The Town of Amherst, New Hampshire, seeks an experienced, progressive, and forward-thinking fire service professional to serve as Captain – Community Risk Reduction (CRR) for the Amherst Fire and EMS Department. This is an exempt, full-time position.
This senior officer position provides strategic leadership over fire prevention, code enforcement, plans review, fire investigation, and comprehensive community risk reduction initiatives, while ensuring compliance with applicable NFPA standards, the NH State Fire Code, and local ordinances. The Captain serves as a key member of the department’s leadership team and plays a central role in advancing a modern, data-driven prevention strategy aligned with NFPA 1300, reporting directly to the Fire and EMS Chief. This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead a holistic CRR program within a well-supported, professional organization committed to measurable outcomes, community partnership, and employee wellness. The full Job Description can be viewed HERE.
The Town of Amherst Fire and EMS Department blends a proud tradition of service with a commitment to innovation and modernization. The department responds to approximately 1,750 emergency calls annually and conducts 400–500 fire and life-safety inspections each year, and is made up of approximately 80 members, including on-call firefighters, per-diem EMS providers, and two full-time Chief Officers. The next phase of organizational development focuses on leveraging technology and data to strengthen fire inspections, investigations, pre-planning, community health initiatives, and performance analytics.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, technical competence, and the ability to guide both on-call and career personnel through continued organizational development and cultural advancement. Preferred residency within 20 miles or 30 minutes of Amherst within six (6) months of appointment.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Public Administration, Community Risk Reduction, Emergency Management, or a related field
- Ten (10) years of fire service experience, including at least three (3) years in a leadership, supervisory, or prevention-focused role
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered
Required Licenses & Certifications
- NH or Pro-Board Firefighter II
- Nationally Registered EMT (Advanced EMT or Paramedic preferred)
- Fire Inspector I (Fire Inspector II preferred or obtained within 18 months)
- Fire Officer I (Fire Officer II preferred or obtained within 2 years)
- ICS 100/200 (ICS 300/400 preferred or obtained within 18 months)
- Valid driver’s license: NH CDL-B (or obtained within 1 year)
- Valid CPAT or be eligible for lateral transfer within the NH Retirement System
- Must complete an NFPA 1580 medical exam
Preferred / Post-Hire Certifications
- Fire Investigator certification (within 1-2 years)
- ICC Fire Plans Examiner certification (within 2–3 years)
Wages and benefits
Full Wage range: $90,792 – $106,433
Comprehensive benefits package including:
- Health and dental insurance
- Participation in NH Retirement System
- Vacation leave
- Paid holidays
- Personal leave
- Full benefits details available at: https://www.amherstnh.gov/human-resources/pages/benefit-information-full-time-employees
Why Amherst?
Amherst Fire and EMS is building a modern prevention-focused model of service delivery grounded in professionalism, data, and community partnership.
This role offers:
- Executive-level influence
- Opportunity to build and lead a division
- Strong municipal support
- A culture committed to improvement
- The ability to make a measurable impact
If you are motivated by leadership, accountability, and the opportunity to shape the future of community risk reduction, we encourage you to apply by sending a cover letter, resume, copies of certifications and Town of Amherst employment application to Jennifer Stover, jstover@amherstnh.gov. Resume review will begin March 26, 2026.
The Town of Amherst is an Equal Opportunity Employer.