approved a 3.0 dedicated millage to support the operating and capital expenditures of the fire department.  The fire department has a staff of 30 full-time Firefighter/Paramedics, 1 Assistant Chief, 1 Fire Marshal, 2 Fire Inspectors, 1 EMS Coordinator, 1 Office Coordinator, and 5 paid-on-call firefighters, with an annual budget of approximately $7 million.  In 2022, the fire department responded to 3,747 calls for serve (of which 2,907 were EMS calls).  The Department is a member of the MABAS 3201 mutual aid group and works collaboratively with its neighboring departments.  

The Township prides itself on maintaining and supporting its fire department.  The department staffs four fire stations; 3 of the stations have been built or remodeled since 2014, the fourth was built in 2007.  Fire equipment is updated and replaced on a consistent schedule.  After several years of growth (the Township changed from a paid-on-call department to a full-time department in 2015 and transitioned from BLS to ALS in 2021), the Township is anticipating their next Chief will maintain the department’s current level of service, with a focus on long-term strategic goals and a commitment to personal engagement with the community.

Recognizing the national shortage of firefighters, Orion places a strong emphasis on training from within and innovative recruiting.  The average age of Township full-time firefighters is 34 years old.  The Township is seeking a Chief who places a high priority on personal and individualized development of staff. 

Ideal candidates will have demonstrated experience in leadership, employee relations, strategic planning, and budget management. The successful candidate will also have exceptional communication skills and will be committed to intentionally engaging with all stakeholders of the Township. 

Candidates are required to have:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Emergency Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field required. Advanced degree preferred.
• Five years of directly related progressively responsible administrative and supervisory experience and experience in an integrated Fire-EMS organization.
• Must currently have and maintain the following certifications: Michigan driver’s license, Fire Officer 1, 2, 3 certifications; NIMS ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800; current/former EMT certification, paramedic preferred.

Starting salary is $97,650 - $115,500 (DOQE). The Township prides itself in offering excellent benefits, including: 100% employer paid premium health, dental, and eye insurance (or a generous health insurance opt-out payment); 14% employer contribution to retirement (no required employee contribution); and 75% unused PTO annual payout. 

Apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com with resume, cover letter, contact information and professional references by April 25, 2023.  Any questions or inquiries regarding the position can be made to the attention of Jaymes Vettraino, Vice President, GovHR USA, Tel: (o) 847-380-3240. 

Orion Township is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Township values diversity, equity and inclusion, all qualified applicants will receive consideration with these values in mind.